The North Dakota State University Extension Service once again will offer water quality screening during annual field day events at NDSU Research Extension Centers this summer.

""If you have a private well or question the quality of your livestock water, this would be a great opportunity to have it screened by Extension water quality specialists at no charge,"" says Roxanne Johnson, NDSU Extension water quality associate.

In addition, Ron Smith, NDSU horticulturist, will be available to answer your plant questions; Johnson will answer questions on federal Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure regulations; and Tom Scherer, NDSU Extension agricultural engineer, can answer septic, well and irrigation inquiries.

Water samples should be collected in any clean plastic bottle capable of holding 15 to 20 ounces. To obtain your sample, you should allow the water to run for 30 seconds and then rinse the bottle three times before filling it, according to Johnson.

Substances that Extension specialists will test for on site include nitrates and total dissolved solids. They'll also test for pH (acidity or alkalinity) and hardness. This is a screening only.

Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories (MVTL) is offering a discounted rate to test water for a coliform group of microorganisms that includes E. coli. Johnson will have sterile bottles for you to take home to collect a sample and send it to the MVTL lab in Bismarck.

The cost for this test, including shipping, is $10. You will need to pay the fee you when you pick up the sterile bottle from Johnson at the field day event.

Johnson says the bottle for this test contains a chlorine inhibitor, so do not rinse the container prior to using it. Wash your hands before taking this sample so you do not contaminate it.

Here are the steps to follow when collecting a sample for the bacteria test:

• Remove the aerator from your faucet if it has one.
• Sterilize the end of the faucet with rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach.
• Remove the bottle cap, taking care not to touch the inside of the cap or container.
• Run the water for 30 seconds to remove stagnant water from the system.
• Fill the bottle to the line indicated or near the top.
• Immediately replace the bottle cap and refrigerate the bottle until you are ready to send it to the lab.

Specimens should be analyzed within 36 hours, so collect your sample close to the time you will mail it. Make sure to mail it early in the week, such as a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, so it will reach the lab prior to the weekend.

MVTL will send you the bacteriological results as soon as possible.

Here are the dates and field day locations where you can get your water screened:

• July 13 - Dickinson Research Extension Center
• July 14 - Williston Research Extension Center
• July 19 - Carrington Research Extension Center
• July 20 - North Central Research Extension Center, Minot
• July 21 - Langdon Research Extension Center

If you have any questions about water screening, contact Johnson at (701) 429-3756 or roxanne.m.johnson@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - June 21, 2011