MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. -- Private water well owners in Mississippi can get their water screened for bacteria and learn more about how to manage, operate and protect their wells during several upcoming virtual workshops.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service will offer the free bacteria screening and workshops in five counties beginning in September. Well owners can drop off water samples at Extension offices two days before each virtual workshop.

Workshops will be held in Marshall, Harrison, Tate, Wayne and Lowndes counties. Residents of these counties and surrounding counties can participate.

Marshall County will accept samples on Sept. 22. The virtual workshop will be held on Sept. 24 from noon to 1 p.m.

Harrison County will accept samples on Oct. 20. The virtual workshop will be held on Oct. 22 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Tate County will accept samples on Nov. 10. The virtual workshop will be held on Nov. 12 from noon to 1 p.m.

Wayne County will accept samples on Nov. 17. The virtual workshop will be held on Nov. 19 from noon to 1 p.m.

Lowndes County will accept samples on Dec. 1. The virtual workshop will be held on Dec. 3 from noon to 1 p.m.

Water sample collection kits and sample collection instructions can be picked up at the five Extension offices two weeks before the drop-off dates. Instructions for water sample collection also are located on the Mississippi Well Owner Network Program page of the Extension website.

To register for the workshop, visit http://msuext.ms/mswon. Participants must register to receive the link to enter the virtual workshop.

The workshops are offered through Extension’s Mississippi Well Owner Network Program. The program teaches private well owners about groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance, water quality and water treatment.

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation, please contact Jason Barrett at 662-325-1788 or jason.barrett@msstate.edu.