Free water-screening clinics testing for nitrates and chlorides will be offered from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 12 at the Manna Food Co-op in Detroit Lakes, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 22 at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen.
The free clinics are courtesy of the Minnesota Well Owners Organization, in cooperation with the Minnesota Groundwater Association, Toxic Taters, Pesticide Action Network, Northern Water Alliance, and the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainability Development Partnership.
“Our free nitrate testing clinics are the best way to protect your water and your family’s health,” MnWOO Director Jeffrey S. Broberg said in a news release. “You cannot assume your water quality; you need a reliable test. MNWOO’s partners can help you to understand what your water tests mean, and what to do next to make sure your drinking water is clean and safe.”
Screening drinking water for nitrates and chlorides is the first step to assuring safe water in the home, he added. So far, 80-90% of the water tests at Minnesota Well Owners Organization testing clinics show no nitrate problems, but for those with higher nitrates, MNWOO’s non-profit mission is to help make sure there is safe water at the kitchen sink.
“You can bring your water sample to our free, Covid-safe, water clinic,” Broberg said.
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Bring at least a cup of water in a clean glass or plastic container. If you have a water treatment system, take two samples, one from untreated water and one from your sink.
“We will ask you to fill out a short survey about your water, your well and your water treatment,” Broberg said, “so if you can, take a picture of your well and treatment system – because it helps us to advise you.”
“Your sample will be collected and analyzed while you wait, then our water experts will be available to discuss your test results and will gladly answer your questions and devise a quick safe water plan that makes sure your family stays healthy,” he added.
“MNWOO is a statewide 501c3 non-profit and we are not regulators, salesmen, nor marketing agents. We hope to see you at our next water screening clinic,” he said.
