Well Water Testing
Water testing for Minnesota homes, above all those on a private well. An accredited laboratory tests the water for coliform bacteria and E. coli…
Well Water Testing in Minnesota
Water testing for Minnesota homes, above all those on a private well. An accredited laboratory tests the water for coliform bacteria and E. coli, nitrate, arsenic, lead, manganese, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), DRO (diesel range organics), iron, hardness, pH, fluoride, sulfate and uranium. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing a private well for coliform bacteria every year, nitrate every year, and arsenic and lead at least once.
MinnesotaDone thoroughly.
Water testing for Minnesota homes, above all those on a private well. An accredited laboratory tests the water for coliform bacteria and E. coli, nitrate, arsenic, lead, manganese, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), DRO (diesel range organics), iron, hardness, pH, fluoride, sulfate and uranium. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing a private well for coliform bacteria every year, nitrate every year, and arsenic and lead at least once.
A certified laboratory analyzes the water, and the report compares each result to the standards that apply.
Every water test at a glance
Bacteria
Shows whether surface water or waste is reaching the well.
- Surface contamination reaching the wellNone should be present (MDH)
- Fecal contamination from septic, manure or wildlifeNone should be present (MDH)
Health chemicals
No taste, color or smell. These are the long-term health checks.
- Fertilizer, septic and manure; highest risk to infants10 mg/L (EPA)
- Natural arsenic from Minnesota rock and soil10 µg/L (EPA)
- Lead service lines, solder and brass fixturesNo safe level (MDH)
- ManganeseNatural manganese; a concern for infants100 µg/L for infants (MDH guidance)
- FluorideNatural fluoride; dental health4.0 mg/L (EPA)
- UraniumNatural radionuclide in groundwater30 µg/L (EPA)
Petroleum & solvents
Fuel and chemical spills from old tanks or nearby sites.
Household quality
Staining, scale and taste, and choosing the right treatment.
- IronRusty staining and metallic taste0.3 mg/L, aesthetic (MDH)
- HardnessScale buildup; sizing a water softenerNo health standard
- pHCorrosive or scaling water6.5 to 8.5, aesthetic (EPA)
- SulfateTaste and odor; diarrhea risk for infants250 mg/L, aesthetic (EPA)
Limits from MDH, EPA and MPCA. Compare your lab results with these values.
Wells and water treatment equipment
Water testing in Minnesota: every test explained → · Water testing in Iowa: every test explained →
Minnesota private well testing timeline
| Test | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coliform bacteria | ||||||
| Nitrate | ||||||
| Arsenic | ||||||
| Lead |
When to test your water
- Every yearColiform bacteria and nitrate, the basic safety checks for a private well. Nitrate can come from fertilizer, septic systems and animal waste.
- At least onceArsenic and lead. Arsenic can differ even between neighboring wells.
- Before a baby drinks the waterColiform bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead and manganese. MDH recommends testing a private well for all five before a baby drinks the water.
- When you buy a homeA full baseline while you can still ask questions or negotiate.
- After flooding or well workFlooding and repairs to the well are reasons to test again.
- When taste, color or smell changesMDH says a change in taste, smell or look is a reason to test for coliform bacteria.
- Near a fuel tank or industrial siteVOCs, plus DRO for diesel and heating oil. MDH says to consider a VOC test if the well is near fuel tanks or a commercial or industrial area.
- City water in an older homeLead. MDH says homes built before 1940 may have lead service lines, and plumbing parts made before 1986 may contain lead.
Based on: MDH well testing, MDH coliform bacteria, MDH nitrate, MDH water for babies, MDH flood precautions, MDH lead.
How to get it done
- Choose your testsPick the water testing you need in the free instant quote.
- Pick a timeBook online. The quote takes about 30 seconds.
- Get certified lab resultsA certified laboratory analyzes the water and reports each result.
Buying a home with a well in Minnesota: the disclosure rules
- Before the purchase agreementThe seller discloses in writing every known well and whether it is in use, not in use or sealed.
- At closingA well disclosure certificate is signed, unless the deed says the seller knows of no wells.
- If a well was hiddenA seller who knew of an undisclosed well can owe the sealing cost and attorney fees if the buyer sues within six years.
The disclosure tells you a well exists, not what is in it. Add water testing to your inspection. Get a free instant quote
How long a private well lasts in Minnesota
Wells built before 1974, when Minnesota's well code began, are listed by MDH as higher risk for bacteria, along with leaking dug wells, wells in old frost pits and wells with corroded casings.
Wells built before 1974 often have no record on file. Test the water before you close. Get a free instant quote
Common questions.
Who needs well water testing?
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How often should a well be tested?
Is well water testing part of the home inspection?
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