What’s in your water? Did you know that private water supplies like wells and springs are unregulated? It is the responsibility of the homeowner to regularly test water quality, maintain the water system, and address any problems.

Affordable, confidential water testing and education will be offered through Virginia Cooperative Extension offices in Botetourt County.

On Monday, Aug. 21, attend a short informational meeting, pay a fee, and pick up a testing kit in The Fincastle Community Center (located behind the Botetourt-Virginia Cooperative Extension Office); drop off your water samples on Wednesday, Aug. 23, in the parking lot of the Fincastle Community Center.

Participation is voluntary and confidential. Water samples collected by participating homeowners will be analyzed for 14 parameters, including bacteria, metals, nitrate and hardness at a cost of $55. Results and water system care and maintenance information will be shared at an information/results meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21. All information is kept strictly confidential and results are reported only to the homeowner.

Pre-register, as space is limited. Contact the Botetourt Extension Office at 473- 8260 or MCL87@vt.edu to pre-register. If you have already pre-registered you do not need to call again. The fee of $55 per kit will be collected at the door on August 21, check or cash. For more information about the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, as well as many resources relevant to private water systems, visit www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu.