The University of New Hampshire, in conjunctions with The University of Maine and the National Science Foundation, is seeking Rochester residents to participate in a free water testing research project. The free tests will analyze drinking water samples to determine levels of lead in homes on municipal and private well water. Lead and other contaminants can enter drinking water through the corrosion of pipes and plumbing fixtures. All participants will receive a detailed report of their sample and be provided resources to mitigate any findings from the testing.
You can contact the organizers of the initative at WildcatWQ@gmail.com.
How to Participate
Drop boxes that include all materials for the sample collection are set up at the locations listed below and can be found near the main entrance. Once you arrive at a drop box, follow the instructions on the box to pick up a sampling packet. Bring the sampling packet home and follow the provided instructions to collect your drinking water sample. Once you have collected your sample and completed all packet materials, either return your packet to any of the drop box locations or mail it to our UNH lab using the pre-paid envelope provided. You will receive the lead analysis results of your sample by the end of September. Sample collection will take place August 6 through 18. The project may be extended at researchers’ discretion.
If you are interested in collecting samples from multiple locations, you may take one packet per location you plan to sample. Each participant only needs to complete one consent form, one pre-contest survey, and one post-contest survey however, a sample information sheet must be completed for each submitted sample.
Drop Box Locations
Walmart - 116 Farmington Rd, Rochester, NH
Hannaford- 290 N Main St, Rochester, NH
Lilac Mall - 5 Milton Rd, Rochester, NH
Rochester Public Library - 65 South Main St, Rochester, NH
Rochester Community Center - 150 Wakefield St, Rochester, NH
Spread the Word and Win a Prize
We will be running two prize contests to incentivize participation. The winner of each scheme will receive a cash prize of $200. The contests include:
- The participant who recruits the most participants
- The participant who collects the most samples from unique addresses that have not yet been sampled for this project
Contest Rules:
In order to be eligible to win one of the contests, participants must do the following:
- Submit samples from locations that have not yet been sampled for this project
- Submit samples from Rochester, NH residences ONLY
- Complete all sampling packet materials (consent form, pre-contest survey, and sample information sheet (one per sample))
- Complete a post-contest survey which will be sent to the participant once UNH has received their sample(s)
