MARK YOUR CALENDARS!:

WELL WATER TESTING

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2001, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

by Fred Brosius, Environment & Ecology Committee

THE TEN MILE LAKE ASSOCIATION will conduct another well water testing day on Saturday, July 14, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. All lake residents are strongly urged to participate in this easy but important testing program. Pick up a sample container at the testing station nearest you and follow the simple instructions that will be included with the container. Then return the filled container to the same location. There will be a charge of $16.00. You will receive your test results in about 10 days. If your water is all right, you will be happy to know it is safe. If your water does not pass the test you will be able to take the necessary action to make your water safe.

THE TESTING PROGRAM analyzes the water samples for nitrates and for coliform bacteria. Nitrates can result from both acid rain and and septic systems, especially old ones, and coliform bacteria from fecal contamination. Last summer 51 samples were turned in for analysis. All samples were negative for nitrates, but nine samples tested positive for coliform bacteria; water with coliform bacteria is not considered to be safe for drinking, in standards set forth by the Minnesota Department of Health. Such water must be boiled for at least three minutes before being consumed.

IF YOUR WATER TEST is unsatisfactory, you will receive instructions with your test results as to appropriate corrective procedures. For coliform bacteria, the problem can practically always be solved by chlorinating your well overnight. Diluted chlorine bleach solution is poured into the well casing or into the suction pipe and allowed to remain there 12 hours. Then it is pumped out and discharged through an outside hose spigot so that most of the chlorinated water by-passes your septic system. You can do this chlorination procedure yourself or obtain professional assistance. After chlorination the water should be retested. To retest, get a sample container and instructions from the Department of Environmental Services at the Cass County Office Building in Walker (adjacent to Courthouse).

WHILE CONSIDERATION was given to holding the water testing program every two years, the Environment and Ecology Committee believes that safe drinking water is of utmost importance to all lake residents, and will therefore continue to test annually. For simplicity, minimal cost, and maximum water safety, this water testing program is some-thing no lake resident can afford to pass up.