NTS is limited to testing and providing the test results. NTS cannot answer questions, make recommendations or provide guidance.
If you have any questions you should contact the Minnesota Department of Health Well Management group at: 1-800-383-9808 or email: health.wells@state.mn.us. The Minnesota Department of Health Well Management group has an extensive web page focused on private well information. It can be found at The Minnesota Department of Health Well Management web page.
Instructions for sample collection are provided with each kit.
Standard Well: Tests for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli bacteria, and Nitrate. Total Coliform Bacteria and E. coli bacteria are tested using a presence/absence testing procedure. Results are positive or negative. Nitrate is tested by measuring the combined total of Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen present in your water.
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing for Total Coliform bacteria at least once per year and Nitrate once every two or three years. You should also have your water tested for Nitrate if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant or if infants under 6 months of age will be drinking the water.
Standard Well kit includes: Two sterile bottles. One contains a small grey tablet (sodium thiosulfate) , which neutralizes any chlorine which may be present.
Important Information:
- Samples must be received at our Virginia laboratory within 24 hours of sample collection. Samples received more than 30 hours after collection cannot be analyzed. Your samples will be discarded and a new sample kit will be sent to you.
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- Samples are accepted Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We do not accept Standard Well Kit samples on Fridays.
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- The cost for standard well analysis is $50.00, payable by check or credit card at the time the samples are received. Samples received without payment will not be analyzed or reported.
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- Results will be mailed in approximately 2 weeks.
Arsenic: Tests for Arsenic. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing for Arsenic at least once. Arsenic testing is required for all new wells installed after the Fall of 2008.
Important Information:
- The cost for Arsenic analysis is $50.00, payable by check or credit card at the time the samples are received. Samples received without payment will not be analyzed or reported.
Results will be mailed in approximately 2 weeks.
Fluoride: Tests for fluoride. Fluoride testing is recommended by dentists for identifying fluoride levels in well water, especially for families with young children.
Fluoride kit includes: One plastic bottle.
Important Information:
- The cost for Fluoride analysis is $30.00, payable by check or credit card at the time the samples are received. Samples received without payment will not be analyzed or reported.
Results will be mailed in approximately 2 weeks.
Hydrogen Sulfide: NTS does not test for Hydrogen Sulfide; for more information about Hydrogen Sulfide and testing please contact the Minnesota Department of Health.
Iron Bacteria: NTS does not test for Iron Bacteria; for more information about Iron Bacteria and testing please contact the Minnesota Department of Health.
Lead: NTS tests for lead. Lead is not usually found in well water in detectable levels, but may be in plumbing pipes, valves, and fittings. Testing may be recommended for older homes where lead pipes may still be present, or may be required as part of property transactions or loan approval.
Lead Kit includes: One plastic bottle.
Important information:
- The cost for Lead analysis is $50.00, payable by check or credit card at the time the samples are received. Samples received without payment will not be analyzed or reported.
Results will be mailed in approximately 2 weeks.
Sulfur Bacteria: NTS does not test for Sulfur Bacteria; for more information about Sulfur Bacteria and testing please contact the Minnesota Department of Health.