Berrien County
Conservation District
Well Water Screening
The Berrien County Conservation District and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance program (MAEAP) sponsor a free well water screening by appointment. Please call 269-471-9111 Ex 3 for an appointment time. Please bring water samples to the Berrien County Conservation District office at 3334 Edgewood Road, Berrien Springs.
Samples from drinking water wells will be screened only for nitrate and nitrite. The screening is open to everyone who uses a personal well for drinking water. Forms should be filled out in advance and are available at the Conservation District offices and at the links at the bottom of this page.
Nitrates/Nitrite
Swallowing water with high amounts of nitrate can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome.” This causes the skin around the eyes and mouth to turn a bluish color and can cause death if not addressed. The body can change nitrate into nitrite, limiting the ability of blood to carry oxygen. Infants younger than six months of age and pregnant women are more at risk of developing this condition.
