Free Nitrate Screening in Prosser

The Benton-Franklin Health District will offer free nitrate screenings for those with private wells on Thursday.  Nitrate contamination is a by-product of fertilizer and animal waste.  It’s known to contaminate many wells in rural Benton County.  Nitrates have also been found in drinking water in many counties along the Columbia and Yakima rivers.

Not only are humans at risk from contamination, but livestock is as well.  Thursday’s screening will take place at the Mid-Columbia Library in Prosser, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nitrate levels above 10 parts per million are considered unsafe for pregnant woman and infants under six months of age.  Nitrate pollution in drinking water has been linked to birth defects, miscarriages and blue baby syndrome.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com