POPLARVILLE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service will offer free bacteria screenings for private water well owners in Pearl River County during an upcoming workshop.

Approved sample containers along with sampling instructions can be picked up weekdays between June 11 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MSU Extension office in Pearl River County, located at 204 Julia Street in Poplarville.

Participants should drop off samples on June 25 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Samples will be screened for total coliform and E. coli bacteria.

A free educational workshop will be offered June 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Workshop topics include groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance, water quality and water treatment. Workshop attendance is not required to submit a water sample.

Sample screening and the workshop 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 or other information, contact the Extension office at 601-403-2280.