Health Department to Sponsor Open House, Offer Reduced Water Testing Rates
In observance of National Groundwater Awareness Week, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is sponsoring an informational Open House and is also offering a reduced rate to private well owners for the testing of water samples. The Open House will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about wells, why well water may have a funny taste or smell, where well water comes from and where it goes and what tests are necessary to ensure that it is safe to drink. Those who attend can pick up water testing kits, and can also participate in raffles to win a free test of their well water.
Other health professionals will be present to provide information on food safety, septic systems, solid waste disposal, lakes and laboratory services. A representative from the Water Quality Association will also be in attendance to answer all your questions on water treatment.
In addition, between March 2 and 12, 2015, the Department is offering a reduced rate for well water testing for private well owners. During this time, the normal $16.00 analysis fee for testing for bacteria and nitrates will be reduced to $10.00. Sterile test bottles and sampling instructions are available at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, the main Health Department office at 3010 Grand Avenue in Waukegan, or at 16 separate township or municipal offices located throughout Lake County. For a list of locations, call (847) 377-8020, or visit: health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/EnvironmentalServices/Documents/WATER%20SAMPLE%20KIT%20PARTICIPANTS%20120814.pdf. Water sampling kits can also be mailed for $12.00.
All collected water samples must be brought to the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Results of water samples are ready for homeowners in approximately three working days. If people are uncomfortable with collecting these samples themselves, Health Department staff is available to go out to homes to collect the sample for a $56.00 fee, which includes an inspection of the well and the lab analysis for bacteria and nitrates.
"About 90,000 Lake County residents rely on groundwater from aquifers to supply their private wells," said Tony Beltran, the Health Department's Executive Director. "The Health Department encourages all users of private wells to take this time to have their drinking water tested, and to test it at least annually to see if it meets the minimum drinking water standards." National Groundwater Awareness Week is an annual observance sponsored by the National Groundwater Association (NGWA) to raise awareness of the importance of groundwater as a valuable resource, and the need for yearly water testing and well maintenance to prevent waterborne illness.
For further information on water testing, contact the Health Department at:
(847) 377- 8020, or send an email to: HealthEHS@lakecountyil.gov.