Drinking Water Quality Current Situation Abandoned wells are potential sources of direct contamination of the groundwater that supplies drinking water. Unplugged wells may be a safety hazard to children and animals. Mississippi law makes the landowner responsible for plugging wells and test holes.
Shock chlorination is a way to protect a private well from coliform, iron, and sulfur bacteria.
If someone in your family becomes ill and you suspect bacteria in your well water is the problem, contact your county health department to have your water tested. The Mississippi Underserved Forestry Landowner Program Situation Of Mississippi's 175,000 forestry landowners, an estimated 10 to 20 percent are minority farmers. These minority farmers are among the most underserved audiences in Mississippi. A primary consideration in working with these and other limited resource farmers is reaching them through traditional Extension programs. Historically, limited resource farmers are not as likely to take part in Extension educational programs.