Weld County offers free soil lead testing at Greeley Farmers’ Market

Published on April 16, 2025

Is there lead in your soil?

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment’s (WCDPHE) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is inviting residents to find out for free during a SoilSHOP (Soil Screening, Health, Outreach, and Partnership) event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Greeley Farmers’ Market at Zoe’s Café and Events, 715 10th St., Greeley.

SoilSHOPs are community events that provide on-the-spot soil screening for lead, along with educational resources and expert guidance. Lead is a toxic metal that may be found in soil due to old lead-based paint, past use of leaded gasoline or other industrial activity. Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can affect development, behavior and overall health.

“This event is an easy way for families to identify potential lead exposure risks in their own backyards,” said Cassie Theisen, Weld County Environmental Health Specialist. “Testing your soil is a simple but important way to protect your child’s health.”

Residents are encouraged to bring soil samples from garden beds, yards or play areas in sealed plastic bags. The soil must be completely dry to be tested. Up to three samples per person can be screened at no cost, with immediate results provided on-site.

More information about the event, including instructions for collecting and preparing soil samples, is available at www.weld.gov/go/lead.