Free nitrate testing for SE Minnesota well owners on May 6

Drinking water is a growing concern, especially for private well owners in southeast Minnesota. As part of the “We Are Water MN” campaign, free water testing for nitrates will be available on May 6, 2021 for those living in households that rely on private or shared well systems and the water quality at their kitchen sink. 

Water testing event details

  • Date/Time: Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 2 to 7 p.m.
  • Location: 125 Live, 125 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901 (West parking lot near lower level entry)

To participate, collect a cup of water from your well in a clean plastic bag or glass container and bring it to 125 Live. You will be met at your car and your sample will be checked while you wait in your vehicle. 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 testers 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 well your treatment works for removing nitrates. Clearly mark each container.

The Minnesota Well Owners Organization and water experts from the area will offer virtual follow-up events to answer your questions about our water resources.

We Are Water MN

The We Are Water MN exhibit at the Rochester Art Center will only be on display through May 9, 2021. It was designed to educate the public about statewide and local water issues. The learning and sharing that is derived from the exhibit helps strengthen Minnesotans’ relationships with water and increases participation in water stewardship activities. For more information about the We are Water MN exhibit and other partnership events in the area, please visit www.wearewaterrochestermn.com.   

We Are Water MN is funded in part by money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the Clean Water Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. 

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Media Contact: Kari Etrheim, Public Information Officer - etrheim.kari@co.olmsted.mn.us