Virginia Private Wells: The Household Water Quality Program (Virginia Tech)

Virginia Tech news article (April 2024 per the URL; the page itself shows no date) on the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, a partnership of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Only stated points are included; cost figures are omitted.

The program targets households on private wells or springs. Its leader, Erin Ling, says more than 20 percent of Virginians use these sources.
The Virginia Department of Health regulates well construction, location and who may build or work on wells. After construction, the person using the private water source is responsible for maintenance.
About 120 trained Extension agents support it, in roughly 70 counties each year. Samples are analyzed at two labs on the Blacksburg campus.
Clinics run February through November; kits are bought at the events. Samples must be analyzed within 24 hours of collection.
Tested: bacteria, pH, metals and other elements, and nuisance contaminants such as iron, manganese and hardness.
Bacteria are described as the biggest health concern. Total coliform is "more of a warning sign"; E. coli indicates human or animal waste has entered the supply.
If contaminants are found, staff work with residents on resources and next steps.
A private lab is suggested for a real estate sale, urgent turnaround, or extra contaminants.

Not verified: current clinic dates, county participation, and well construction rules; none were opened.

General information only. Not health, plumbing, legal or code advice. Confirm with your county health department.