SENATOBIA, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service will offer free bacteria and chemical screenings for private water well owners in Tate County during an upcoming workshop.

Approved sample containers along with sampling instructions can be picked up weekdays between April 10 and 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MSU Extension office in Tate County, located at 205 French’s Alley in Senatobia. Water sampling kits to test for PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, will also be available to the first 21 interested private well owners.

Participants should drop off samples on April 24 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Samples will be screened for total coliform and E. coli bacteria, and the first 21 interested well owners will also receive a PFAS test.

A free educational workshop will be offered April 24 from 6 to 7:30 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, registration or other information, contact the Extension office at 662-562-4274.