Idaho DEQ Plans To Test Private Wells Nearly Burley

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is reaching out to private well owners in the Marsh Creek Nitrate Priority Area, located south of the Snake River, to participate in a private well sampling event.  The sampling event will test for nitrates, bacteria, and common ions at private wells, and will take place in September and October of this year.   Participation is free and well owners will receive a copy of the results.

DEQ maintains a list of degraded groundwater areas throughout the state, which are referred to as nitrate priority areas.  The Burley sampling event is designed to revisit sites in the Marsh Creek Nitrate Priority Area sampled by other state agencies prior to 2010.  The sampling will also include new locations to update the nitrate concentration data in this region.

DEQ said outcomes will help the Department better understand nitrate levels in the aquifer and help local decision makers implement best management practices. Once results are analyzed, information will be provided to the private well owners, which can be used to help protect the quality of their well water and the health of those relying on it.

Nitrate Exposure Can Have Serious Health Consequences

Groundwater provides over 95% of Idaho’s drinking water and nitrate is the most common and widespread contaminant in groundwater.  Nitrate exposure can have serious health effects, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including people with pre-existing health conditions, pregnant women, and young children under the age of six months. Infants who drink water containing nitrate above the maximum contaminant limit can become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.

To learn more about the sampling event or to participate, contact Nicholas Howell at (208) 736-3870 or via E-mail by August 25th.

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