Freshwater, the Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO), Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. Geological Survey are partnering to test 8,000 private drinking water wells for arsenic in eight southern Minnesota counties (Rice, Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, Faribault, Blue Earth, Watonwan, and Martin). This project approaches well testing with a new lens by partnering with healthcare physicians to educate and encourage residents to test their wells – and by offering free, convenient well testing opportunities.
Arsenic is an element found in rocks and soil across Minnesota. When dissolved into groundwater, arsenic can impact the safety of drinking water and can increase the risk of cancer and other health concerns such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease, reduced intelligence in children, and skin problems. A key objective is to educate both private well users and the Mayo Clinic healthcare providers who frequently diagnose and treat preventable diseases linked to chronic arsenic exposure.
We are offering online and in-person arsenic testing. Arsenic testing kits will be available online through Simple Lab to those living within the project area. Freshwater, along with MNWOO and the Minnesota Ground Water Association (MGWA) will hold 12 in-person water testing clinics where well owners can receive free nitrate and chloride screening testing in addition to free certified lab tests for arsenic. The clinics starting in December 2025 will also offer free consultation to attendees with groundwater professionals on their well construction and quality of their well water.
Well Testing Clinics
Join us at well testing clinic for free arsenic testing and consultation with groundwater professionals on well construction and well water quality.
December 4 - Martin County, Minnesota
What’s in your drinking water? To participate in this free water screening clinic, bring water from your home tap (minimum of one cup - 8oz) in a clean, hard plastic or glass container and include the location and date that you collected the sample. We will run a screen test on your water for arsenic and nitrate. You can wait for your results or request them via email.
During the clinic, experts will also be on hand to discuss wellhead protection and groundwater concerns, including arsenic, bacteria, pesticides, and Perfluorinated Alkylated Substances (PFAS). Stop by anytime to pick up fact sheets and talk with clinic volunteers. This clinic is free and open to everyone, regardless of what city, county or state they live in.
Co-sponsors include: Freshwater, Minnesota Well Owners Organization, Minnesota Groundwater Association.
Arsenic Testing Kits - Available Online
For private well users in Rice, Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, Faribault, Blue Earth, Watonwan, or Martin counties, arsenic testing kits are available to request online at no cost to you. All materials are shipped directly to your door with paid return postage.
“Clean drinking water is something everyone deserves. This project helps Minnesota families find out if their well water is safe and gives them simple steps to protect their health. I’m proud to be part of this effort to make testing easier and raise awareness about the risks of arsenic in well water.”
- Dr. Dominika Jegen, family physician with Mayo Clinic and project partner
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
For more information about this project, please reach out to Chyann Mosey.