Guthrie County residents concerned with health risks such as bacteria and nitrates are offered a free service by Guthrie County Environmental Health.

Guthrie County is offering free well-water tests for residents who use well water. Environmental Health Director Jotham Arber says when the county was surveyed a few years ago about environmental health issues, water quality in rural areas was a major concern. Residents used to be charged $25 to have their well tested, but thanks to financial assistance from the Grants to Counties Water Well Program, the Guthrie County Board of Health felt this is a broad issue for which residents should be offered these tests at no charge, according to Arber, “We encourage people to get their wells tested because it helps them to understand what they’re consuming on a daily basis. And if there is a problem with their well, those tests are going to help them to identify solutions so that they can drink healthy water to live healthier lives.”

Guthrie County Environmental Health also offers well plugging and rehabilitation services to residents of Guthrie, Adair, Audubon, and Cass counties. Those wishing to schedule a well-water test can call 641-747-3972.