MCKINLEY COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) will host a free domestic well water testing event at the Gallup Flea Market on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Testing will be available to the first 100 participants or while supplies last from 9 a.m. to 2 […]
MCKINLEY COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) will host a free domestic well water testing event at the Gallup Flea Market on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
Testing will be available to the first 100 participants or while supplies last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the market, located at 340 N 9th St. Only water that comes from homes that rely on private wells for drinking water will be tested.
Participants must bring their own water sample to the event in order for it to be tested. Test results will be mailed to the households following the event within two to three weeks.
Residents should use these guidelines to ensure their sample is collected correctly:
Let the water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample.
Fill a clean glass or plastic container without any odors with at least a quart or liter of your well water.
If the home has a whole house filtration system, collect the water at the well head prior to any filtration or softener systems, if possible.
Fill the container with water as close to the time of testing as possible.
Along with the water sample, residents should bring basic information known about the well such as well depth, depth to water, well casing material (such as steel or PVC), well latitude and longitude and distance from the well to the nearest septic tank or leachfield system.
If well owners are unable to attend the event but would like to have their water tested, they may have a sample brought to the event by a family member or neighbor, provided the container is clearly labeled and has the owner’s name, phone number, address and well information attached. Only water that comes from homes that rely on private wells for drinking water will be tested.
For more information about upcoming water fairs, please visit NMED’s event calendar or contact the Environment Department at 505-827‐2900.