The Minnesota Department of Health also maintains information about water-testing laboratories and compiles information about areas where groundwater has been contaminated and cannot be used for drinking water. That agency recommends testing private wells for nitrates every two to three years, or more often if previous sampling showed nitrates. Contact the local unit of government with zoning authority. It makes decisions about land use and issues land-use permits. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency establishes standards for septic systems.
Counties often administer the rules.
The PCA has done studies to examine the relationship of land use to groundwater quality in selected areas of the state. The agency may have information about the quality of water in wells in a particular area. All rights reserved.