WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — NC State Extension and Virginia Tech are offering free well water testing to private well owners in areas affected by Hurricane Florence.

Any resident with a private well in a flood-affected county is eligible to participate. You do not have to live in the counties where pick up/drop off locations are available. There are a limited number of kits, so they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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The samples will be analyzed for metals and coliform bacteria. Confidential water quality results will be emailed and mailed to residents’ homes. Study results will help develop a better understanding of the impact of floods on private well water quality and improve communication strategies during disasters.

Residents who want to have their well water tested should pick up a water sampling test kit at one of the locations listed below. Detailed sampling instructions will be provided. Kits must be returned the following day.

Test kits will be distributed at following locations:

ROBESON COUNTY CENTER

455 Caton Rd, Lumberton, NC 28360

Pick up sampling kits: Monday, October 22 from 3:30-6:30 pm

Drop off sampling kits: Tuesday, October 23 from 6:00-9:00 am

NEW HANOVER COUNTY CENTER

6206 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Pick up sampling kits: Tuesday, October 23 from 3:30-6:30 pm

Drop off sampling kits: Wednesday, October 24 from 6:00-9:00 am

If you have questions about participating, please contact Kelsey Pieper at kpieper@vt.edu or 518-928-0177. NC State Extension related questions can be directed to Mike Burchell at mike_burchell@ncsu.edu or 919-513-7348.