HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service will offer free bacteria screenings for private water well owners in Marshall County during an upcoming free program.

Approved sample containers along with sampling instructions can be picked up weekdays between Feb. 8 and 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MSU Extension office in Marshall County, located at 120 South Spring Street in Holly Springs.

Participants should drop off samples by Feb. 22 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Samples will be screened for total coliform and E. coli bacteria.

A free educational workshop will be offered Feb. 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Workshop topics include groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance, water quality and water treatment. Workshop attendance is not required to submit a water sample.

Sample screening and the workshop are offered through Extension’s Mississippi Well Owner Network program. The program teaches private well owners about groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance, water quality and water treatment.

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation or other information, contact the Extension office at 662-252-3541.