Private well owners in the Martin County area can get their water tested for free this week.
The Minnesota Well Owners Organization is offering onsite testing for nitrates, chlorides and arsenic on Thursday, from 11am-6pm, at the Knights of Columbus in Fairmont.
President Paul Wotzka says to bring one quart of water in a clean, hard container. A glass container is preferred.
If you can’t make Thursday’s event, samples can also be dropped off Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am-4:30pm at the Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District Office on North State Street.
MNWOO estimates about 2,600 private wells in the county. While quick nitrate and chloride results take about 15 minutes, arsenic analysis will be returned in 2 to 3 weeks.
If contaminants are elevated, Wotzka says options include bottled water or in home treatment systems like reverse osmosis.
Pre-registration and details are available through the Minnesota Well Owners Organization’s website.
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