Households on private wells in San Juan County can get free water testing this weekend in Farmington. The New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Health will host a free testing event on Saturday, October 18, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Farmington Grower’s Market, located at 3041 E. Main Street.

Capacity is limited to the first 100 samples, and the event is open to homes not connected to a public water system. The on-site screening will test for pH, nitrate, iron, sulfate, fluoride, arsenic, and electrical conductivity. These indicators help identify both natural and human-related water quality concerns, such as mineral buildup, salinity, and potential contamination from septic systems or agricultural runoff.

Results can help families decide whether additional testing or treatment may be needed. Residents should bring at least one quart (32 ounces) of well water in a clean glass or plastic container.

Officials recommend letting the water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample, bringing it as close to the event time as possible, and—if the home uses a softener or filtration system—drawing the water before those devices. Arriving early is advised since testing is capped at 100 samples. This initiative is especially relevant for residents living outside Farmington, Aztec, and Bloomfield city limits who rely on private wells rather than municipal systems.

Regular testing helps ensure that drinking water remains safe, particularly for infants, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised residents.

The state’s well-testing fairs are designed to make this process accessible and affordable for rural communities.