The Pope SWCD will hold a budget committee meeting for preparation of the 2027 Budget on November 13th, 2026 at 7 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the SWCD office in Glenwood, MN.

Is your well water safe to drink?

Join us in a FREE private well screening clinic to check for nitrates and chlorides.
               Thursday July 16^th 1:00 – 6:00 PM

               Pope County Fairgrounds 
               230 West Minnesota Ave. Glenwood, MN

Discounted arsenic testing will be available at the clinic. Experienced water resource professionals will also be on site to discuss your results and offer guidance on well treatment equipment if needed. Vendors and educational information will be available as well, giving you the opportunity to learn more about protecting your private well and improving your water quality.

This event is made possible through Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds and by our partners, including the Chippewa River Watershed Association, the Minnesota Well Owners Organization, Minnesota Ground Water Association and Traut Companies.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring one quart of water to the event in a clean container. To collect your sample, run your cold tap for several minutes, then fill the container directly from the faucet without touching the inside of the lid or bottle. Keep the sample cold and collect it within 24 hours of the clinic to ensure accurate result. *Please do NOT bring water samples in a Ziplock bag.

We encourage participants to bring photos of their well and any water treatment systems. These visuals help groundwater professionals better understand your setup and interpret your water results. If you have a water treatment system, you should collect two samples and clearly label them “treated” and “untreated.” Take the untreated sample before the treatment system (such as from an outdoor spigot) and the treated sample from a tap used for drinking water (like the kitchen sink). Comparing the two samples will show how effectively your treatment system is working.

What if I cannot attend the event?
We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in the well-screening event. If you cannot attend the event, an early sample drop‑off option is available . Early drop‑off will be available at Pope SWCD office (1680 Franklin St. North, Glenwood) from 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM, where staff will be on site to collect samples and answer basic questions. Participants will be asked to complete a short survey when dropping off their water. Water should still be collected according to the directions above.

Why should I test drinking water from a private well?
If your drinking water comes from a private well, it is your responsibility to ensure the water is safe for everyone in your home to consume. You cannot see, taste or smell most groundwater contaminants. Some contaminants can cause immediate and/or long-term health effects.

We will offer certified arsenic and manganese testing on site at discounted rates during the event. Traut Wells will be present to collect water samples and process both tests. Arsenic testing will be available for $25, and manganese testing for $20. Payments can be made directly to Traut Wells by cash, check, or card at the event. Your arsenic and/or manganese results will be emailed directly to you from Traut.

Arsenic occurs naturally in groundwater across Minnesota due to the way glaciers once moved across the state, and it has been detected in many private wells throughout Pope County – with some wells testing above the allowable limit for drinking water. Because arsenic has no color, smell, or taste, the only way to know if it’s present is through laboratory testing. Long‑term consumption of water with elevated arsenic levels can increase the risk of cancer and other health issues. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all private well owners test their water at least once for arsenic to ensure it is safe for their household.

Nitrate levels in private wells can vary widely across Pope County, with some townships seeing more than 10% of wells testing above the 10 parts per million health thresholds. Because nitrates are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, the only way to know if they’re present is through testing. Drinking water with nitrate levels above 10 ppm can interfere with how blood carries oxygen and may lead to methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome.” If you have an infant under the age of one in your home, it is especially critical to test your well water for nitrates to ensure it is safe to consume.

Manganese is another naturally occurring metal found in Minnesota’s groundwater. Manganese is an essential nutrient for humans in small amounts, elevated levels in drinking water can lead to health risks. Manganese cannot be detected by taste, smell, or sight, the only way to know if it is present at elevated levels is through laboratory testing. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that private well owners test their water for manganese, especially if infants under one year old are in the home, to ensure the water is safe for all household members.

Minnesota Department of Health recommends private well users to test their well water for coliform bacteria every year.  Coliform bacteria act as an indicator bacterium, meaning if there are coliform bacteria in your well there may be other contaminants also in your well water. See other contaminants thresholds and concerns at the Minnesota Department of Health website HERE . 

Other Questions?
If youhave other questions or concerns with this event please reach out to Pope SWCD.
Phone Number:  320-634-5327
Address: 1680 Franklin St. North, Glenwood, MN
Email: Katherine.disrud@mn.nacdnet.net

Preregistration for this event is preferred. Please visit https://forms.gle/6hdJVD1YottToVYk7 to get registered!