March 29, 2024
Contact: Nicholas Howell, Source Water Protection Analyst, Nicholas.Howell@deq.idaho.gov
Jerome – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is reaching out to private well owners in southwest Jerome, Idaho, to participate in a groundwater sampling program.
Sampling will take place in May of this year and is free for well owners.
DEQ maintains a list of degraded groundwater areas throughout the state, which are referred to as nitrate priority areas. The study will help DEQ reassess sites in the southwest Jerome nitrate priority area sampled by other state agencies prior to 2010 and will include new locations to update the nitrate concentration data in this region. The results will help identify the primary sources of nitrates and inform decisions concerning future development in the area.
Groundwater provides over 95% of Idaho’s drinking water and nitrate is the most common and widespread contaminant in groundwater. Long-term exposure to elevated nitrate levels can have adverse health effects, especially in infants younger than six months and individuals with underlying health conditions.
To participate, contact Nicholas Howell at Nicholas.Howell@deq.idaho.gov or (208) 736-2190.