The Importance of Testing Well Water

This article was featured in the Owatonna People’s Press and Hometown Source.

Water plays a critical role in our lives—it's a resource we often take for granted, especially when it flows effortlessly from our faucets. However, if you rely on well water, it’s vital to recognize that what’s hidden from view could impact your health. As homeowners, it is our responsibility to ensure the water we drink is safe. Testing our well water should be a top priority, not just an afterthought.

Many assume their well water is safe simply because it appears clear and lacks a strong odor. Yet studies indicate that well water can harbor unseen dangers, such as harmful bacteria and pollutants. Regular testing is the only reliable way to confirm the safety of our water. It can uncover issues such as elevated levels of dangerous substances, which pose particular risks to young children and older adults.

If you haven’t tested your well water recently, it's a good idea to perform a comprehensive panel of tests that check for coliform bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, lead, and manganese. If you've previously tested for arsenic, lead, and manganese, and if you aren’t pregnant and don’t have an infant consuming the water, then you may only need to focus on coliform bacteria and nitrates. It's recommended to carry out these tests annually. Your county soil and water conservation district likely offers affordable testing services, and sometimes these are even free. 

As homeowners, let's prioritize regular testing of our well water. This crucial step helps us guarantee clean, safe drinking water for ourselves and supports the well-being of our environment. Ultimately, a healthy community begins with access to clean water.