Private water wells in Minnesota: recommended tests for contaminants

Approximately 1.25 million Minnesotans get their drinking water from private wells. These wells may contain coliform bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, and other contaminants that can pose health risks. In order to ensure the safety of drinking water, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that well owners test for such contaminants and perform periodic checks of the physical condition of the well. Health officials also recommend that unused or abandoned wells be properly sealed to prevent contamination of ground water.