Museum to host free well water testing

The New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health will host a free domestic well water testing event April 30 at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory in Tucumcari.

Surveys show the majority of New Mexico’s private well users haven’t had their water tested, though most do not have water treatment systems installed.

To save consumers money – tests are valued at about $150 – and to educate the public about safe drinking water, those state agencies are hosting a free well water testing event that day.

The testing will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum at 222 E. Laughlin Ave. in Tucumcari.

Tests will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 participants or while supplies last. Results will be mailed to households after the event.

“Our free water testing events are a great opportunity for private well owners to learn more about what is in their water, which is especially important for the 20% of New Mexicans using private water wells,” Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said. “I encourage Quay County residents to bring us your private well drinking water samples to help ensure your family is drinking clean and safe water.”

To have water tested, residents need to bring a sample of their water. Use these guidelines to ensure the sample is collected correctly:

• Let the water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample.

• Fill a clean glass or plastic container without any strong odors with at least a quart or liter of the well water.

• If the home has a whole-house filtration system, collect the water at the well head.

• Fill the container with water as close to the time of testing as possible.

Along with the sample, residents should bring basic information about the well such as depth, depth to water, well casing material (i.e., steel, PVC), well latitude and longitude and distance from the nearest septic tank or leachfield system.

If well owners cannot attend the event but would like to have their water tested, they may have a sample brought by a family member or neighbor if the bottle is clearly labeled and has the owner’s name, phone number, address and well information attached.

Only water that comes from homes that rely on private wells for drinking water will be tested.

The state’s “water fairs” provide a chance for well owners to measure pH, specific conductance and levels of nitrates in their water. These constituents may occur naturally or result from sources including fertilizer, animal waste and septic tanks.

Drinking water with high levels of nitrate can be dangerous to pregnant women and infants. Other contaminants may lead to other health problems and aesthetic nuisances.

Water also will be tested for arsenic levels. Arsenic occurs naturally and has been measured in water from private wells throughout the state, sometimes at concentrations that exceed health standards.

Upkeep of private wells is the responsibility of the well owner. While the state’s Environment and Health Departments conduct water fairs to help educate private well owners about drinking water and well maintenance, these state agencies do not have jurisdiction over private wells.

For more information about the water fairs, call the Environment Department at (505) 827-2900.