Water Testing

WHAT IS A NITRATE?

Nitrate (NO3) is a naturally occurring chemical made of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrate is found in air, soil, water, and plants. Much of the nitrate in our environment comes from the decomposition of plants and animal wastes. People also add nitrate to the environment in the form of fertilizers.

 

 

WHY TEST FOR NITRATES?

Nitrate is the most common pollutant found in rural wells in Morrison County. Nitrate in drinking water presents a serious problem for infants up to about six months of age, and for pregnant women. Too much nitrate in infants can reduce the amount of oxygen carried by blood. This is known as “Blue Baby Syndrome.”

 

 

HOW MUCH NITRATE IS TOO MUCH?

The state Health Risk Limit for nitrate is 10 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen, which provides newborns with reasonable protection against blue baby syndrome. This level is mandatory for all public water systems, and recommended for private wells.

 

 

FREE NITRATE TESTING CLINIC…

Two times a year, Morrison SWCD offers FREE nitrate testing of well water. Morrison SWCD staff will complete the testing of your nitrates. At that time, we ask that you complete a short survey regarding your well construction and location. This information will assist the county in gaining better knowledge of our underground water. The nitrate test and survey only takes a few minutes to complete.

Funded by:

 

“The nitrate testing equipment is provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture using funding from the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment.”

 

WEEK-LONG NITRATE TESTING CLINIC SCHEDULE…

NEXT TESTING DATE WILL BE IN OCTOBER 2023

LOCATION: Morrison County Government Center

Belle Prairie Conference Room (Main Level)

213 1st Avenue

Little Falls, MN 56345

PARKING: South Lot & Use South Entrance (S-1)

 

 

HOW DO I TEST MY WELL WATER FOR NITRATES?
1. Allow your faucet to run for approximately 2 minutes.
2. Collect Approximately 1 CUP of water in a new, resealable,
plastic bag or small container.
3. Bring sample to the Free Testing Clinic, location listed above.
4. Landowner will be asked to complete a short SURVEY regarding your
well construction and location while SWCD Staff tests your water.