Nitrate Testing in Private Wells
Nitrate-nitrogen (referred to as nitrate) is a common contaminant found in m
What are the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs)?
RRTs are multi-agency, multi-disciplinary team
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If you are sending a sample to a certified lab, follow instructions provided by the lab. The instructions below are for collecting a sample to take to your local SWCD or county Environmental Services office or to a local nitrate testing clinic.
To take your sample, run your cold water tap for five to ten minutes then collect about one cup of water in a plastic baggie (double bag) or clean jar. Keep the water cool until arrival. You can collect the water anytime within one day of the nitrate analysis.
How do I collect a sample for nitrate analysis?
If you are sending a sample to a certified lab, follow instructions provided by the lab. The instructions below are for collecting a sample to take to your local SWCD or county Environmental Services office or to a local nitrate testing clinic.
To take your sample, run your cold water tap for five to ten minutes then collect about one cup of water in a plastic baggie (double bag) or clean jar. Keep the water cool until arrival. You can collect the water anytime within one day of the nitrate analysis.
No. However, you may be asked to fill out a voluntary survey, but it is not required. The MDA does not record well owner information or results of individual water analyses.
Do I have to give out any personal information to receive a free test?
No. However, you may be asked to fill out a voluntary survey, but it is not required. The MDA does not record well owner information or results of individual water analyses.
Yes. Extra samples are free too. You are encouraged to test all the wells on your property (house, barn, irrigation, etc.). Also, you may collect neighbors’ or relatives’ samples and bring them in for analysis. If you have a water treatment unit that reduces or removes nitrate such as a reverse osmosis unit or a distiller, feel free to collect a sample before treatment and after treatment to ensure the treatment system is working properly. It is not necessary to collect a sample from before and after a water softener. A softener does not reduce nitrate, and the nitrate result will be the same before and after treatment.
