The five Sevier County Rotary Clubs are joining hands to extend efforts begun in 2007 to provide safe drinking water from the 20,000 wells throughout the county. Recent sample testing of well water throughout the county revealed 50% tested positive for bacteria.

In cooperation with Alan Bruhin, Agent for the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, Rotarians made a commitment to provide well testing for 250 households in the county. Tests evaluate the water for coliform and E-coli bacteria, which are not directly harmful, but indicate of the presence of harmful pathogens.

Countywide distribution of test kits will take place Thursday, June 19, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the following locations: Gatlinburg Boys and Girls Club; Pigeon Forge Community Center; Sevierville Civic Center; and Seymour United Methodist Church.

Instructions in the kits must be read and followed regarding obtaining a water sample and where and when to turn in the sample. Cost of the test kit is $5. Test results are mailed directly to residents.

Additional goals of the project include creating public awareness of this critical issue, follow-up testing, teaching proper well maintenance and shock treatment procedures, and other remediation procedures.

Actual costs for one test can be as high as $85. To fund the expenses of the effort, the Rotary Clubs contributed $500 each in 2007. This year the clubs are increasing their contributions to $1000 each. The clubs also received a matching grant from the Rotary District 6780 Simplified Grants Program. Clubs participating in this project include the Seymour Breakfast, Sevierville Sunrise, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Rotary Clubs. Rotarians will assist with manpower and promotion aspects of the program, handling many of the logistics required.

Additional information is available by calling the agricultural extension office at 453-3695.