PRIVATE WELL CLINIC | Stearns Conservation District

Private Well Water Screening Clinic 2026

Complete the Pre-Registration Form:

As a private well owner, it is your responsibility to get your water tested for nitrates, arsenic, and other contaminants. Many people are unaware that these contaminants exist in their water because you cannot see, smell, or taste them. Some of these contaminants can cause immediate and long-term health effects.

Find out whats in your water! Join us on Wednesday, September 2nd at the Paynesville American Legion (770 Diekmann Dr Paynesville, MN 56362) to screen your well water for nitrate and chloride at no cost. Pre-registration for the event is strongly encouraged, but not required.

At a minimum, private wells should be tested annually for coliform bacteria and every other year for nitrate. Nitrates are the most common contaminant in Minnesota’s groundwater. 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 for arsenic at least once during the life of the well to determine if arsenic is present in the water, and at what levels. Discounted arsenic tests will be available to purchase on site at the event for $25 through Traut Companies.

You can sign up to be on our private well screening mailing list to be notified of future private well screening events near you. Sign up HERE (select private well clinics for subscription topic).

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, September 2nd

Time: 1:00PM - 6:00PM

Location: Paynesville American Legion (770 Diekmann Dr, Paynesville, MN 56362)

Cost: Free

*Registration: Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Complete the registration form HERE.

Arsenic Testing Opportunity: Discounted arsenic tests will be available to purchase on site for $25 through Traut Companies during the event.

Contact: Stearns Conservation District (320-251-7800 ext.3)

Partners:

How to Participate

1. Find a clean sample container that can hold at least 1 quart of water. Do not use plastic bags as containers. Collect the water sample less than 24 hours before 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. Label the containers accordingly.

5. Bring your water sample to the American Legion in Paynesville between the hours of 1:00PM - 6:00PM on Wednesday, September 2nd.

6. *If you can't make the event, you can drop off your water sample at the Paynesville American Legion (770 Diekmann Dr, Paynesville, MN 56362) between 7:00AM and 12:00PM. There will be a staff person on site to assist with sample collection. Results will be sent to you via email.

7. 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 HERE. Your sample will be transferred into one of our leakproof containers. Once the water has been poured off, keep the remaining amount until you have the results from the screening in the event that it gets spilled. You should also keep your remaining water if you are interested in purchasing a discounted arsenic test for $25 through Traut Companies during the event. 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.

8. Your sample will be analyzed while you wait.

9. Groundwater experts will be available for free consultations on concerns you may have about your well and drinking water.