Testing Well Water

Ways to get your water tested

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As part of the Community-Focused Sampling Program, private well owners can receive free water testing for both outdoor and indoor faucets. Dakota County aims to provide all private well owners a free water test over the next five years. Communities will have free testing opportunities on a rotating basis. 

Households and businesses in the fol​lowing cities and townships are eligible for a free water test kit:

  • Greenvale Township
  • Castle Rock Township
  • Eureka Township
  • Waterford Township
  • Sciota Township
  • Randolph Township
  • Randolph
  • Northfield

Test your water for common contaminants based on Minnesota Department of Health recommendations. A postcard will be mailed in late April 2026 to well owners in these communities with instructions on how to receive a kit. Or, you can complete the following online form. Testing kits are provided on a first-come. first-serve basis while funding is available.

Request a water test kit (opens in a new tab)

​Video tutoria​l

To learn how to complete the sampling program, watch the video tutorial on YouTube.

Well owners that do not qualify for free testing can purchase a testing kit and have results emailed to them. Well owners can tailor their test to only what they need tested. Prices per test are listed:

  • Coliform bacteria — $21​
  • Nitrate — $21
  • Manganese — $21
  • Arsenic — $21
  • Lead — $21
  • Fluoride — $21​​

Find out more about drinking water con​taminants.​

If you are interested in learning about contaminants  that you do not see listed above, please call 952-891-7000 or email dcwatertestrequest@co.dakota.mn.us.

List of contaminants that should be tested. List available in page content.
Purchase a well water testing kit (opens in a new tab)

How to return a test kit

Water samples must be returned in sample bottles from the lab. Household bottles will not be accepted.

Drop-off l​ocations

Western Service Center

  • Address: 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley
  • Hours of operation: Monday– Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Location of mini fridge: Directly across from the stairs in the atrium on the main floor

​Extension and Conservation Center

  • Address: 4100 220th St. W., Farmington
  • Hours: Monday– Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Location of mini fridge: Test kits must be left with administration staff down the hall from the main entrance.

Pleasant Hill Library

  • Address: 1490 S. Frontage Road, Hastings
  • Hours: 
    • Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
    • Friday– Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
    • Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
  • Location of mini fridge: In the entrance vestibule

Drop off guid​elines

Tests with a coliform bacteria sample

Coliform bacteria samples have strict holding time requirements that must not exceed 30 hours.

Samples should be collected after noon on a Tuesday or Wednesday before 9 a.m. to ensure they remain valid. They should be dropped off immediately after sampling.

Tests without a coliform bacteria sample

Test kits without a coliform bacteria sample can be returned to the lab via USPS. The test kits will include a pre-paid postage sticker. Include your sample bottles, seal the box, and apply the sticker. Mailed at any time or location.

Test kits can also be dropped off at drop off locations during business hours.  ​​

Water testing video instructions

Other testing opportunities  

Free coliform bacteria test is also available if your well is flooded.

For more information, contact:
Environmental Resources
952-891-7557
Last updated: 07/09/2026