Stark-Billings County

 

June 4, 2009

 

Water Quality Tests Offered at Field Days

The North Dakota State University Extension Service once again will offer water quality screening during NDSU Research Extension Centers annual field day events.

If you have a private well or question the quality of your livestock water, this would be a great opportunity to have it screened by Extension water quality specialists at no charge, says Roxanne Johnson, NDSU Extension water quality associate.

Samples should be collected in any clean plastic bottle capable of holding 15 to 20 ounces.

To obtain your sample, you should allow the water to run for 30 seconds and then rinse the bottle three times before filling, according to Johnson.

Substances that Extension specialists will test for on site include nitrates and total dissolved solids. Theyll also test for pH (acidity or alkalinity) and hardness. This is a screening only.

The New Ulm, Minn.-based Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories also is offering to test water for a coliform group of microorganisms that includes E. coli. Johnson will have sterile bottles for you to take home to collect the sample and then send to the Minnesota Valley Testings laboratory in Bismarck. The cost for this test is $8 and will be collected when you pick up the sterile bottle from her at the field day event.

Johnson says the sample for this test contains a chlorine inhibitor, so do not rinse the container prior to use.

Here are the steps to follow when collecting a sample for the test:

	Remove the aerator from your faucet if it has one.
	Sterilize the end of the faucet with a flame.
	Remove the bottle cap, taking care not to touch the inside of the cap or container.
	Run the water for 30 seconds to remove stagnant water from the system.
	Fill the bottle to the line indicated or near the top.
	Immediately replace the bottle cap and refrigerate.

Specimens should be analyzed within 48 hours, so collect your sample close to the time you will mail it. Make sure to mail it early in the week, such as a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, so it will reach the lab prior to the weekend.

Bacteriological results will be sent to you from NDSU as soon as possible.

At the Dickinson location, the date has been set for July 8 at the Dickinson Research Extension Center for water screening.

If you have any questions about water screening, contact Johnson or call (701) 231-8926.