By Scout Nelson
Residents living in and around Martin County have an important opportunity to check the safety of their private water. A free, one-day nitrate testing clinic is being offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to help families learn whether their drinking water meets health standards. This clinic is designed to protect households that rely on private wells, which are not monitored by municipal systems.
Nitrate contamination is a growing concern in rural Minnesota. It is colorless, odorless, and flavorless, making it impossible to detect without proper testing. High nitrate levels can pose serious health risks, especially for infants and pregnant women. According to federal guidelines, water containing more than 10 mg/L of nitrate is considered unsafe to drink.
Nitrate levels tend to be higher in agricultural regions with sandy soils, karst landscapes, or fractured bedrock. Older, shallow, or damaged wells are also more likely to have contamination. Recent MDA clinic data from 2024 showed that out of more than 2,400 wells tested, 6% had nitrate levels above the safe limit.
Even newly constructed wells may show early warning signs, with about 4% reporting readings above 3 mg/L. This indicates that human activity may already be influencing the water source.
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that private well owners test their water at least once a year for nitrate and other contaminants. While city water supplies are regularly tested and treated, private well owners are fully responsible for ensuring their own water safety.
The testing process is simple and confidential. Residents only need to run cold tap water for several minutes, collect a clean sample in a sealed container, keep it cool, and bring it to the clinic during opening hours. Participants will receive immediate results along with personalized guidance to help them understand their water quality and next steps.
The free Martin County Well Water Testing Clinic will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Event Center, 920 E 10th St, Fairmont, MN 56031. This event offers a convenient way for families to stay informed and protect their health by understanding what is in their water.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zms
Categories: Minnesota, Energy, General