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PRESS RELEASE
IN COOPERATION WITH:
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Michigan Conservation Districts
Michigan State University Extension
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
AmeriCorps National Service
Michigan Water
Stewardship Program
For Release July 1, 2008
February 15, 2016
For more information, please contact:
Rachel Hackett, MGSP AmeriCorps Environmental Educator
groundwater@wmeac.org or hackettr@michigan.gov
616.451.3051 ext. 23
Free well water screening
KENT & OTTAWA COUNTIES - In cooperation with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and
Michigan State University, the Michigan Water Stewardship Program will be sponsoring free drinking
water well screenings for nitrates and the pesticide atrazine. For residents interested in having their
private well water screened for free, there will two drop-off sites in the area: The Ottawa County
Conservation District at 16731 Ferris St, Grand Haven, on Monday, July 14, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
and at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) at 1007 Lake Dr SE in Grand
Rapids on Monday, July 14, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please note the times. These samples will be
taken to Lansing to the Agricultural Expo to be tested. For drop off times and locations in other
counties contact your county conservation district or MSU Extension.
You may pick up sample bottles at the WMEAC location or use your own clean and thoroughly
labeled jar or bottle. A sample information sheet MUST be filled out and submitted with each sample.
Sample information sheets are available at WMEAC or online by searching “sample information
sheet” at www.michigan.gov/mda.
To safely take a drinking water sample from a private well, residents must follow all these guidelines:
1. Pick up a sample bottle or clean a clear jar of your own that holds at least 16 oz of water.
2. Fill out the water “sample information sheet” available at the WMEAC drop off point or online
at www.michigan.gov/mda.
3. Preferably, choose a tap that is not connected to any water treatment (heater, softener, etc.)
device. Outside taps often work well.
4. Run the water cold for 20-30 minutes. Be careful not to touch the inside of the sampling cap or
the bottle.
5. Rinse bottle with water then fill the bottle completely and cap securely.
6. Using a waterproof pen, label bottle clearly with your name, date, well name (cottage well,
Mom’s well, etc.).
7. Fold and wrap the sample information sheet around the bottle. Place both in a water proof
plastic bag.
8. Keep the sample dark and cold (on ice) until delivered to the drop off site.
Note: It is suggested that samples be taken within a few hours prior to drop off for testing accuracy.
The results from each water sample will be strictly confidential. Residents will be mailed a copy of
their results and information about what to do if the concentration of nitrate is too high or if atrazine is
detected. Free drinking water well sampling may also be limited to the first 1800 samples taken.
Through this service, drinking water samples will be tested for nitrates and the pesticide atrazine.
Nitrates are an oxygenated form of nitrogen most commonly found in fertilizers used on farms and
lawns. Other sources of nitrate contamination are septic systems, animal waste, and any excessive
decomposition, like too many leaves and plant matter in a lake. Nitrates pose a high risk to
groundwater and drinking water contamination. Nitrate contamination has also been shown to cause
Methemoglobinemia or Blue Baby Syndrome, which can affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of fetus
and infant’s blood leading to suffocation. Long-term water contamination has been linked to diuresis
and hemorrhaging of the spleen.
The pesticide atrazine is an herbicide used to kill broadleaf and grassy weeds that was greatly restricted
since 1993 because of health risks. In the short-term, atrazine can cause heart, lung and kidney
congestion, low blood pressure, muscle spasms, weight loss, and adrenal gland damage. In the long
term, atazine can cause weight loss, cardiovascular damage, retinal and muscle degeneration, and
cancer.
For more information, contact Rachel Hackett, AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, at the WMEAC
offices: 616.451.3051 or groundwater@wmeac.org.
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