The Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District will be hosting a free nitrate testing clinic at the County Fair on Aug. 19 and 20 at the Cook County Community Center.
To sample your well water for nitrate contaminant concentrations, run your tap for three minutes, fill a plastic baggie or clean jar with 1 cup of water, then keep the sample cool until you bring it into the fair. Tests are done on a walk-in basis, are free, confidential, and simple, and results are produced in about five minutes.
Nitrate is a common contaminant found in many wells throughout Minnesota. Shallow wells, dug wells, and wells with damaged or leaking casings are the most vulnerable to nitrate contamination. Major sources of nitrate contamination are fertilizers, animal waste, and human sewage. It is highly recommended to test your drinking water supply on a regular basis as there can be associated health risks, especially in pregnant women and bottle-fed infants. For more information, call the Soil & Water office at 218-387-3647 or visit the website at www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/soil-andwater, under Conservation Assistance and Outreach.
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