Story in Brief
Throughout rural southwest Georgia, most drinking water sources are private wells. Although the overall water quality is safe compared to undeveloped countries, well contamination and water safety can be a concern. Because this part of the state relies heavily on agriculture, pesticide and fertilization leaching and runoff can be a source of pollution. Also, older wells that were dug prior to current safety standards might be more susceptible to water quality and safety issues. Randolph County Extension produces flyers, newspaper articles and monthly bulletins to inform and educate the local population of the importance of well and water testing. The testing procedures, options and fees offered by the Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories are published and explained to provide important water testing services. Over 50 different water tests and analyses are offered. Basic mineral content, microbiological examination, trace mineral and pesticide analysis lab services are an important resource to check questionable water sources. In Randolph County, the amount of well testing for water quality and safety increased by 45 percent from 2016 to 2017. As a result of the efforts to inform and educate the importance of testing and the services provided by AESL, 22 percent of wells tested during 2017 were found to have contaminants at levels that exceeded federal and state EPD standards. Extension information provided steps to possibly identify and correct problems as well as maintain the integrity and safety of their wells.