Keep Your Family Safe With Well Water Testing

Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Health

As a private well owner, you are responsible for regularly testing your well water used for cooking and drinking to make sure it is safe. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that private well owners test water from a faucet that is used for cooking and drinking to identify possible contaminants. For the safety of pregnant women and children under one year old, water testing becomes even more crucial!

Well water should be tested for:

• Coliform Bacteria – Every Year
• Nitrate – Every Year
• Arsenic – At Least Once
• Lead – At Least Once
• Manganese – At Least Once

Various organizations and local governments offer resources to test private wells and offset the costs of testing. A few resources for private well testing can be found below:

Well Testing, Results, and Options – MN Dept. of Health: The Minnesota Department of Health offers resources and guidance on how and where to get your private well tested.

Order Water Tests – Minnesota Well Owners Organization: The Minnesota Well Owners Organization offers well testing clinics across the state.

Free nitrate screenings available – Minnesota Corn Growers Association: This spring, Minnesota Corn is offering free nitrate screenings of well water, and additional water sources, to corn farmers. The screenings are an easy way to better understand water conditions and the potential for nutrient loss on your farm. If you are interested in submitting a sample for testing or have questions, please contact your MCGA District Field Manager. Free testing will be offered throughout the spring and early summer, and results are confidential.

Tap In – Safe Drinking Water for SE MN: Free testing is available for private well users in southeast Minnesota on a first come, first served basis while funding is available. Visit the Testing Services Page to find your options & local County contact  for more information.

Wells & Drinking Water – Dakota County: Dakota County offers a free test for private well users located within the county. Visit the link for more information on grant eligibility, application, and testing.

 

Accredited Labs in Minnesota:

MDH accredited laboratories in Minnesota accept samples from private well owners and are certified to test for arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, manganese, and/or nitrate. MDH reviews and updates their list of accredited labs each year.

See Laboratory Map