Recent flooding has prompted supervisors in Pulaski and Wilmington townships to arrange for residents to have their drinking-water tested for bacterial contamination.

Most residents there have well water, and Pulaski Township Supervisor Chairman Dr. Lewis Grell said at least one homeowner's well water was privately tested and returned positive results for coliform bacteria.

The presence of the bacteria in water can indicate the presence of fecal matter.

"The reason we set up the program is because some septic systems in the area aren't working properly," he said. "We felt with all the rain water we received, it was prudent to make a program available to residents to have their water tested for contaminants in wells and springs."

Microbac Labatories, New Castle, will test the water at a discounted rate. Rates for residents affected by the recent storms will be $10 a sample; normal rates for a coliform bacteria test are $20 per sample.

Grell said the price reduction was a direct result of the emergency situation in the county.

Samples with positive results will undergo fecal confirmations.

Three locations are available for pickup of sampling bags: Pulaski and Wilmington Township offices and Microbac, 147 Microbac Lane, New Castle.

Residents confined to their homes may contact Microbac at 724-654-4212 to schedule a pickup.