Are you one of the many Columbiana County residents who’ve been worried about your water quality since the East Palestine train derailment? If so, here’s your chance to take action. The Expanded Potable Water Sampling Program is reopening its application period, offering a lifeline to those who missed out on testing their water before. But here’s where it gets crucial: the program kicks off on Thursday, January 1, and applications must be submitted to the Columbiana County Health District by January 31—no exceptions.
This initiative is specifically designed for residents whose private drinking water wells are located in Columbiana County but fall outside the current priority zones for the derailment response. And this is the part most people miss: your well must be fully functional, capable of drawing water from the ground to a spigot, to qualify.
Here’s how to apply: You can download the application form directly from the Columbiana County Health District’s website here, or pick one up in person during their regular business hours.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While this program aims to address lingering concerns about water safety, it’s limited to those outside the priority zones. Does this mean residents in those zones are left in the dark? Or is this a practical step toward broader water safety? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Whether you’re a homeowner worried about your family’s health or simply someone passionate about environmental safety, this program is a step in the right direction. Don’t miss your chance to participate—apply now and take control of your water quality.
Thought-provoking question: Should water testing programs like this be expanded to include all affected areas, or is it reasonable to prioritize based on location? Let us know what you think!
