A free well water screening clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 24 at Prairie Horizons Farm, LLC, 31008 Highway 29, Benson.

This is an opportunity for rural residents to make sure drinking water is safe. Nitrate and chloride can be analyzed onsite in 15 minutes and there will be water experts available for free, confidential consultations. No reservations are needed.

In addition to nitrate and chloride, a free certified lab test for arsenic for the first 75 participants is also available. Arsenic is found in soils and underground rock formations in our area, and can contaminate drinking water regardless of the depth or age of the well. It is undetectable by smell or taste, but even low levels can have significant human health consequences. Drinking water from private wells should be tested for arsenic at least once to assure safe drinking water. 

Use a clean container to collect a quart of your well water from the tap where you usually drink.