MDH testing for common water contaminants

(ABC 6 News) – The Minnesota Department of Health is urging residents with private wells to test their drinking water for contaminants, warning for five common contaminants in particular.

• Lead (Test at least once)
• Arsenic (Test at least once)
• Manganese (Test at least once)
• Coliform bacteria (Test annually)
• Nitrate (Test annually)

In southeast Minnesota, there is a higher risk of nitrate contamination compared to other parts of the state, due in part to chemical runoffs from agriculture in the area.

MDH recommends testing once a year to avoid risks like blue baby syndrome, which can be deadly.