Yakima – The Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Advisory Committee (GWAC) in partnership with the Yakima Health District is again offering free nitrate and coliform sampling for private and shared wells in the Lower Yakima Valley. Last offered in 2014, the sampling and well survey are part of an ongoing effort to help residents in the Lower Yakima Valley learn more about the water quality and impact to public health of the area's drinking water.
To participate, households must be served by a private or shared well within the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area (*GWMA) and be willing to take part in a well assessment survey. An environmental health specialist from the Yakima Health District will complete both the well assessment survey and take the samples from the wells. The visit will take about 30 minutes at most, and all of the information, including well water test results, will be made available to the households.
The information collected will help the GWAC understand the conditions that exist around the wells and how to best help the residents. The survey is not intended to collect personal data for any other purpose.
To set up an appointment to participate, please call the Yakima Health District Help Desk at 509-249-6508. Appointments can be scheduled right now with results expected early next year.
To learn more about the GWAC, please visit: http://www.yakimacounty.us/gwma/