Yakima – Lower Yakima Valley residents who are served by a private or shared well still have time to receive free nitrate and coliform sampling, but the deadline to participate is approaching. The sampling and well survey, offered by the Yakima Health District in partnership with the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Advisory Committee (GWAC), is available only until February 29.
To qualify, households must be served by a private or shared well within the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area (*GWMA) boundaries and be willing to take part in a well assessment survey. An environmental health specialist from the Yakima Health District will complete both the well assessment survey and take the samples from the wells. The visit will take about 30 minutes at most, and all of the information, including well water test results, will be made available to the households.
The information collected will help the GWAC understand the conditions that exist around the wells and how to best help the residents. The survey is not intended to collect personal data for any other purpose.
To participate in this limited time offer, please call the Yakima Health District Help Desk at
509-249-6508 to schedule an appointment. Any concerns about water quality, sample results or the site survey will be explained to the participants, with sample results expected later this year.
To learn more about the GWAC and to see the GWMA boundaries, please visit:
http://www.yakimacounty.us/gwma/.
*The GWMA does not extend to the Yakama Nation. Those residents are encouraged to call Sean Blackshear at Indian Health Services – Environmental Health 509-865-1776.