Free water testing for Southeast Minnesota private well users

Private well users in Southeast Minnesota can now receive free water testing kits and analysis through the TAP-IN Safe Drinking Water Program. If test results show contaminates in the water, homeowners and renters can apply for funding assistance to remediate the issue. Priority will be given to those facing financial hardship or households with pregnant women or infants under 12 months.  

The TAP-IN program is a collaborative effort between Southeast Minnesota’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), county environmental services, and county public health departments. It is funded by the State of Minnesota. 

“To keep our communities healthy, the TAP-IN program helps ensure residents have equitable access to safe drinking water," said Olmsted SWCD Water Resources Supervisor Caitlin Meyer. "Through this partnership, we are protecting our water sources which helps improve quality of life for those in Southeast Minnesota." 

The karst landscape in Southeast Minnesota has many sinkholes, springs, caves, and other features that make it easy for contaminants to get into the groundwater. Well users should test their private well regularly to ensure its safety. 

Free private well test kits available 

Private well users can request a free test kit through the Minnesota Department of Health. To be eligible, a household must meet both of the following criteria: 

• Rely on a private well as their drinking water source. 
• Be located in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, or Winona counties. 

Due to high demand, there may be a 2-10 week wait for delivery. 

What to do if nitrate is present in well water 

If test results show high nitrate levels (greater than 10 milligrams per liter), residents can apply for a reverse osmosis water treatment system at no cost through the TAP-IN program. 

"The health of residents is our top priority," said Olmsted County Public Health Environmental Health Lab Manager Lauri Clements. "By offering free well water testing and financial assistance, we are taking a service-focused approach to addressing environmental health concerns to help ensure residents in Southeast Minnesota have clean and safe water to drink." 

How to apply for a water treatment system

To apply for a reverse osmosis system through the TAP-IN program, participants must: 

• Use a private well for drinking water in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona counties.  
• Provide a certified lab test from an accredited laboratory, dated on or after January 1, 2019, showing a nitrate concentration greater than 10 milligrams per liter. 
• Submit an application and lab test report.  

Well owners with contaminants above a health risk limit (other than nitrates) may also qualify for financial assistance for remediation.  

If you have questions or need help applying, contact the TAP-IN collaborative at 507-328-6846.