Testing kits are available for pick up at spring special waste collections. 

Sampling well water can be tricky because water samples are time sensitive and labs are a good drive away. This spring, you can pick up well water testing kits at special waste collection events and sign up for a time to drop off samples locally. 

• April 27, 2024, 8am ­­- 12pm. Watertown Township shed at 3580 Co. Rd. 10 N. Watertown.  
• May 18, 2024, 8am - 12pm. Carver County Public Works at 11360 US Hwy 212, Cologne.

• Visit the well water testing booth at the event.
• Learn how, when, and what to sample.
• Pick up a test kit to take home. 

Drop off your sample

• Water samples are time sensitive. Samples must be collected within 24 hours of lab analysis to allow for accurate results. 
• Each kit pick up day has a coordinated sample drop off day.
• Collect your sample the morning of your drop off day for best results. 
• Drop the sample off with RMB lab staff on dates listed below.  
• Drop off days.
  • May 1, 2024, at Watertown Township shed 3580 Co. Rd. 10 N. Watertown.
    • 8am to 11am.
  • May 22, 2024, at Carver County Public Works 11360 US Hwy 212, Cologne.
    • 8am to 11am.

• Pay lab fee for water sample analysis. Cash or check only. Costs shown in test kit directions. 

When and what to sample

It is important to test well water to protect the health of you and your family.

• Test every year for E. Coli bacteria and nitrate.
• Test once for arsenic, manganese, and lead. 

You cannot see, taste, or smell many contaminants in groundwater. So, testing your well water is the only way to detect them. At minimum, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends sampling for the following 5 contaminants described below. Visit Minnesota Department of Health Water Quality and Testing for this and more information.

• Coliform bacteria can indicate that other infectious bacteria, viruses, or parasites may be in your water. These may cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, and fatigue.
  
  
• Consuming too much nitrate can affect how blood carries oxygen and can cause blue baby syndrome. Bottle-fed babies under six months old are at the highest risk of being affected by nitrate. Blue baby syndrome can result in serious illness or death.

• Consuming water with even low levels of arsenic over a long time is associated with diabetes and increased risk of cancers of the bladder, lungs, liver, and other organs. Ingesting arsenic can also contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory disease; reduced intelligence in children; and skin problems such as lesions, discoloration, and the development of corns. Health impacts of arsenic may take many years to develop.
  
  
• Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Lead can also slow development or cause learning, behavior, and hearing problems. While lead can affect everyone, babies, children under six years old, and pregnant women are at the highest health risks from lead.
  
  
• Manganese can cause problems with memory, attention, and motor skills. It can also cause learning and behavior problems in infants and children.