The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has received a federal grant to provide free drinking water well testing until June 30 to local property owners who receive their drinking water from a well.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that drinking water well owners test their water at least once a year to ensure safe drinking water and evaluate the need for water treatment if necessary.

Groundwater is the source of drinking water for 70% of Kansas residents overall. Groundwater is usually quite safe, but well water can become contaminated due to poor well location and construction, lack of maintenance and poor management, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Johnson County residents can get a drinking water well test by contacting Mary Beverly in JCDHE’s Environmental Health Division at 913-715-6901 or mary.beverly@jocogov.org.