Certified labs by state
Minnesota
Minnesota residents with private wells primarily use the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for well records, testing guidance, and certified-lab lookups. About 20% of Minnesota homes use private wells, and southeast Minnesota has a current MDH free-testing effort tied to nitrate concerns. ([mndata.web.health.state.mn.us](https://mndata.web.health.state.mn.us/private_wells/overview.html?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Certifies drinking water labs
- Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (MNELAP) ([web.health.state.mn.us](https://www.web.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/mnelap?utm_source=openai))
- Official certified lab list
- Official page →
- Free or low-cost testing
- MDH’s “Well Tested? Well Done SE Minnesota” offers free, local, certified private-well test kits while supplies last for residents in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona counties. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/nitratesemn.html?utm_source=openai))
Official resources in Minnesota
MDH’s main resident page for private-well testing guidance, contaminant topics, and the accredited-lab map for private well users. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/index.html?utm_source=openai))
Shows which private-well contaminants MDH recommends testing for and how often. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/tips.html?utm_source=openai))
Public search for laboratories accredited under Minnesota’s Safe Drinking Water Program. ([eldo.web.health.state.mn.us](https://eldo.web.health.state.mn.us/public/accreditedlabs/labsearch.seam?utm_source=openai))
State overview page for private-well data, nitrate-risk context, and links to protective actions for well owners. ([mndata.web.health.state.mn.us](https://mndata.web.health.state.mn.us/private_wells/overview.html?utm_source=openai))
Land-grant university page linking Minnesota-specific drinking-water topics, including arsenic and nitrate maps and private-well education. ([extension.umn.edu](https://extension.umn.edu/homes-and-water/drinking-water-minnesota?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for Minnesota
- MDH’s Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (MNELAP) accredits laboratories for Minnesota’s Safe Drinking Water Program. ([web.health.state.mn.us](https://www.web.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/mnelap?utm_source=openai))
- MDH recommends private wells be tested yearly for coliform bacteria and nitrate. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/tips.html?utm_source=openai))
- MDH recommends testing at least once for arsenic and lead, and once for manganese before a baby drinks the water. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/tips.html?utm_source=openai))
- New Minnesota wells must be tested for bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/construction/construct.html?utm_source=openai))
- MDH says nitrate risk is higher in central and southeast Minnesota counties. ([mndata.web.health.state.mn.us](https://mndata.web.health.state.mn.us/private_wells/messaging_nitrate_risk.html?utm_source=openai))
- MDH says radionuclides including radium, radon, and uranium occur naturally in Minnesota groundwater; highest source-water levels were found in southeastern aquifers. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/contaminants/radionuclides.html?utm_source=openai))
What to do next
- Start with MDH’s testing page, then order bottles/instructions from an MDH-accredited lab that accepts private-well samples. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/index.html?utm_source=openai))
- If babies or young children drink the water, prioritize MDH’s core tests and include manganese before infant use. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/tips.html?utm_source=openai))
- If you live in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, or Winona County, check MDH’s southeast program before paying for testing. ([health.state.mn.us](https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/nitratesemn.html?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to choose a state-certified drinking water lab
- What to test your private well water for (and how often)
- How to collect a well water sample without ruining the test
- How to read a water test report: MCLs, units and flags