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November 05. 2014 12:01AM Our View: Well testing program is a good deal Rural residents concerned about possible contaminants in their well water should apply to participate in a study being conducted by the state Department of Environmental Quality. Those selected for the study will get their wells tested for free, not to mention helping state officials protect public health in the future. The Rogue Valley has some naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, but officials also are concerned about bacteria and nitrates, which can result from fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals used years ago. State health officials maintain a record of well water tests conducted since 1989, but those tests are required only when a property changes hands. Those records show clusters of high nitrate levels near the Rogue River and Bear Creek. Testing more wells could help determine the source of the contamination, but it also alerts residents that their water is unhealthy and should be treated before drinking. Unlike huge aquifers — essentially underground lakes — in other parts of the country, groundwater in Southern Oregon is found in fissures and cracks in the basalt that underlies much of the region. Water and contaminants can travel from one well to another, but not necessarily. That makes it difficult to predict where water will be found and whether it will be safe drink. Requiring regular tests would help that situation, but many rural residents would balk at the government telling them they must pay for tests of their own wells. However, choosing to remain ignorant of what's in one's own drinking water can be risky. As a DEQ hydrogeologist explained, good-tasting water is no guarantee it's not contaminated. DEQ officials plan to test 60 wells next spring and fall. Participants will get a detailed analysis of what's in their water, and their personal information will remain anonymous. The state benefits because geologists can add to the well database without the considerable expense of drilling test wells. Not everyone who applies will be included, because researchers are looking for wells in specific locations and with particular characteristics. Applying is easy — just send an email to [email protected]. There's no reason not to. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141105/OPINION/141109869 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->