Test kits are first-come, first-serve; limited supply available Thurs/Fri

The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering free, private well water testing kits for owners whose wells flooded due to Hurricane Irma.

The water sampling test kits are available Thursday, September 28, 2017 and Friday, September 29, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Office, located at 36702 State Road 52 in Dade City, Florida.

“Following a flood event, residents should assume their well water is contaminated until tested,” said Diane Boellstorff, water resource specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.  “You should not use water from a flooded well for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing your teeth or even bathing until you are satisfied it is not contaminated.”

Kits are first-come, first-serve, and only sixty (60) kits are available.  Instructions are included with the kits.

The Pasco Extension Office will collect the water samples on Tuesday, October 3, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  Kits received after that date will not be accepted for testing, as they have to be shipped to Virginia Tech within a specific time frame for accurate testing.  Virginia Tech will analyze the samples for coliform bacteria.  Water quality results will be confidential and will be emailed or mailed to residents’ homes.

The Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service assists Pasco County residents by developing and delivering practical, educational programs in environmental horticulture; sustainable agriculture; 4‑H and youth development; and family and consumer sciences.  For more information, including volunteer opportunities, visit our website: http://bit.ly/2iB6040 or call us at 352.518.0156.