Free Well Water Testing set for Saturday in Tijeras

TIJERAS — State health officials are offering a high-value incentive for Tijeras residents to check their drinking water this weekend: the first 100 people in line will receive professional well testing entirely free of charge.

The New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Health announced the one-day event will take place Saturday, May 9, at the Tijeras Senior Center (10 Tijeras Avenue). By arriving early to claim one of the 100 free slots, residents can bypass the typical $150 cost associated with private laboratory testing.

The “water fair” runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and aims to identify hidden contaminants that can compromise household safety.

“This water fair provides Bernalillo County residents with easy, affordable access to information about their private well water that they would otherwise have to pay for,” said Justin Ball, chief of the Ground Water Quality Bureau.

What You Need to Know

To secure a free test, participants must follow specific collection protocols:

• Sample Size: At least one quart of water in a clean, odor-free glass or plastic container.
• Collection Method: Residents should let the water run for two to three minutes before filling the container.
• Pre-Filtration: If the home uses a filtration or softening system, the sample should be taken from the well head before it reaches those devices.
• Timing: Samples should be collected as close to the event start time as possible.

Why Testing Matters

The screening primarily targets pH levels and nitrates. While nitrates can occur naturally, they often leach into groundwater from septic systems, fertilizers, or animal waste. High concentrations are particularly hazardous to pregnant women and infants.

Officials recommend that participants bring any available data regarding their well’s depth, casing material, and proximity to the nearest septic leach field to help experts interpret the results.

Testing results will be mailed to households within two to three weeks. For those who miss the first 100-person cutoff or need more information, the Environment Department can be reached at 505-827-2900.