6-19-14 water, water everywhere, but is it safe to drink?

Between flood warnings and a recent manure spill in the area, rural homeowners are wondering about the quality of their drinking water.  The only way to know the quality is to test it, says Gloria Smedema, Sanitarian for Fond du Lac County.  “With all this rain and the possible impact to groundwater,” Smedema states, “now is a great time to collect a water sample from your private well. Have it analyzed for both bacteria and nitrate levels.”  The cost of the two tests through the County Health Department is $40. Testing is free for families with a baby younger than a year and females who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk for nitrate poisoning. Well water test kits are available at certified water labs including Fond du Lac County Health Department at 160 South Macy, Fond du Lac. Call 920/929-3085 (or 929-3178 for Spanish) with questions.