WATER ANALYSIS LABORATORY

Drinking Water Analysis

Testing drinking water has always been a part of the Water Analysis Lab. Once your water has been analyzed, our water treatment department can recommend the proper treatment to make your water the best it can be. The lab is certified by the Minnesota Department of Health to perform tests for the following analytes under the Safe Drinking Water Program:

1. Nitrate, Nitrogen
2. Total Coliform Bacteria
3. E. Coli Bacteria
4. Fluoride

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Wastewater Analysis

Traut Water Analysis Laboratory provides complete wastewater analysis. The lab is certified by the Minnesota Department of Health to conduct testing under the Clean Water Program. We are certified to test for the following analytes:

1. BOD/CBOD
2. Total Phosphorus
3. Total Solids
4. Total Suspended Solids
5. Fecal Coliform
6. Ammonia Nitrogen

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Other Testing

Traut Water Analysis Laboratory tests for a wide variety of substances in drinking water. We have compiled a list of our most popular tests. If you want to test for a substance that is not listed, please contact us for more information.

Contact:

Traut Companies

Phone: 320-251-5090

Email: lab@trautwells.com

Frequently asked questions

1. Is my water safe to drink and how often should I have it tested?
2. How do I collect a water sample?
3. How do I chlorinate/disinfect my well?
4. What are the most common safe drinking water tests?

Is my water safe to drink and how often should I have it tested? The Minnesota Department of Health recommends all wells be checked annually for the presence of nitrates and coliform bacteria.  New wells should be tested for nitrates and coliform bacteria before you start drinking the water.  Real estate transaction loans, whether conventional, FHA, or VA, require testing of well water as a condition of the mortgage. Daycare businesses with private wells are required to test their water annually as a licensing requirement.

If you suspect you may have a problem with your water, just moved into a new home, or had a new well put in, we recommend testing for coliform bacteria and nitrates.

If these two tests come out negative, your water is considered “safe to drink or fit for human consumption”. If either test comes out positive (bacteria or nitrates are present in your water) you may want to consider switching to bottled water and further investigating your problem. There may have been an error in taking your water sample or you may have a legitimate problem.  Contact Traut Companies so one of our consultants can answer your questions.

Pregnant or have small children…

We recommend testing for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and lead. Bacteria can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea, nitrites are known to cause “blue baby syndrome”, and lead could cause other associated health problems.

Selling your home…

Check with your realtor, title company, or lending institution to see what tests they require, and who needs to pick up the sample.

Generally, home transactions require water to be tested for coliform bacteria and nitrates, though some may also need a lead test. Usually a third party, such as the Laboratory Technician, must take the sample instead of the buyer or the seller. You should have the water tested well in advance of your closing date, since some test take time to complete, and some need to be retested in case of a failed test.  

How do I collect my water sample?

Traut Water Analysis Laboratory uses special STERILIZED bottles and bags for the collection of water samples. You may deliver samples directly to the laboratory Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.  Samples are not accepted on holidays, or the day preceding a holiday. Samples should be taken from a hard water tap before any treatment equipment. Remove any hoses, aerators, screens or other devices attached to the tap.  Keep out of direct sunlight and at refrigerator temperatures. Be careful not to contaminate the inside of the bag or bottle. Samples must be tested within 30 hours of collection.

BOTTLE METHOD:

1. STERILIZE the end of the tap by flaming with a propane torch, butane lighter or several stick matches for 15 seconds.
NOTE: Do not flame plastic, brass or any other colored fixtures. The heat can melt or discolor your
fixtures. For these faucets, use an alcohol swab to sterilize the tap.
2. Turn the water on and allow it to run for 5 minutes.
3. Open the bottle and fill it completely. Do not touch the interior of the bottle or lid. Do not rinse out the bottle.
4. Replace the lid tightly.
5. A styrofoam box and cardboard mailing sleeve will be provided, if you choose to mail your sample to us.
6. Mail samples Monday through Thursday, by next day mail to insure proper processing.
7. If possible, please send payment along with your sample. Results will not be given out until payment has been received.

BAG METHOD:

1. Follow steps 1 – 2 from the bottle method.
2. Tear off the top of the bag at the scored line.
3. Pull the white tabs outward.
4. Separate the yellow wires further by pushing in from the ends.
5. Fill the bag to within 1-1/2 inches from the top.
6. Pull outward on the yellow wires to close the bag. Whirl the bag 3 times rapidly and then twist the wires together to seal.
7. Samples collected in these bags should not be mailed. Please deliver directly to the lab.
8. Please make payment when you drop off your sample. Results will not be given out until payment has been received.

How do I chlorinate/disinfect my well?

Well disinfection can be very beneficial for your well. It can eliminate or reduce many kinds of bacteria and reduce unpleasant tastes and odors. Most homeowners can disinfect their own wells. To learn when and how to disinfect your well you can either contact Traut Companies or the Minnesota Department of Health.  If you would like us to perform this procedure for you Contact Traut Companies.

What are the most common safe drinking water tests?

Coliform bacteria are everywhere on the surface of the ground, and usually is found in the first few feet of soil. While these bacteria do not necessarily cause disease, they can survive under the same conditions as more harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, salmonellosis, hepatitis, giardiasis, and dysentery. For this reason, they are called “indicator bacteria”. Their presence in well water indicates that surface contamination has found its way into the well, and disease organisms may also be present. Another reason why coliform bacteria are good “indicators” is that it takes about the same amount of disinfectant to get rid of them as it does to eliminate disease-causing organisms. Therefore, when you have no more coliform bacteria in your well, you know you have also eliminated harmful organisms.

Nitrate (NO3) is a chemical that is made up of nitrogen and oxygen. It occurs naturally in air, soil, water, and plants. It can seep down and contaminate well water in areas where fertilizers, failing septic systems, or animal wastes are concentrated. Nitrates pose a health risk to infants less than 6 months of age, because they have bacterium in their digestive systems that convert nitrate into nitrite. Nitrite is a chemical that can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. This causes a condition called methemoglobinemia. In serious cases, the baby’s skin turns a bluish color, especially around the eyes and mouth. This is where the term “blue baby syndrome” comes from.

Lead is a common metal that was once used in many consumer products. It can still be found in lead-based paint, and in some plumbing pipes and components, especially in older homes. We are all exposed to very small amounts of lead each day, usually with no adverse health effects. This is because lead exists throughout our environment, though it isn’t usually found in detectable amounts in well water. Because lead readily dissolves in water, it becomes a problem in household pipes, faucets, valves, or fittings. If water is allowed to stand for long periods of time in such conditions, enough lead can dissolve into the water making it harmful to drink. If lead is found in the water, it is strongly recommended to always turn on the cold water and let it run for a minute or two to flush the system before using it. If this is done for all faucets used for drinking and cooking, any time the water has not been used for 6 hours or more, the amount of exposure to lead will be greatly reduced. Lead can also be removed from the water with a home treatment system.

Fluoride is used to help children develop strong, healthy teeth with reduced cavities. It occurs naturally in some underground formations, so it’s a good idea to test the fluoride level in each well. A dentist can then determine if additional fluoride supplements need to be administered to get the best effect. Fluoride is very beneficial at levels around .9 – 1.2 mg/L, but it can be harmful at high levels. It can cause a mottling effect on teeth, and can cause bones and teeth to become brittle at levels above 4 mg/L. Wells with too much fluoride can be fitted with home treatment systems to reduce it to safer levels.