If your home relies on a private well, a free upcoming water screening clinic on Friday, April 17^th from 11 am – 4 pm at the Rutledge Community Center (7369 County Hwy-61, Willow River) is a great opportunity to learn more about what’s in your drinking water.

Contaminants often enter groundwater from nearby land uses—such as agriculture, septic systems, road salt, and lawn fertilizers. These pollutants can seep into aquifers over time and affect well water quality with no obvious warning signs. Water can look, taste, and smell fine, but still contain harmful contaminants like nitrates, chloride, arsenic, or bacteria.

How do you participate? Bring at least one cup (16 oz) of your drinking water from your home tap in a clean, hard plastic or glass container. Onsite screening will test for nitrates and chloride, and you can wait for your results or have them emailed.

Hydrogeologists from the Minnesota Groundwater Association and Minnesota Well Owners Organization will also be on hand to offer private 5- 10 minute consultations. They can help you understand your test results, advise on additional testing for contaminants like arsenic, manganese, or bacteria, and answer questions about your well operation, maintenance, and water safety.

The clinic is free and open to everyone, regardless of where you live.  Whether you’ve never tested your well or just want peace of mind, this event is a great opportunity to get more information.

Event sponsored by the Pine Soil and Water Conservation District, Carlton SWCD, the Kettle River Upper Saint Croix Watershed Partnership, the Minnesota Groundwater Association and Minnesota Well Owners Organization.

In the Event of cancellation or if the date and time changes, it will be posted here on our website: www.pineswcd.com