Tactics use bogus tests, misrepresent agencies and standards

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is reminding residents to beware of false claims, deceptive sales pitches, and scare tactics being used by some water treatment companies to sell expensive and unnecessary water treatment systems. High profile investigations of groundwater contamination has resulted in a noticeable increase in the number of complaints regarding such deceptive sales activities.

While the pitch varies in these situations, the salesperson nearly always: recites a list of recent groundwater contamination problems; conducts water tests; implies the water is unsafe to drink; and offers a “one-time only” “greatly reduced” price for their water system.  In some of the worst instances, the salesperson has implied or said that he is working with the city’s water utility.

Water from a private well should also be free of unsafe levels of man-made contaminants if the well is properly constructed, is drawing from a safe aquifer, and has not been flooded or otherwise compromised. However, the only way to be certain about the quality of the water from a private well is to have it tested by a competent water testing laboratory. Anoka County residents can get their private well tested through the Well Water Wise program.  Call 763-422-7063 for more information.

Complaints.  Those who believe they have been provided false or misleading information or that they have been subjected to unfair or high-pressure tactics in the course of a sales visit should contact the Minnesota Attorney General’s office Consumer Complaints division at 651-296-3353 or 800-657-3787 or online.

Additional information about drinking water and home water treatment systems is available on the MDH website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells and
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/factsheet/com/pou.html