Free Well Water Testing to be Offered at Ag Expo
7/1/09
Contact: Laura Probyn
517-432-1555, ext. 175
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Agricultural producers and other homeowners interested in learning whether their well water contains nitrate or the pesticide atrazine can take water samples for free screening at Ag Expo 2009, July 21-23 at Michigan State University (MSU).
The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) will screen drinking water samples from private wells during the show. Visitors may obtain sample bottles from the local MSU Extension or Conservation District office or take samples in any small clean jars to the Michigan Department of Agriculture booth at lots 567-569.
Water sample collection instructions and the sample information form are also available at the local offices and on the MDA Web site: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mda/AgExpo2008_Handout_236957_7.pdf.
Water screening results will be mailed to participants following Ag Expo, along with instructions on what to do if high concentrations of nitrate or atrazine are detected. All results are confidential.
The monitoring of drinking water quality from a private well is the responsibility of the homeowner. Private wells should be tested every one to three years to help ensure safe drinking water. Households with infants and individuals with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to illness from contaminated drinking water.
Ag Expo features commercial farm equipment from throughout the Midwest and several Canadian provinces on the 35-acre main exhibition site, as well as educational exhibits from several MSU colleges and departments.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 21 and 22, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23. Admission to the grounds and parking at Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road are free. Because of the construction on Farm Lane, the Ag Expo parking area and grounds will be accessible only from Mt. Hope.
For more information about Ag Expo, call 800-366-7055 or visit www.agexpo.msu.edu.
Ag Expo is sponsored by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
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