By the Closer Look Inspectors team · Facts checked October 8, 2026 against MDH, MPCA and EPA sources · About our inspectors
VOCs are organic chemicals found in fuels, solvents, degreasers, and paints. MDH groups petroleum products and industrial chemicals under this heading and suggests considering a VOC test if a well is near fuel tanks or a commercial or industrial area. Individual compounds such as benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene each carry their own health limit.
All the water tests we offer
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. Your lab report compares each result to these values.
Health standard: Varies by compound. EPA MCLs: benzene 0.005 mg/L, toluene 1 mg/L, ethylbenzene 0.7 mg/L, xylenes 10 mg/L, TCE 0.005 mg/L, PCE 0.005 mg/L, vinyl chloride 0.002 mg/L. MDH chronic guidance: benzene 3 µg/L, toluene 70 µg/L.
Where VOCs come from in Minnesota
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals. EPA lists sources of organic chemicals in private well water as inks, dyes, pesticides, paints, solvents, petroleum products, sealants, and disinfectants, and says they can enter groundwater and contaminate private wells through waste disposal, spills, and surface water runoff. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) treats VOCs as one of the chemical groups checked when petroleum has affected groundwater. MDH suggests considering a VOC test if a well is near fuel tanks or a commercial or industrial area.
Health effects of VOCs in drinking water
EPA says people who consume high levels of organic chemicals may suffer damage to the kidneys, liver, circulatory system, nervous system, and reproductive system. Which effects occur depends on the specific compound and the amount, which is why laboratory results are reported compound by compound. When MPCA evaluates petroleum-affected drinking water, it compares individual VOC results with MDH human-health-based water guidance values and, if several chemicals are present, assesses their combined effect. You cannot taste, smell, or see most contaminants, so a result in the lab report is the reliable way to judge a well.
When to test for VOCs
MDH lists volatile organic chemicals under 'consider testing for' when a private well is near fuel tanks or a commercial or industrial area. Home buyers can also ask about past fuel spills, old underground tanks, nearby industrial sites, or chemical storage on or near the property. Ask an accredited laboratory for a VOC analysis and sample-collection instructions, since these samples usually follow specific handling steps. MDH recommends using an accredited laboratory for well testing, and your county environmental or public health office may also be able to point you to testing options.
If your result is high: next steps and treatment
If a VOC is detected, compare each result with the MDH human-health-based guidance value for that compound and consider contacting MDH or MPCA, since the source may be a nearby release. MDH says to remove the source of contamination or switch to a safer water supply where possible. If that is not possible, home treatment may be appropriate. MDH's home treatment fact sheet includes VOCs among the contaminants some treatment technologies can reduce, and notes that what a unit removes depends on its filter media. Choose a unit certified for the compounds found, maintain it, and retest the treated water.
Facts checked October 2026 against: epa.gov, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Health, pca.state.mn.us.
VOC water testing in pictures
Minnesota private well testing timeline
| Test | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coliform bacteria | ||||||
| Nitrate | ||||||
| Arsenic | ||||||
| Lead |
Test again any time after flooding, after work on the well, or when the water's taste, color or smell changes, and always when you buy a home with a well.
How far a well must be from common hazards in Minnesota
- Building (closest projection)3 ft
- Lake, river, stream or pond35 ft
- Septic tank50 ft
- Drainfield (soil dispersal area)50 ft (100 ft sensitive well)
- Animal feedlot or building (over 1 animal unit)50 ft
- Cesspool or seepage pit75 ft (150 ft sensitive well)
- Unroofed feedlot, 300+ animal units100 ft
- Unprotected petroleum tank, 1,100+ gallons150 ft
Septic, feedlot or fuel tank near the well? A coliform and nitrate test shows whether it is reaching the water. Get a free instant quote
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
Quick answers
What are VOCs in well water?
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are a group of organic chemicals found in products such as paints, solvents, pesticides, and petroleum products. EPA notes they can reach private wells through waste disposal, spills, and runoff. A laboratory test is the only way to find out whether any are in your well.
Should I test my well for VOCs if there is a gas station nearby?
MDH says to consider testing for volatile organic chemicals if your well is near fuel tanks or a commercial or industrial area. A nearby station is a reasonable reason to ask an accredited laboratory for a VOC analysis. Results are compared with MDH health-based guidance values for each compound.
Can you taste or smell VOCs in drinking water?
Not reliably. MDH notes that most contaminants in well water cannot be tasted, smelled, or seen, so testing is the only way to know what is in the water. Do not rely on odor to rule out a problem, particularly after a nearby fuel spill or when buying a home.
How do you get rid of VOCs in well water?
MDH advises first removing the source of contamination or using a safer water supply. If that is not possible, home treatment may be appropriate, and some technologies can reduce VOCs depending on the filter media. Choose a certified unit, use a licensed plumber or water conditioning contractor, and retest after installation.
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