Free water testing
As part of the Community-Focused Sampling Program, private well owners can receive free water testing for both outdoor and indoor faucets. Dakota County aims to provide all private well owners a free water test over the next five years. Communities will have free testing opportunities on a rotating basis.
Households and businesses in the following cities and townships are eligible for a free water test kit:
- Coates
- Empire
- Hampton
- New Trier
- Rosemount
- Vermillion
- Hampton Township
- Vermillion Township
Test your water for common contaminants based on Minnesota Department of Health recommendations. A postcard was mailed in March 2025 to well owners in these communities with instructions on how to receive a kit. Or, you can complete the following online form.
Video tutorial
To learn how to complete the sampling program, watch the video tutorial on YouTube..
Complete a free water testing form
Water testing for a fee
Well owners that do not qualify for free testing can purchase a testing kit and have results emailed to them. Well owners can tailor their test to only what they need tested. Prices per test are listed:
- Coliform bacteria — $21
- Nitrate — $21
- Manganese — $21
- Arsenic — $21
- Lead — $21
- Fluoride — $21
Find out more about drinking water contaminants.
If you are interested in learning about contaminants that you do not see listed above, please call 952-891-7000 or email dcwatertestrequest@co.dakota.mn.us.
How to purchase a test kit
Purchase a well water testing kit
How to return a test kit
Water samples must be returned in sample bottles from the lab. Household bottles will not be accepted.
- Test kits
with a Coliform bacteria sample
- These test kits must be dropped off at the Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
- Coliform Bacteria samples have strict holding time requirements that must not exceed 30 hours. Samples should be collected after noon on a Tuesday or Wednesday before 9 a.m. to ensure they remain valid.
They should be dropped off immediately after sampling.
- Bring the test kit box containing all your samples. There is a small refrigerator in the atrium, near the elevators. Place the box containing the paperwork and samples into the refrigerator.
- Test kits
without a Coliform bacteria sample:
- Test kits without a Coliform bacteria sample can be returned to the lab via the United States Postal Service. The test kit will include a pre-paid postage sticker. Include your sample bottles, seal the box, and apply the sticker. Mailed at any time or location.
- Test kits can be dropped off at the Western Service Center, but it is not required.
Drop offs will be unavailable on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 and Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 due to holidays.
Water testing video instructions
Other testing opportunities
Free coliform bacteria test is also available if your well is flooded.