The Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services Department helps Anoka County residents protect their drinking water. One way to assure safe, quality drinking water is by having it tested. It is recommended to test for bacteria and nitrate on an annual basis.

The Anoka County Well Water Testing program will continue to operate on a limited basis as we move into the beginning of 2022. In addition to the sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), samples for arsenic and manganese will continue to be accepted. Please see below for full details.

Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted on the dates below with limited hours. Water samples for other analyses (lead, iron, etc.) will not be accepted at this time. An appointment and pre-payment over the phone will be required. Please continue reading for full details. The upcoming dates and times for water sample drop-off will be:

• Monday, January 24th, 1-4 pm
• Tuesday, January 25th, 9-11:30 am
• Monday, February 14th, 1-4 pm
• Tuesday, February 15th, 9-11:30 am
• Monday, March 21st, 1-4 pm
• Tuesday, March 22nd, 9-11:30 am
• Monday, April 18th, 1-4 pm
• Tuesday, April 19th, 9-11:30 am

Please note that drop-off dates have typically the last Monday and Tuesday of the month, but many have been adjusted for 2022. Be sure to read the dates closely.

The drop-off table will be located on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Government Center near the main door.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

1. Test kits (sample collection bottle and blue (for sanitary analysis) or yellow (for arsenic or manganese) sampling sheet with collection instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. No kits will be available on the drop-off days. Test kit pick-up locations are listed below.
2. A drop-off appointment must be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. No cash or checks allowed, and no credit cards will be accepted the day of drop-off. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
3. The blue or yellow sampling sheet must be completed ahead of time. No pens will be available to use at the drop-off table.
4. Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Abby Shea at (763) 324-4207.
5. Only samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted at this time. If other testing is desired, it can be performed at a later date or a private laboratory can be recommended.
6. Samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) must be collected as close to the drop-off time as possible to avoid exceeding the holding time of the sample, which can result in inaccurate results.
7. Social distancing guidelines must be respected, and rules of the drop-off area must be followed.

Water test kits for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) are currently available at the following locations:

• Andover City Hall *
• Bethel City Hall (23860 Dewey St NW)
• Blaine City Hall
• Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
• Centerville City Hall
• Columbus City Hall
• East Bethel City Hall *
• Ham Lake City Hall
• Lino Lakes City Hall **
• Linwood Township Hall
• Nowthen City Hall
• Oak Grove City Hall *
• Ramsey City Hall **
• St. Francis City Hall

*Denotes location with arsenic test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits.

**Denotes location with manganese test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits.

This information is also available on the official Anoka County website (www.anokacounty.us/water).