Water Well Testing

Private water wells should be tested routinely to ensure safe drinking water. It is wise to test well water anytime the water changes in taste, odor, or appearance. Wells should be tested at least once a year for "total coliform bacteria". These bacteria do not usually cause disease themselves, but their presence indicates that surface contamination has found its way into the well and disease organisms may also be present. Wells should be tested every two (2) years for Nitrate. Nitrate occurs naturally in the soil and can be found in high concentrations in wells. Infants, nursing mothers and the elderly, should not consume well water contaminated with nitrate.

Well test kits can be picked up at the Wilkin County Environmental Office. The kits are free but the cost to test for these contaminates range from $13 - $22.