(ABC 6 News) – This week the Mower Soil and Water Conservation District is offering free nitrate testing for those who use water from a private well.

Between now and Feb. 2, People can bring in samples of their well water to the office to have it tested for elevated nitrate levels.

It’s an issue that has caused concern in southeast Minnesota over the last few months, but SWCD hopes to make the process of checking your drinking water simpler.

“You don’t need a whole lot of water to do the test, it’s just advised to keep it cold, it should take about five minutes to be in and out of here,” said Tim Ruzek, the outreach coordinator with Mower SWCD.

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The water will be tested in a matter of seconds. Anything rated under a “10” is considered safe to drink.

“They might want to have that tested in an official lab, you know having lab certified results, they know exactly what kind of nitrate level they have in their drinking water,” said Ruzek.

Those who want to get their water tested, are encouraged to stop in to the Mower Soil and Water Conservation District in Austin between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. by Friday.