The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is providing free water quality testing for residents that get their drinking water from domestic wells to inform them about potential health risks associated with nitrate contamination and other harmful chemicals that may be present in their drinking water.

Previous testing suggests the likelihood of widespread groundwater contamination problems that warrants periodic testing of the estimated 44,000 domestic wells throughout the region. Of the 1,627 domestic wells tested by various entities, more than one out of every four wells exceeded public health drinking water standards for nitrate. In some areas, testing showed more than 40 percent of the wells exceeded safe drinking water standards. Arsenic and chromium VI are also common contaminates in domestic wells.

“Protecting the public’s health is our highest priority. The well sampling project aligns with that priority and with our staff’s efforts to assist disadvantaged individuals in identifying and addressing unsafe drinking water conditions where they exist,” said Dr. Jean-Pierre Wolff, chair of the Central Coast Water Board.

In many agricultural areas, nitrate often seeps into well water from three main sources — agricultural fertilizers, treated sewage and the waste from livestock. Water contaminated with nitrate can lead to health risks, especially for infants under six months old and women who are pregnant or nursing.

Drinking or cooking with water with excessive nitrate levels can affect the body’s ability to carry oxygen. Arsenic can trigger a range of symptoms from serious to severe – stomach cramps and nausea to partial paralysis, even blindness. Chromium VI has been know to cause cancer and other serious health issues.

Free water quality testing is available to people living in the Central Coast Region (i.e., San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Counties and Ventura Counties) that get their drinking water from a private domestic or shared well that is not part of a public water system.

Central Coast residents wishing to have their drinking water tested can call a bilingual, toll-free number (844) 613-5152, or go to https://sites.google.com/view/ccgroundwater to schedule testing.

Once the contaminants have been identified a reverse osmosis drinking water system or whole home system may be necessary to filter out the contaminants to provide safe drinking water for the home.

Matilija Pure Water Systems offers free consultation and can design a system to meet your specific needs. Call us today at (805) 963-7873 or visit www.getpurewater.com