It's May Again, Do You Know Where Your Water's Been?
Like our catchy slogan? Our annual campaign to encourage water testing is in May (National Drinking Water month) however your water can be tested anytime. At a minimum private wells should be tested for bacteria contamination (about $25) at least once per year. Every few years or if you are buying or building a new home a more complete water test is a good idea. Inspecting your well cap from time to time is a good habit to get into. Well caps can crack over time, especially with the change in temperatures that we experience in the Poconos. You definitely want to replace a cracked or broken well cap to protect your drinking water supply. You may also want to consider upgrading your well cap to a sanitary well cap.
Listed below are four local testing facilities certified by DEP. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE TESTING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. The results are only as good as the sample you take. Each testing site will provide you with the necessary sterilized containers and step-by-step instructions. Keep your samples away from sunlight, preferably on ice in a small cooler. Time is of the essence so be sure to take your samples back to the lab as soon as possible.
Important Note: Testing facilities give factual results. For liability reasons they will not interpret your results like "your water is safe". They also cannot give results over the phone. If you need help interpreting your water test, please contact Dr. Waters at drwaters@verizon.net and he will be happy to review your test results with you and answer any questions you may have.
LOCAL CERTIFIED TESTING FACILITIES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER -
MicroBac Laboratories, Inc. (Across from Colonial Auto Sales)
3355 Route 611, Suite 4
Bartonsville, PA 18321
(570) 629-8900
http://www.microbac.com/
Prosser Laboratories, Inc.
PO Box 118
Effort, PA 18330-0118
(570) 629-2981
Location: Intersection of RT115 and State Road in Effort. The lab is located on State Road, not RT115.
