Household water quality is driven by geology, well construction and condition, nearby sources of groundwater contamination, and any water treatment devices and the condition and materials of construction of the household plumbing. To ensure safe drinking water it is important to maintain your well, test it regularly and understand your system and geology.
The Virginia Household Water Quality Program where I volunteer provides affordable, confidential water testing and education to well owners in Virginia. Every year the program holds water clinics in various counties. Last year 2,178 wells were tested in 87 counties. Prince William will be having a water clinic again this year.
Water samples will be tested for: iron, manganese, nitrate, lead, arsenic, fluoride, sulfate, pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, sodium, copper, total coliform bacteria and E. Coli bacteria. What we test for are mostly the naturally occurring contaminants and common sources of contamination: a poorly sealed well or a nearby leaking septic system, or indications of plumbing system corrosion. Though this is by no means an exhaustive list of potential contaminants, these are the most common contaminants that effect drinking water wells.
The chart below shows what we found in the 101 private wells tested in the first round of testing we did in Prince William County in 2017.
To avoid having too many people show up on the day of the clinic and long lines for check in this year the program is asking participants to prepay for the analysis. Sample kits are $55 each. Pre-payment can be made in person or by mail at the VCE office at 8033 Ashton Avenue, Suite 105, Manassas VA 20109.
Make checks out to “Treasurer, Virginia Tech”. To register for this class, or to ask questions about the program, please call 703-792-7747 or master_gardener@pwcgov.org
The Prince William Drinking Water Clinic has 3 parts:
1. The Kick-Off Meeting on March 26th from 7-8:30 pm at PWC Board Chambers in the McCoart Building, 1 County Complex, Woodbridge, VA 22192 introduces water quality concerns in our area and hands out the water sampling kits.
2. The Sample Drop Off on March 28th from 6:30am-10am ONLY at the VCE Office, 8033 Ashton Ave., Manassas 20109
3. The Results Interpretation Meeting on May 9th from 7-9 pm at PWC Board Chambers in the McCoart Building, 1 County Complex, Woodbridge, VA 22192 will explain the report, include a discussion and answer questions on dealing with water problems.
Water Samples must be dropped off on Wednesday March 28, between the hours of 6:30am and 10am at the VCE - Prince William Office, 8033 Ashton, Suite 105, Manassas, 20109. NO EXCEPTIONS for sample drop off. However, if you are unable to attend the kick off or results meetings arrangements can be made to pick up a test kit or your results at another time, please call 703-792-7747 or master_gardener@pwcgov.org for assistance.
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