Benton-Franklin Health District: Alternative Nitrate Drinking Water Program
How do I know if I am eligible for free nitrate testing?
BFHD Clients who get their drinking water from a WELL
AND are enrolled in either our WIC program or our NFP program.
Still not sure if you're eligible?
Call 509-460-4205 to see if you are eligible.
I received a Voucher for Alternative Drinking Water Testing - What's next?
WIC - If you received testing strips:
You can test the water in your home using the test strips provided.
(insert how to videos)
1. Identify your primary source of drinking water (this should not be connected to a treatment system).
Note: To measure how well your treatment system (reverse osmosis unit) is working, measure the water after it goes through treatment.
Remove any screens from the end of the faucet.
2. Remove any screens from the end of the faucet.
3. First: Turn on tap water and let water run for 5 minutes.
Second: Turn the water down to a gentle stream (no splashing).
Third: Pass the strip under the gentle stream of water for at least two seconds, do not shake excess water off the strip.
4. Hold the strip level, with the pad/squares side up for 60 seconds.
5. At 60 seconds, compare the pad near the end of the strip to the color chart below. The color will darken over time, so it is important to take the reading at 60 seconds. Circle or mark the results below.
6. If the color is near 10 ppm or higher, please contact the Benton-Franklin Health District’s Water Lab 509.460.4205 to arrange for a follow up test and/or alternative water. There may be health effects associated with drinking water at this level.
7. If the color is between 5-9, a follow up test is recommended in 6 months. Contact the Benton-Franklin Health District’s Water Lab to arrange for a follow up test. 509.460.4200
Nitrate test results:
If you received a testing packet and returned your Nitrate test card results to us or a sample was collected for you, you will receive information for our lab based on your results.