Did you know that private water supplies, like wells and springs, are unregulated? It is the responsibility of the homeowner to regularly test water quality, maintain the water system, and address any problems.  Affordable, confidential water testing and education are offered through the Augusta County Virginia Cooperative Extension office as part of the Virginia Household Water Testing Program. 

The program kicks off with a sample kit, pick-up meeting at 7 pm on Monday, June 21 at the Augusta County Government Center Board Room (18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA 24482). Plan to drop off your samples on Wednesday, June 23, at the Augusta County Extension Office (13 Government Center Lane, Verona). The cost for the kit, sample analysis, and confidential results and interpretation is $60. Payment is required on June 21 at the kick-off meeting. 

Results will be distributed to participants at a meeting on Wednesday, August 4, at the Government Center Board Room at 7 pm. Follow up and results interpretation will be offered at this time. Participation is voluntary and all information is kept strictly confidential. Results are reported only to the homeowner. 

Water samples collected by participating homeowners will be analyzed for 14 parameters, including bacteria, metals, nitrate and hardness.  Results and water system care and maintenance information will be shared at the information meeting on August 4. 

Please contact John Benner at (540)245-5750 or email him at benner89@vt.edu to register. Click here for a downloadable brochure on the Household Water Testing Program.  

For more information about the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, please visit www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu.

The  Augusta County Virginia Cooperative Extension is offering the Virginia Household Water Testing Program in cooperation with Virginia Tech and the Department of Biological Systems Engineering.  The program rotates between each of Virginia’s 100 counties over several years, and this year provides an opportunity for Augusta County residents who use a private water supply, such as a well, cistern or spring, to test their household water.