Minnesota State Wire

Residents in Mille Lacs County and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to test their private well water for free at a clinic organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The event is a partnership between the MDA, the Minnesota Well Owners Organization, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

Nitrate contamination is a significant concern for drinking water in rural areas of Minnesota. According to federal health guidelines, water with nitrate levels above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) is unsafe for consumption. High nitrate levels are particularly dangerous for infants and pregnant women. The problem tends to be more common in agricultural regions with certain soil types or geology, such as sandy soils or fractured bedrock. Older or shallow wells are at greater risk.

In 2024, testing conducted at MDA clinics on over 2,400 private wells found that 6% had nitrate concentrations above the federal limit. Additionally, about 4% of newly constructed wells had nitrate concentrations above 3 mg/L—a level considered an early warning sign of human-caused contamination that could increase over time.

The Minnesota Department of Health advises all private well owners to test their water annually for nitrates and other contaminants. While municipal water supplies undergo regular testing and treatment, private well owners must ensure their own water safety.

The upcoming clinic will provide confidential testing with immediate results and personalized advice for participants at no cost. Residents are instructed to run their cold tap for five to ten minutes before collecting at least one cup of water in a clean container. Samples should be kept cool until they are brought to the clinic during its open hours.

The Mille Lacs County Well Water Testing Clinic will take place on Thursday, October 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Baadwewidang Community Center located at 43500 Virgo Road in Onamia.

"Testing your water is quick, easy, and confidential," event organizers stated.