Minnesota law requires all water wells to be tested for coliform bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic when they’re first constructed. Beyond the initial test, private well owners in the state are responsible for their own well water testing and can choose when to have it tested for contaminants. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends testing at specific intervals based on different factors.

When To Perform Water Testing

Water tests determine your drinking water’s quality in terms of disease-causing chemicals and germs, but owners should consider several details when deciding when to perform tests. In general, homeowners with wells should at least collect water to test for total coliform bacteria once a year and nitrates every three years. Coliform bacteria encompasses any microbes found in the soil, plants, surface water, and digestive systems of warm-blooded animals. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also suggests testing anytime the taste of the water changes since this could indicate new microbes or metals have been introduced to your supply. 

Well owners can also test for traces of minerals such as lead and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are industrial and fuel-related chemicals, or radon, a naturally occurring gas that can show up in groundwater. Circumstances can also impact how frequent testing should be performed. For instance, wells less than 50 feet deep or old wells can experience varying water quality after events such as rainfall or the melting of snow.

Recent septic tank malfunctions and a history of contamination are also reasons to seek testing. Homeowners with shallow or old wells should perform tests more frequently than those with newer or deeper wells.

How to Perform Water Testing

Well owners must collect the samples themselves or hire someone to do it. The sample should only be sent to a certified laboratory that specializes in drinking water since not all water service labs test drinking water. Water testing is available through the county health agencies and private laboratories.

A listing of certified labs is available online at the MDH Certified Environmental Laboratory website. Contact the lab and ask in what type of container and method they’d like the sample delivered. Some laboratories will send a collective container with instructions.

Well owners in or near New Prague, MN, can rely on Hartmann Well Drilling & Service LLP for well water testing services. They will test for harmful bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, lead, and other contaminants. The third-generation family-owned and operated company has served residents for almost 90 years and specializes in well drilling and other well services. Call (952) 758-2202 to request information or visit them online to learn more about their testing services.