Hays County well users can check water safety March 4-5

Residents who live on a public water supply have their source tested regularly to ensure it meets standards for consumption, Pigg said. It is crucial for well owners to do the same to catch any harmful bacteria.

“One of the first questions I ask the people that come to the program is, ‘When was the last time you had your water tested?’” Pigg said. “The number one answer that I always get is, ‘I've never had it tested.’”

About the program

Each water sample submitted for screening will cost $15. Residents may submit as many samples as they would like.

Water samples should be dropped off March 4 at one of the following four designated locations:

• AgriLife Extension office for Hays County, 200 Stillwater Road, Wimberley, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, 1124 Regal Row, Austin, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, 14101 Hwy. 290 W., Building 100, Ste. 212, Austin, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District, 8656 W. Hwy. 71, Building A, Ste. 224, Austin, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The specifics

Well owners should take their sample from the spigot or hose bib closest to the well head. If there is a water hose attached, it should be removed prior to collecting the water.

“We want to make sure that we are not taking samples out of a water hose,” Pigg said. “Things crawl up in water hoses. Birds are around [and] pets that could be licking on that water hose.”

If the sample is taken from an inside faucet, the aerator must be removed prior to collection. If possible, residents should collect the water on the day of the workshop.

The sample should be kept cool, out of direct sunlight and collected within 24 hours of the March 4 workshop to ensure accurate results, according to TWON water sampling instructions.

What you need to know

TWON recommends residents submit a sample from all wells on their property. Residents who have water treatment equipment may choose to take samples before and after treatment to ensure the equipment is functioning properly, according to Texas A&M AgriLife.