Do you know what’s in your drinking water? While public water supplies are tested daily for contaminants, most private water supplies, like wells and springs, are rarely tested. It is recommended that well owners test their water at least annually for bacteria and nitrates. Fairfax County residents can learn more about the quality of their water and how to care for their water system as part of the 2020 Fairfax County Virginia Household Water Quality Program.

Registration for the 2020 program is open now through Thursday, Sept. 10 at noon. Participants will learn about common water quality issues in the region and receive information on where to pick up water sampling kits. The program begins with a kick-off meeting via Zoom. Once water samples have been collected, they will be analyzed for iron, manganese, nitrate, lead, arsenic, fluoride, sulfate, pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, sodium, copper, total coliform bacteria, and E. Coli bacteria.

Following analysis, confidential reports will be mailed to participants and an interpretation meeting will be held via Zoom to explain the report results and options for dealing with water problems. Experts will be on hand to answer questions.

Any Fairfax County resident with a private water supply system (including wells, springs, and cisterns) may participate. The program is $60 per household. Learn more and register for the program online. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. For more information, please contact the Fairfax County Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 703-324-5369.