Free Well Water Testing May 31st

The Beltrami County Environmental Services Department and Soil & Water
Conservation District (SWCD), in partnership with the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture (MDA), will offer a free nitrate
water-testing clinic at the Frohn Town Hall this Thursday May 31 from
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The Frohn town hall is located at 8769 Roosevelt RD
SE (about 4 miles east of Bemidji).

Nitrates are the most common contaminants in Minnesota's groundwater,
and in some areas of the state a significant number of wells have high
nitrate levels. With that in mind, experts recommend that private
well owners who get their drinking water from wells should test their
water regularly.

To participate in the testing, homeowners are asked to bring at least
one-half cup of water in preferably a clean plastic or clean glass
container. To get a good sample, allow the tap to run 5 to 10 minutes
before filling the container. Homeowners with distillation units,
reverse osmosis or other nitrate removal systems should take two water
samples - one before and one after the treatment process. This will
determine if the system is working. Homeowners with just a water
softener need to take one sample, either before or after the water
passes through the water softener.

Samples should be taken no more than 24 hours before the testing and
must be kept refrigerated prior to testing. To ensure accurate
results, homeowners should mark the container with their name, phone
number and a well identification number if more than one well is
sampled. Homeowners who wish to remain anonymous should choose an
easily recognized "code number" to identify their sample. It is not
necessary to provide information about the well or well location.

Samples will be analyzed on the spot - the process usually takes less
than five minutes - and results will be given directly to the
homeowner. If the nitrate level in a sample is elevated, clinic staff
can refer the homeowner to certified labs that will retest the water.
For questions about the clinic or how to take a water sample contact
Brent Rud at the Beltrami County Environmental Services Department at
333-4159.