Testing nitrate levels in well water

A new interactive online search tool, called “Is My Property Near a Nitrate-Impacted Water Well”, was recently posted by the State Water Resources Control Board. The tool alerts users if privately owned water wells are located within 2,000 feet of a nitrate-impacted well – defined as a water well with at least one detection of nitrate pollutant at a level above the health standard since 2000.

This interactive tool and a FAQ sheet about nitrates in groundwater can be found at: www.waterboards.ca.gov/nitrate_tool.

The Water Resources Control Board recommends that private well owners test their wells annually using an accredited drinking water laboratory.

Use the player below to hear a report on this story by Kerry Reynolds, including an interview with John Borkovich, Chief of Ground Water Monitoring and Assessment for the Water Resources Control Board.