Free Water Testing Kits Available

Free Water Testing Kits at Wabasha SWCD

Thousands of residents in Southeast Minnesota rely on private wells for drinking water. As a private well user, you are responsible for testing your water, protecting your water quality, and maintaining your well system. In an effort to encourage regular water testing, we have a limited supply of free water testing kits available. 

These kits test for:

  • Nitrate/Nitrite
  • Chloride
  • Sulfate
  • Chloride
  • Arsenic
  • Manganese

If you are in need of a water testing kit, please call our office for availability at 651-560-2053. Due to demand, we will not hold kits for more than one week. Thank you for your understanding. 

Below is a table from the Minnesota Department of Health with recommended testing frequency for different contaminants. 

Contaminant How Often a Well Should be Tested Health Impacts
Coliform Bacteria Every year 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.
Nitrate Every year 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.
Arsenic At least once 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 At least once 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 At least once before a baby drinks the water Manganese can cause problems with memory, attention, and motor skills. It can also cause learning and behavior problems in infants and children.