Free Well Water Testing by NMED This Weekend in New Mexico
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is offering free domestic well water testing at two events this weekend as part of the “Cabinet in Your Community” initiative. The first event will take place on Friday, September 20, in Mescalero at the State Services Expo, held at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. The expo begins at 3:00 p.m., followed by a town hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, September 21, the NMED, along with other state departments, will be in Ruidoso at the Ruidoso High School Cafeteria. The event begins at 11:00 a.m., with a town hall scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Attendees can bring their well water samples to NMED’s booth for free testing. Typically, these tests cost around $150, but they will be provided at no charge to the first 100 participants, or while supplies last. Test results will be mailed to participants following the event.
How to Collect a Water Sample:
- Let your water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample.
- Use a clean glass or plastic container that is free of odors and fill it with at least a quart or liter of water.
- If your home has a whole-house filtration system, try to collect the sample from the wellhead before any filtration or softening systems.
- Collect the water as close to the time of testing as possible.
Please note that water from public water systems is regularly tested, and the results are available on the Drinking Water Watch website.
