Private Well Screening Events
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. Many people are unaware that these contaminants exist in their water because you cannot see, smell, or taste them.
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.
The Stearns Conservation District in partnership with the Minnesota Groundwater Association (MNGWA), Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO) and other supporting partners provide free nitrate and chloride water screenings for households that rely on private wells. Sign up to be on our private well screening mailing list to be notified of future private well screening events.
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Stearns Conservation District Tool Kit
This toolkit is a resource for Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation District employees to host a private well screening event. This Private Well Screening Toolkit will provide employees with tools, tips and tricks needed to successfully plan and execute a private well screening event. The materials developed from Stearns Conservation District's experience can be used by partners to conduct their own private well screening events and inform the public on the importance of their groundwater resources.
The development of this toolkit was partly funded through the Minnesota Association of Conservation District Employees (MACDE). By providing these materials to Minnesota Conservation Districts, this will increase their success on hosting a private well screening event and provide a consistent and concise message from all Conservation Districts.
