Well Water Testing 
Choose Safe Places Minnesota

Most private well water in Minnesota is safe, but some well water may have contaminants in it that can make children and babies sick or harm their development. The only way to know if your well water is safe for the children in your care is to have it tested.

Children drink more water for their size than adults, which means they have a greater risk of being exposed to water contaminants. Babies' and younger children's brains and organs can be more easily injured or damaged because they are still developing.

Only you can make sure the children in your care are safe.

Information for child care programs that operate in homes with private wells

You are required to test your private well every year for:

• Coliform bacteria
• Nitrate

MDH also recommends testing your private well at least once for:

• Lead
• Manganese
• Arsenic

The video below provides information about private well testing.

Information for child care centers using well water as their drinking water source

You should already be in contact with MDH Drinking Water Protection and have an Annual Monitoring Calendar. Contact MDH if you have questions.

Resources

• Water Quality/Well Testing/Well Disinfection
• Safe Drinking Water For Your Baby

If you have questions at any point, please contact us.

DISCLAIMER: Any cost associated with recommended testing or water treatment is the responsibility of the child care program operator/home owner.