YAKIMA, Wash.-Residents of the Lower Yakima Valley can get free nitrate and coliform testing for drinking water wells in the Groundwater Management Area.
The Washington State Department of Health, Yakima Health District and Yakima County are offering the free tests as part of a limited state-funded program.
According to a Yakima County press release on the program, households throughout the Lower Valley will be mailed test strips to use on their water and return in the self-addressed stamped envelope.
A map of the Groundwater Management Area showing the Nitrate Priority Phases is available from Yakima County.
The Yakima Health District will follow up with residents whose results indicate nitrate levels above the drinking water standard, according to the County and will provide additional services, including:
Free bottled water: The Yakima Health District will contact affected households to start receiving free bottled water until an in-house treatment system can be installed.In-home treatment systems: Homeowners will be offered a free in-home treatment system as part of a long-term solution, including one year of system maintenance.
For faster testing service residents can call the Nitrate Hotline at 1-866-886-7117 to request a test kit packet or to sign up for well water testing and a brief onsite well survey.
