Private Well Screening Event
*Complete the registration form HERE
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.
Join us on Wednesday, August 27th at the Stearns County Fairgrounds Community Connection Building (1105 Ash St S, Sauk Centre, MN 56378) to test your well water for nitrate and chloride at no cost. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.
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 County SWCD in partnership with the Minnesota Groundwater Association (MNGWA), Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO) and other supporting partners (see below) 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.
Event Information
Date
Wednesday, August 27
Time
1:00PM - 6:00PM
Location
Stearns County Fairgrounds Community Connection Building (1105 Ash St S, Sauk Centre, MN 56378)
Cost
Free
*Registration
Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Complete the registration form.
Arsenic Testing Opportunity
Discounted arsenic tests will be available to purchase on site for $20 through Traut Companies during the event.
Contact
Stearns Conservation District
320-251-7800 ext.3
Stearns County Fairgrounds Community Connection Building Map
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 containers accordingly).
5. Bring your water sample to the Stearns County Fairgrounds Community Connection Building in Sauk Centre between the hours of 1:00PM - 6:00PM on Wednesday, August 27th.
6. *If you can't make the event, you can drop off your water sample at the Sauk River Watershed District office (642 Lincoln Rd, Sauk Centre, MN 56378) between 7:00AM and 12:00PM. There will be a staff person on site to assist with sampling collection. Results will be sent 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. Your sample will be transferred into one of our leakproof containers. Once the water has been poured off, keep the remaining amount if you are interested in purchasing a discounted arsenic test for $20 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.
Resources:
MN Department of Agriculture: www.mda.state.mn.us/water-testing-nitrate
MN Department of Health (nitrates): www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/nitrate.html
MN Department of Health (water quality/well testing/well disinfection): www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/index.html
Well Owner's Handbook - A Consumer's Guide to Water Wells in Minnesota: www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/docs/wells/construction/handbook.pdf
Partners:
