Private Well Screening Event (August 27th)

The Stearns Conservation District (SCD) will be hosting a private well screening event on Wednesday, August 27th from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event is free to the public and will be held at the Stearns County Fairgrounds Community Connection Building in Sauk Centre (1105 Ash St S, Sauk Centre, MN 56378). Pre-registration for the event is strongly encouraged. Complete the form at StearnsCD.org/PrivateWell before the event.

During the event, water samples will be screened for nitrates and chlorides, both of which are common contaminants in Minnesota’s groundwater. Discounted arsenic tests will also be available to purchase on site for $20 through Traut Companies. Many people are unaware that these contaminants exist in their water because you cannot see, smell, or taste them. Private well users are responsible for making sure their water is safe from these contaminants.

Nitrates and chlorides can enter the environment both naturally and through human activity. Naturally, nitrates are added to the environment through decomposition of plant and animal waste. Fertilizer (agricultural and residential), feedlot, barnyard, and septic system runoff also contribute to an increase in groundwater nitrates. Chlorides enter the environment naturally through rocks and soil. They are also added through deicing salts applied to roads and sidewalks, water softener discharge, and fertilizers.

“Nitrates, chlorides, and other nutrients are easily moved through the soil profile with water. This year’s significant rain events help flush these excess nutrients down into the water table especially in sandy soils,” said SCD Administrator John Maile.

Contaminants such as nitrates can cause immediate and long-term health effects.

Those specifically at high risk are infants under six months old, pregnant women, people with reduced stomach acidity, and those with certain blood disorders. These people are more susceptible to nitrate induced methemoglobinemia.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), it is recommended to have your well water tested annually to ensure it is safe from nitrates and bacteria. Important efforts like managing the nitrate sources near your well, receiving a compliance inspection on your sewage treatment system, and consistently pumping your septic tanks will all help keep your water safe from contaminants.

“This is a great opportunity to have your private well tested and ensure you and your family are drinking safe and healthy water,” stated SCD Administrator John Maile.

Nitrate and Chloride Private Well Water Screening Event Information:

Date: Wednesday, August 27th

Time: 1:00PM – 6:00PM

Location: Stearns County Fairgrounds Community Connection Building

(1105 Ash St S, Sauk Centre, MN 56378)

• In a clean container, collect 1 quart of water from the cold side of the kitchen faucet. Collect the sample less than 24 hours before the event. 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. If your household uses water treatment equipment other than a water softener, it is recommended that you take a sample before and after the treatment to help determine if the system is working properly and then label the containers accordingly. If possible, take pictures of your water treatment equipment to bring to the event. Groundwater experts will be available for free consultations on concerns you may have about your well and drinking water.

• If you cannot make it to the event, you can drop off water samples on Wednesday, August 27th from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sauk River Watershed District office (642 Lincoln Rd, Sauk Centre, MN 56378). There will be a staff member assisting with sample drop-off and labeling. Screening results will be sent via email.

This event is in coordination with the Stearns Conservation District, Sauk River Watershed Collaborative, Sauk River Watershed District, Pope and Todd Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, Minnesota Well Owners Organization, Minnesota Groundwater Association, Traut Companies, and MN Rural Water Association.

Don’t forget to pre-register for the event at the link StearnsCD.org/PrivateWell. Pre-registration is optional but strongly encouraged! For more information about the event, contact the Stearns Conservation District at (320) 251-7800 ext. 3.

Last Year's (2024) Private Well Screening Clinic in Holdingford