CT Department of Public Health Announces Free Private Well Testing at Agricultural Fairs

Press release:

Hartford - The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) will provide free private well testing for the first 250 people who come to our education booth at these Connecticut agricultural fairs.

Bethlehem Fair: September 5, 2014 to September 7, 2014

Durham Fair: September 25, 2014 to September 28, 2014

The free test kits will allow homeowners to collect a sample from their private well and submit it for testing for arsenic and uranium. These naturally occurring metals are found in groundwater in sporadic locations across the state and can lead to adverse health effects.

“Arsenic and uranium have no taste or odor and therefore the only way to know if they are present is to have your well water tested,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen. “We hope this limited opportunity helps raise awareness for all private well owners to test their well water for these toxic metals.”

DPH staff at these fairs will answer questions about testing for other contaminants and provide information about water treatment methods to remove these contaminants. Please look for the DPH private well display booth if you attend any of these fairs.

For those unable to obtain a free test kit at the fairs, a number of private laboratories can be contacted for testing. Please see links below for more information.

Arsenic in Private Drinking Water Wells

What You Need to Know About Uranium in Private Well Water

List of certified environmental laboratories that conduct arsenic and uranium testing