09/26/2026
No Cost Private Well Testing to Ensure Water Safety During Flood Cleanup
Waseca County Public Health reminds residents to protect their water during flood cleanup and to consider how flooding may have affected private wells. Public Health will offer water testing kits at no cost for residents who had floodwater within 50 feet of a well casing.
• Pickup on Monday, September 28 through Thursday, October 1 from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Waseca County Public Health, 1000 W Elm Ave, Waseca, MN 56093.
• Sample collection should be completed Thursday evening or Friday morning
• Sample drop-off on Friday, October 2, from 8:00–10:00 a.m. at Public Health
Residents who rely on a private well for household water should check their well as soon as possible after flooding. If floodwater reached a well, residents should assume the water is contaminated and should not use it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until tested.
“Floodwater can carry bacteria, sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants into private wells,” said Sara Porter, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Specialist. “Taking precautions, cleaning and disinfecting a flooded well when needed, and testing the water afterward are important steps to protect your household’s health.”
Public Health well testing recommendations
• Contact a licensed contractor if floodwater covered or may have entered your well.
• Disinfect the well with a contactor or personally using Minnesota Department of Health guidance at Disinfecting Flooded Private Water Wells if floodwater reached your well.
• If floodwater didn’t cover, but did come within 50 feet of your well, consider testing.
• Test any well that has been cleaned out and/or disinfected for coliform bacteria.
For more information about private-well testing or flood cleanup, contact Sara Porter at 507-560-0093 or [email protected]. Additional cleanup guidance is available from the Minnesota Department of Health at Clean-up for Home or Business after a Flood.
