March 2003

Results Released for Migrant Farm Workers Private 
Well Survey

The Migrant Farm Workers Private Well Survey grew out of a proposed United States Geological Survey (USGS)/EPA pilot investigation for potential groundwater contamination in drinking water wells serving the migrant population in Florida. Using funds from the EPA Water Pollution Control Grant, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) designed an Environmental Justice project based on the USGS/EPA proposal. The FDEP in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health initiated a sampling directive to test potable wells serving migrant workers in three large farm worker counties: Desoto, Hendry, and Palm Beach.

A total of 123 migrant facilities were identified for the study: 46 in Desoto County, 39 in Hendry County, and 38 in Palm Beach County. One hundred and eighteen samples were collected at 108 potable wells serving 85 of the facilities. The water samples were analyzed for 98 pesticides or pesticide metabolites, as well as nitrate and nitrite. The results of the analyses were compared to EPA Drinking Water Standards (DWS) because in Florida the Drinking Water Standards are the Ground Water Standards. Out of the 118 samples analyzed, none were above the DWSs for pesticides or pesticide metabolites. Only two samples demonstrated exceedances over DSWs, and these were for total nitrate + nitrite (29 ppm versus DWS of 10 ppm). Twenty-four percent of the wells sampled were greater than 1,000 feet from agricultural land use, and 3.8 percent of these samples had detections for at least one chemical. The remainder of the well samples (76 percent) were within 1,000 feet of agricultural land use, and 13.4 percent of these samples had detections for at least one chemical. Although the results portray an environment of minimal risk, several of the counties have asked for continuance of the project and additional counties may also participate. (Florida Pesticide Review Council notes of 2/13/03 meeting).

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