The Private Well Education Program aims to empower private well users through education, community engagement, and hands-on support. It serves the nearly 1.2 million Minnesotans who rely on private wells for their drinking water by fostering informed decision-making and encouraging stewardship of Minnesota’s natural resources.
Drinking water testing clinics
Drinking water testing clinics will provide accessible, community-based opportunities for private well users to test their drinking water, learn how to interpret the results, and get support from water quality and health professionals. These clinics will combine guidance with hands-on support to help Minnesotans better understand their water quality and take steps to protect their health.
Participants will receive a free drinking water test kit, results interpretation, and educational resources. Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or community advocate, these clinics are designed to help you make informed choices about your drinking water.
Upcoming clinic - Clay County
Test kit distribution
February 10: Barnesville Event Center, 11-1 p.m.
February 12: Hawley Community Center, 11-1 p.m.
Test kit collection
February 19: Hawley Community Center, 6:30-8:30 a.m. and 11-1 p.m.
February 19: Barnesville Event Center, 11-1 p.m.
Private well workshop
March 7: Barnesville Event Center, 1-3 p.m.
Drinking Water Testing Clinic Registration Form
If you are interested in partnering with the Private Well Education Program to host a drinking water testing clinic in your community, complete our short form.
MN-WELL Water Steward Peer-to-Peer Network
Minnesota Well Water Education and Local Leadership (MN-WELL) is a new initiative from the University of Minnesota Extension, developed to train community volunteers to support private well users across the state. The program aims to equip participants with knowledge and tools to provide information and resources to individuals who have questions about their wells or well water.
The first cohort of MN-WELL Water Stewards will begin a guided certification course in January in partnership with Freshwater's Minnesota Water Stewards. This program is ideal for anyone who is interested in safe drinking water and community health. Together, we hope to build a statewide network to support private well users in Minnesota.
Are you interested in becoming a MN WELL Water Steward in the future? Please fill out our interest form.
Education and training opportunities
Private Wells 101
The Water Resources Center is developing a free, self-paced online course for Minnesota residents who rely on a private well for household drinking water. The course will cover groundwater basics, well owner responsibilities, water quality considerations, testing procedures and support with results interpretation. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or simply want to better understand your drinking water source, this course will help you protect your water supply and ensure your well provides safe, clean drinking water for your family.
More information coming soon.
Private Wells: a guide for local governments
We will be hosting a course that was developed by the Minnesota Department of Health with local government professionals who have private well management or drinking water quality in mind.
More information coming soon.