A free testing program in August confirmed safe drinking water for 149 residents of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The testing was offered to all residents by Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, which will offer it again next year.

Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program processed the samples August 19 at the Upper Peninsula State Fair, testing for nitrates and triazine pesticides, two chemicals that are dangerous for infants and small children.

The results are confidential and will be mailed directly to the well owner. The Michigan Department of Agriculture will send information about what to do if nitrate levels are too high.

Assisting with the program are Pickford Feed Service, Cheboygan Cooperative Feed Mill in Rudyard, Chippewa- East Mackinac and Luce-West Mackinac conservation districts, Michigan State University Extension, and Clark Township.

"Together, their coordinated efforts gave citizens convenient additional pick-up and drop-off sites for water samples," said coordinator Christine Perrault. "The real successes of this program are the citizens that want to protect their precious drinking water and will take steps to do it. Now, 149 families will rest assured that their drinking water is free of these contaminates."

Free drinking water testing will be available next year a week or two before the Upper Peninsula State Fair.

For information on how to protect one's water supply, contact the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program in the Eastern Upper Peninsula at (906) 635-2136.