Health district offering free nitrate testing in Benton City

The Benton-Franklin Health District is offering free nitrate screening for Benton County residents with privately-owned wells from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 in Benton City at the Mid Columbia Libraries’ Benton City branch.

Nitrate contamination is a byproduct of fertilizer and animal waste and is known to contaminate many wells in rural Benton County. Nitrates have also been found in drinking water in many counties along the Columbia and Yakima rivers, the health district said. Nitrate levels above 10 parts per million are considered unsafe for pregnant women and infants under 6 months of age. Livestock are also at risk.

While public water supplies are tested routinely for nitrate contamination, private domestic wells are not.

Well owners should bring 2 cups of well water, obtained prior to any treatment device, in a clean glass or plastic container.

Nitrate pollution in drinking water has been linked to birth defects, miscarriages and blue baby syndrome. To date, there have been no documented health issues associated with high nitrate levels in Benton County.

This story was originally published June 3, 2016 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Health district offering free nitrate testing in Benton City."