The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board announced free domestic well testing for those who live in the Central Coast Region, including Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara counties, southern Santa Clara county and small portions of San Mateo. Testing is available to eligible well owners who use a private well or shared well that is not part of a public water system.

Nitrate contamination is of particular concern, due to the likelihood of widespread ground water contamination.

“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 a press release.

Anyone whose well tests positive for nitrate will receive detailed information about what to do

next and information about free drinking water replacement programs.

Read the full press release here: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/press_room/press_releases/docs/pr_central_coast_well_testing.pdf