Last week for Water Well Survey

By: 
Bethany Carson

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This is the last week of free neonicotinoid testing for wells in Butler County, according to County Environmental Health Specialist Misty Kroeze.
     The neonicotinoid testing, which began in April and ends June 27, is part of a study by the state hygienic lab on contamination of water by neonicotinoids, chemicals widely used in the agricultural community as insecticides.
     It is currently unknown if neonicotinoids migrate into ground water, at what level, or to what degree. Health effects of neonicotinoid contamination have not been ascertained, and no maximum contamination levels have been established by the EPA.
     The main purpose of the study is to ascertain if contamination is present, and if it is present, if it is a concern. There is currently a limited ban on the use of these compounds in Europe because of the threat to honey bees and other invertebrates. But there is currently little information available on the presence or absence of neonicotinoid compounds in private well water in Iowa. Results of each well’s testing will be sent to the homeowner.
 
Read more in the June 21 STAR or TRIBUNE.

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