SHOSHONE, Idaho (KLIX) – Officials in Lincoln County and South Central Public Health District say that 16 wells in the county will be retested.  

Several wells northwest of Shoshone began producing “green water,” and residents were urged to have well water tested before using. The wells previously were tested by the Idaho Department of Agriculture.

“We do not know the source or sources of the groundwater issues, but whether it is one source or 10, the groundwater is a serious concern and we need more information,” said SCPHD Director Rene LeBlanc. “I am sending our environmental health staff to Lincoln County to retest the 16 wells previously tested by ISDA.”

The wells identified for retesting are all within the advisory zone – an area of northwestern Lincoln County and northeastern Gooding County.

Map courtesy of Gooding and Lincoln counties and South Central Public Health District
Map courtesy of Gooding and Lincoln counties and South Central Public Health District
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Lincoln County Commissioner Cresley McConnell said he believes groundwater in the northwestern parts of Lincoln County may still have some issues.

I am sending our environmental health staff to Lincoln County," says SCPHD Director Rene LeBlanc, "to retest the 16 wells previously tested by ISDA.

“Residents in the advisory zone have been able to confirm the presence or absence of coliform and E.coli,” LeBlanc said. “However, no baseline bacterial count for most wells exists.”

The previous tests by the ISDA provide a baseline that will help determine whether suspected groundwater contamination is improving.

The tests will be processed by the Idaho Bureau of Labs, with results available sometime between March 15-18.

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