Drinking water can be tested for free from noon to 4 p.m. June 25 at the Crow Wing County Land Services Building at 322 Laurel St. in Brainerd.
Private wells should be tested for nitrate every other year, according to the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District. Nitrate occurs naturally and at safe and healthy levels in some foods (such as spinach and carrots) and comes from natural processes, such as plant decay.
High levels of nitrate in water can be a result of runoff or leakage from fertilized soil, wastewater, landfills, animal feedlots, septic systems or urban drainage.
Those interested in the test should bring a freshwater sample (taken within a day of analysis). To take the sample, run the cold tap for five to 10 minutes and then collect about a cup of water in a plastic baggie (double bag) or clean jar. Keep the water cool until arrival.
Another free nitrate testing clinic will be hosted at Crosslake Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 30.
