San Juan Basin Health recommends that every private well used for drinking water be tested.

Private wells should be tested once per year by a certified laboratory. SJBH and the state of Colorado also recommend that wells with no history of testing, and wells that are very old, be inspected visually to ensure that their construction is sound and that they are kept clear of potential surface contaminants.

Preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance, and good well maintenance can prolong the life of your well and related equipment. The health department recommends to test the water whenever there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or when the system is serviced.

Testing should be done by a state-certified laboratory. To arrange for laboratory testing, contact the state Laboratory Services Division at (303) 692-3048 or Green Analytical in Durango at 247-4220.

For more information, call San Juan Basin Health at 247-5702.

S. Ute’s Growth Fund hosts tribal meeting

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund will host a tribal member meeting Tuesday and a public meeting March 22, both at 6 p.m. in the Bonnie Kent Room at the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio.

The meeting is to answer questions and hear comments and suggestions about the proposed environmental analysis for long-term development of shale oil and gas on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

Herald Staff