Well Water Wise (3W) Week - May 5-9, 2025
The Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services (PHES) Department, in cooperation with multiple municipalities and county agencies, is sponsoring the 20th annual Well Water Wise (3W) week promotion May 5-9ᵗʰ, 2025 to encourage residents to check the safety of their private well water. For information on private well testing go to the Anoka County Environmental Services Well Water Testing or call 763-324-4260.
County residents may pick up a well water test kit at participating city and township offices (listed below) or from Environmental Services, Suite 600 of the Anoka County Government Center, 2100 3rd Avenue in Anoka. Samples are collected by the residents and then dropped off at the Environmental Services desk in Anoka County Government Center. Water samples can be submitted to the county’s Environmental Services Unit for analysis every Monday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon. However, during Well Water Wise Week we will be accepting submissions every day of the week! See below for more details.
DURING 3W WEEK, samples can be submitted Monday through Thursday (8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.) and Friday (before 11:30 AM). The well water testing kits includes details about water collection and submission. A laboratory fee for coliform bacteria and nitrate-nitrogen analysis is $17.00 per test.
Unlike public water utilities, private well water is not treated with chlorine to prevent bacteria growth. Simply looking at the appearance of drinking water is not a reliable indicator of whether it is safe to drink. An annual coliform bacteria test is a good way to ensure that your drinking water continues to be free of bacteria.
Nitrate-nitrogen occurs naturally in groundwater and wells at concentrations below one milligram per liter (mg/L). Nitrogen can seep into private wells from a variety of sources including septic systems, nitrogen fertilizers, animal feedlots, and landfills. The Minnesota Department of Health has established a Health Risk Limit (HRL) for nitrate-nitrogen at 10 mg/L. Levels above that point may pose an immediate risk to infants and pregnant women.
The testing of private wells used for drinking water is the responsibility of individual owners. There are an estimated 25,000 private wells in service throughout Anoka County. Only a small percentage of them are tested annually. For more information about well water testing, call the Environmental Services Unit at 763-324-4260.
Test Kit Pick-Up Locations
Pick up a well water testing kit at participating agencies during their standard business hours:
• Anoka County Government Center - Environmental Services Desk
• Andover City Hall
• Bethel City Hall
• Blaine City Hall
• Centerville City Hall
• Columbus City Hall
• East Bethel City Hall
• Ham Lake City Hall
• Lino Lakes City Hall
• Linwood Township Hall
• Nowthen City Hall
• Oak Grove City Hall
• Ramsey City Hall
• St. Francis City Hall
Resources
The most up to date information, along with other water-related information and resources can be found at the websites below:
Questions?
Please direct any questions or concerns regarding private wells and/or well water testing to Michael Wagner 763-324- 4207 or email:michael.wagner@anokacountymn.gov
Anoka County Environmental Services
2100 3rd Avenue STE 600
Anoka, MN 55303
763-324-4260
www.anokacounty.us