Drinking water is a growing concern, especially for private well owners in southeast Minnesota. The Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO) and the Minnesota Ground Water Association (MGWA) are sponsoring a free water screening clinic for nitrates and chlorides.  The clinic will be held on February 2, 2023 for those living in households in SE MN that rely on private or shared well systems.

Water testing event details

  • Date/Time: Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 1 to 7 p.m.
  • Location: St. Charles Community Center adjacent to St. Charles City Hall offices at 830 Whitewater Avenue.  To participate, collect a cup (8 ounces) of water from your well in a clean plastic or glass container and bring it to the Community Center. Results will be provided to you within 20 minutes. 

 

You may also bring a picture of your well and water treatment system; this will help volunteers better understand your water. If you have a treatment system, take one sample before the treatment (e.g., outside hydrant) and one of treated drinking water (e.g., kitchen sink) and you can see how efficient your water treatment system works for removing nitrates and chlorides. Clearly mark each container.

Experienced water resource professionals from MNWOO and MGWA will be on hand to consult with on concerns you may have about your well or well water. Information on the region’s geology and water resources will also be available.  The event is free!