Water Testing Available for Drinking Water

Some private well owners in Southeastern Minnesota can now receive free water testing kits and analysis. They also have an opportunity to apply for funding assistance to fix contamination issues with their water through the TAP-IN Safe Drinking Water Program. Water test kits and funding will be prioritized to participants who have a financial hardship or if pregnant women or infants under the age of one live in their homes. If you don’t qualify for a free test, you can purchase a water test kit from our SWCD office in Goodhue, or directly from the Olmsted County Lab

The karst landscape in Southeastern Minnesota has many sinkholes, springs, caves, and other features that make it easy for contaminants to get into the groundwater. Well owners should test their water regularly to ensure its safety.

Why test well water?

Nitrates: High nitrate levels in drinking water can be dangerous, especially for babies and pregnant people. Nitrate can enter water from fertilizers and waste. Well owners should test their water for nitrate every year.

Coliform bacteria: This bacterium indicates that water might be contaminated by sewage, animals, or surface water, which could mean other harmful germs are present. Test for coliform bacteria every year.

Arsenic: This is found naturally in soil and rocks but can dissolve into water and cause serious health problems. Test for arsenic at least once.

Manganese: Small amounts are okay, but too much can cause problems with memory and learning, especially for kids. Households with children should test for manganese at least once.

Lead: Lead can get into water from old pipes and affect development in children, and cause health problems in adults. Test for lead at least once, especially in households with infants.

If your test results come back high, well owners can apply for financial assistance to help offset the costs of remediation.

To apply for the TAP-IN program, participants need to:

1. Use a private well for drinking water. Homeowners and renters in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha & Winona counties can apply.

2. Have a certified lab test showing the well is contaminated. The test must be from the last three years.

3. Meet priority eligibility requirements. Participants may get extra assistance if they have a financial hardship or if pregnant women or infants under the age of one live in their homes.

4. Consult a licensed professional for a plan and cost estimate to fix the well. Participants should consult a licensed well driller, licensed pump installed, or water treatment professional. Any work done on the well prior to approval from the local county office will not be reimbursed.

5. Use the online form to submit the application, project plan, and lab test report to a local county office or SWCD.

Note: If you are or have participated in the MDA Township Testing program and you had elevated nitrate levels, MDA has attempted to reach out to you asking about your interest in reverse osmosis systems. If you feel you havent been notified, please call our SWCD office and let us know.