As a private well owner, it is your responsibility to get your water tested for nitrates, arsenic, and other contaminants. Nitrates are the most common contaminant in Minnesota’s groundwater. Since you can’t taste it or see it, many people are not aware it is in their drinking water.
Join us on Wednesday, October 23 from 1PM-6PM at the Brooten Pavilion to test your well water for nitrate and chloride at no cost. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Complete the registration form.
At a minimum, private wells should be tested annually for coliform bacteria and every other year for nitrate. If nitrate has previously been detected at a rate greater than 3 parts per million, the well should be tested for nitrate every year. Every private well should be tested at least once during the life of the well to determine if arsenic is present in the water, and at what levels.
How to participate:
1. Find a clean sample container that can hold at least 1 quart of water. Collect the water sample on the day of the event from the cold-water side of your kitchen faucet.
2. Use a permanent marker to label your container with your first and last name. If you have more than one sample, add an identifier like Sample #1 and Sample #2.
3. Collect a minimum of 1 quart of water in the container.
4. If you have water treatment equipment installed (other than a water softener which has no effect on nitrate levels), we recommend taking a sample “before” and “after” to help you determine if your treatment equipment is working properly.
5. Bring your water sample to the Brooten Pavilion between the hours of 1:00PM - 6:00PM on Wednesday, October 23. If you can't make the event, then you can drop off your water sample before the event after 7:00AM. There will be a staff person on site at the Brooten Pavilion to assist. If you are dropping off a water sample, there will be short registration form that will need to be filled out so we can contact you with the results. Results will be sent the following week by email.
6. If you are attending the event, once you arrive, a short registration form will need to be filled out. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Complete the registration form. Your sample will be transferred into one of our leakproof containers. If you can, bring a picture of your well and treatment system, it will help us advise you on water quality issues that may show up in the screening.
7. Your sample will be analyzed while you wait.
8. Once your sample is processed, one of our team of consultants will visit with you about your results.
This event is in coordination with the Minnesota Well Owners Organization, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Groundwater Association, Traut Wells, Pope, Stearns, Kandiyohi, and Wright Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Stearns County Environmental Services and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Funding comes from the North Fork Crow River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.
For more information about the event, contact the Stearns County SWCD at (320) 251-7800 ext. 3 or visit www.StearnsCountySWCD.net/privatewell
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