EASTERN CAROLINA, N.C. (WITN) – Following the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, health departments across Eastern Carolina are working together to provide free private well testing for residents but time is running out to take part.

According to Northeastern University PhD candidate Kyla Drewry, $100 is the average price to get a well-test done in a private lab. Residents now have the chance to get a free test done in Craven, Pamlico, and Beaufort Counties, as it serves as a great opportunity for well users to check on their water quality after heavy rainfall.

Northeastern University, along with Craven, Pamlico, and Beaufort County Departments of Health and Human Services are offering free well-water testing to private well users. From August 12th to August 16th, private well users can get a kit from specific locations. Water samples for bacteria and metals such as lead and arsenic will be analyzed.

Drewry thought of this testing as a part of her dissertation. She says unlike municipal water, private wells are an unregulated water source and the responsibility falls on its users to maintain their water quality.

She hopes this free test can relieve some of that burden. “Testing your water is a really great way to make sure that the quality of your water hasn’t been compromised by something like a flooding event and if you don’t get tested, your water might look ok, your water might smell ok, but there might be contamination you don’t know about.”

According to Drewry, any resident with a private well can participate. You do not have to live in the communities where pick-up locations are available.

There are a limited number of kits and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Water quality results will then be emailed and mailed to residents.

Pick up sampling bottles from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Craven: 2818 Neuse Boulevard New Bern, NC 28561 or 508 U.S. HWY 70 Havelock, NC 28532

Beaufort: 1436 Highland Drive Washington, NC 27889 or 220 N Market Street Washington, NC 27889

Pamlico: 203 North Street Bayboro, NC 28515

All samples must be collected and returned on the morning of August 20th in Pamlico and August 21st in Craven and Beaufort from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at specified locations.