Join Marion County Environmental Health and OSU Extension Service for "Domestic Well Safety: Well and Groundwater Basics." The class is designed for domestic well owners to learn the basics of groundwater and water well stewardship. Participants will learn steps to protect health and how to safely utilize groundwater resources. Nearly one-fourth of all Oregonians rely on private, domestic wells as their primary source of drinking water.
The free class will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2017, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Wellspring Conference Center located at 1475 Mt. Hood Ave. in Woodburn. Space is limited, RSVP to (503) 588-5407 or email gdeblase@co.marion.or.us.
Environmental Health Specialist Greg DeBlase said, "Domestic wells are not regulated like public water systems in Oregon. This class is provided as a resource for private well owners to aid them in maintaining and protecting their domestic water source."
Environmental Health is also offering free domestic well testing for property owners who get their drinking water from a private, domestic well. North and east Marion County communities where arsenic and nitrate contaminants have been identified have priority. North county areas include north Salem, Brooks, Gervais, Hubbard, Woodburn and Aurora. East county areas include Gates, Idanha, Detroit, Mill City and Lyons. Call (503) 588-5346 to schedule a test.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the earth's crust. Nitrates are associated with septic systems and commercial fertilizers. Drinking water with high levels of arsenic or nitrate can cause adverse health effects. More information on health effects can be found on the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water website.
For information about the county's drinking water program, call (503) 588-5346 or email EnvironmentalHealth@co.marion.or.us.
