Willamette Valley well owners are invited to several free nitrate screening clinics to be held this spring. Screening will be available on May 14th at the Corvallis Saturday Market, Downtown Corvallis from 9:00am to 1:00pm and May 28th at the Albany Farmers Market, Downtown Albany from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
A portion of the Southern Willamette Valley has been designated as a Groundwater Management Area by the Department of Environmental Quality due to elevated nitrate levels in well water. While it is especially important for households with pregnant women or newborns to test for nitrate because of a rare type of blue-baby syndrome, all homes with private wells should be aware of their nitrate level. 


For a free nitrate screening, bring ½ cup of untreated well water in a clean, water-tight container. You may either wait for your results (the test takes 5 to 10 minutes if the well water clinic is not busy), or leave your contact information for the results to be delivered after the clinic date.


A water quality educator will be available during clinic times to answer questions about well water and septic tank issues.


For additional information on well water and septic systems, free Rural Living Basics classes other nitrate screening events, visit the OSU Extension Service website http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton  For more information call Chrissy Lucas at 541-766-3556.