Newsroom

CORVALLIS - Rural homeowners in Linn and Benton counties will have an opportunity to learn how to protect the quality of their well water and how to care for their septic systems during an Oregon State University Extension Service class on Wednesday, May 15, called "Rural Living Basics."

Gail Glick Andrews, an Extension water quality educator, will teach the 7 to 9 p.m. class at the Linn County Extension Service office in the Evelyn Downing Room, Old Armory Building, 4th and Lyons, downtown Albany.

Examples of questions the class will answer:

• How do you know if your well water is safe to drink?
• What can you do to protect your well from contamination?
• How often should you have your septic tank pumped?
• Is it O.K. to have horses or a garden on top of a drainfield?
• Where do you get help for problems with a well or septic system?

Participants will receive a free screening of their well water for nitrate. "Just bring about one cup of well water in a clean container," said Andrews, "and someone will test it while you attend the class. Since we don't need to mail the results, the testing can be completely anonymous as long as you recognize your jar at the end of the class."

The nitrate level serves as an indicator of the overall safety of well water, she said, and all homes with private wells should monitor the nitrate level. There will be no charge for the class, but participants must pre-register to receive the nitrate test and a free materials packet. To pre-register, call 541-967-3871.

OSU's Well Water Program is on the web at http://wellwater.orst.edu.