Oakland County residents who use a personal well for drinking water can get their water supply screened for nitrate/nitrite from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Oakland County Farmers Market.

This screening is sponsored by the Oakland Conservation District and Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). It will help to ensure the safety of households who rely on private wells for drinking water.

Samples will be accepted at the Oakland Conservation District's MAEAP table at the market.

Bring by your water sample and you will be mailed a copy of the results in 8-10 weeks with information on how to proceed if levels test high. All results are confidential. 

Sample a tap that supplies water that has not been treated by a water softener or filter. An outdoor faucet often works best, but do not collect water through a hose.

Other tips your collecting your water sample:

• Fill out the Water Sample Information Sheet, which is available online at OaklandConservationDistrict.org or at the screening
• Samples must be less than 48 hours old for valid results
• Bring water in any clean, rinsed bottle
• Run water for 10-20 minutes before collecting a sample. This will give the pump time to flush the water pressure tank and plumbing
• Three ounces of water is adequate for screening. Clearly label the bottle with your name, sampling date and well name
• Keep the sample in a dark and cold area (either on ice or refrigerated) until it is dropped off

For more information, call Anna at 810-605-3146.

Oakland County Farmers Market

The Oakland County Farmers Market is a producer-direct market that hosts nearly 100 farmers and artisans, representing 17 Michigan counties. Many market vendors are available seasonally based on their product offerings, but others attend year round. Hours are 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.