Water Tests
Well Water Testing Services
Private well water users should test their water regularly to ensure clean water. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends well users test their water annually for coliform bacteria, and every other year for nitrates. If there is a new infant in the home, the water should also be tested for nitrates. The Department of Public Health and Environment provides well water testing services to county residents for a modest fee. To order a test kit, call or email the department. All water to be tested must be in the container provided.
Regular Water Test Fees
All fees are subject to change. The following fees must be paid when you submit your sample to the department.
| Test | Fee |
|---|---|
| Arsenic (Test requires its own bag, call for additional bags.) | $44* |
| Coliform Bacteria Re-Test | $22 |
| Fluoride | $37 |
| Hardness | $54* |
| Iron | $37 |
| Iron Bacteria | $55 |
| Lead | $44** |
| Sodium | $37* |
| Sulfate | $35 |
| Total Coliform Bacteria and Nitrate - Nitrogen (basic test for drinking quality) | $44 |
** This test requires a special sampling container.
Special Water Test Fees for PFCs and VOCs
New! In response to the EPA Health Advisory for PFOS and PFOA, MDH and MPCA will be sampling 400-500 private wells in southern Washington County in the Fall of 2016.
Due to high volumes of PFC testing at the MDH lab, the county is suspending PFC testing until further notice. For more information on MDH’s response, please see this website.
You can also view this interactive map to see if you may be in a priority sampling area.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (including trichloroethylene or TCE) is still currently available.