The Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, the city of St. Stephen, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Health will host two free nitrate water-testing clinics on Tuesday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stearns County SWCD office and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Stephen City Hall.

Nitrates are the most common contaminate in Minnesota’s groundwater.

Since you can’t taste it or see it, many people are not aware it is in their water.

The source of nitrate in groundwater is influenced by a number of factors, including septic systems, lawn fertilizer, crop fields, animal wastes and decaying plants.

Free nitrate water testing clinics in Stearns County

“Rainfall and land management techniques can contribute to the presence of nitrate in groundwater,” said Dennis Fuchs, Stearns SWCD administrator. “As more water moves through the soil profile, it flushes out excess nutrients into the water table. Areas with sandy soils are more susceptible to nutrient loss with increased rainfall.”

To keep your drinking water safe, SWCD staff recommend that you test your well annually for nitrate and bacteria. Continue to properly manage nitrate sources near your well. Small things such as routinely pumping your septic tank and applying fertilizer to your lawn when it is actively growing will help keep you and your family safe.

To participate in the free test clinic, bring your water sample to the Stearns County SWCD Office located in the Marketplace Mall, 110 2nd Street South, Waite Park or the St. Stephen City Hall at 2 Sixth Ave SE, St. Stephen.

Let tap water run for five minutes first and then collect a one-cup water sample in a plastic sandwich bag or glass or plastic container. Label it with your name and faucet sample location. Do not test water more than 24 hours before the test will be completed. Keep water refrigerated until day of the testing clinic. Water should be tested while cool. If your house uses water treatment equipment other than a softener, it is recommended to take a sample before and after to determine if your system is working properly.

For more information on proper sample collection or managing nitrate sources, contact the Stearns County SWCD at (320) 251-7800 ext 3 or visit the website at: www.stearnscountyswcd.net