KINGSTON, R.I. – June 30, 2026 – In Rhode Island, private well owners are responsible for testing and maintaining the quality of their own well water.

To provide residents with information on private well water testing, treatment, and maintenance, research associate Lisa Hollister with the University of Rhode Island’s Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program and private well specialist Shannon Nakama with the Rhode Island Department of Health Private Wells Program will hold a free program on Thursday, July 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Cross’ Mills Public Library, 4417 Old Post Road, in Charlestown. 

This program is held in partnership with the Charlestown Conservation Commission and the Cross’ Mills Public Library. Attendees will learn about well maintenance and protection, the importance of regular well water testing, and resources available to interpret results.

According to Shirley Griffin, acting chair of the Charlestown Conservation Commission: “The Charlestown Conservation Commission considers our water quality to be of the utmost importance to homeowners throughout Charlestown, as well as our neighboring towns.  Charlestown is completely reliant on well water, and therefore, the care we take of our well water not only affects our own health but those of our neighbors, ponds and ocean.”

“Workshop participants will learn about substances that can affect well water, why they are a concern, how to arrange for a well water test, and well water treatment options,” says Hollister. “Following the well testing schedule developed by the Rhode Island Department of Health helps private well owners protect their families and identify any potential problems. We will review what to test for and when, where to test, and discuss some basic well maintenance tips.”

Attendees can also order a private well water test kit from the RIDOH State Health Laboratory and pick up the test kit at the library on July 29 or 30. Orders must be received by July 27 to ensure kits are available. Interested homeowners are invited to return their water sample to the library a week later, when URI staff will be available to bring the sample with a completed order form and test fee to the State Health Laboratory in Providence. Attendance at the workshop is not required to order a test kit. Questions? Please email safewater@uri.edu or shannon.nakama@health.ri.gov.

To register for the workshop, call the Cross’ Mills Public Library at (401) 364-6211. If you have additional questions, contact (401) 874-5398. To get on the email list for URI Cooperative Extension programs, visit uri.edu/coopext/ and click on “join our mailing list.”