When do I get my results?
Results will be mailed to you at the address you provide in approximately 2 weeks. NTS does not perform rush testing for private well samples.
What does "RL" on my report mean?
RL stands for reporting limit. This is the lowest amount we are able to reliably measure. This is not a recommended or regulatory limit.
What does "P/A" on my report mean?
P/A stands for Presence/Absence. Total Coliform Bacteria and E. coli Bacteria are tested for their presence in the water sample. Results are either Pos (Positive or Present) or Neg (Negative or Absent).
What do the units "mg/L" and "ug/L" on my report mean?
The unit mg/L stands for milligram per liter of water. One milligram per liter of water is equal to one part per million (ppm).
The unit ug/L stands per microgram per liter of water. One microgram per liter of water is equal to one part per billion (ppb).
What does "ND" on my report mean?
ND stands for Non Detect. That means that there was no amount measured at or above the reporting limit (RL).
Did my water pass?
Water results should be compared to the health risk limits to evaluate if the water meets the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health. Water results should be less than the health risk limit. Total Coliform Bacteria and E. coli Bacteria should be Neg (Negative or Absent).
What are the health risk limits?
Below are the health risk limits as of January 2010 and are subject to change; for current health risk limits contact the Minnesota Department of Health.
Arsenic: 10 ug/L
E. coli Bacteria: should be Neg (Negative or Absent)
Fluoride: There is not an applicable health risk limit established for fluoride, contact your dentist for recommendations.
Lead: 15 ug/L
Nitrogen, Nitrate+Nitrite: 10 mg/L
Nitrogen, Nitrate: 10 mg/L
Total Coliform Bacteria: Should be Neg (Negative or Absent)
For more information please contact the Minnesota Department of Health Well Management group at: 1-800-383-9808 or email: health.wells@state.mn.us.
What should I do if my water does not meet the health risk limits?
NTS is limited to providing the test results. NTS cannot answer questions, make recommendations or provide guidance.
If you have any questions you should contact the Minnesota Department of Health Well Management group at: 1-800-383-9808 or email: health.wells@state.mn.us. The Minnesota Department of Health Well Management Group has an extensive web page focused on private well information. It can be found at The Minnesota Department of Health Well Management web page.
The following are some recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health Web Page.
Arsenic: Re-test the water to confirm the results. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends you use an alternate source of drinking water or install a treatment system to reduce Arsenic levels in the water. More information regarding Arsenic in well water can be found at this link.
E.coli Bacteria: See Total Coliform Bacteria below.
Lead: To reduce lead exposure in drinking water, turn on the cold water tap and let it run for a minute or two, until the water gets cold. This will "flush" the water that is standing in the plumbing pipes and components. Other options and more information can be found at this link.
Nitrogen, Nitrate+Nitrite/Nitrogen, Nitrate: Do not give the water to any infant under six months of age. Do not boil to "treat" high nitrate water. Boiling actually concentrates the nitrate, due to evaporation of the water. It's a good idea to have your well inspected by a licensed well contractor; problems are sometimes caused by well damage that allows run-off water into the well. For more information about Nitrates in well water see this link.
Total Coliform Bacteria/E. coli Bacteria: Water should not be consumed without boiling and the well should be disinfected. More information about Total Coliform Bacteria and disinfection ban be found at this link.
Disinfection can be accomplished by performing a simple chlorination procedure yourself, or by contacting a licensed well driller or pump installer to disinfect your well for you. The Minnesota Department of Health has step-by-step directions for disinfection available at this link.