Free Water Testing in Hutchinson & Prior Lake, MN

Private wells should be tested at least once a year. You should also schedule well water testing if your water changes in taste, smell, color, or after flooding, plumbing repairs, or installing a new well.

Free water testing checks for common water issues such as hardness, iron, chlorine, and TDS. Laboratory water quality testing checks for additional contaminants such as bacteria, lead, arsenic, nitrates, PFAS, and other substances that require certified testing methods.

While municipal water is treated before it reaches your property, professional testing can identify issues common in public water sources. This might include chlorine, hardness, lead from older plumbing, and other water quality concerns.

Professional water testing provides accurate results that help identify water quality issues you may not be able to see, taste, or smell. Testing helps determine the right treatment solution for your home or business.

A rotten egg smell is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, often caused by sulfur-reducing bacteria in the water. It can also occur naturally in groundwater and even be linked to your water heater. This issue is more common with well water. Water testing can help identify the cause and the right treatment option.

Sulfur smells are commonly treated with oxidation systems, carbon filtration, aeration, or other specialized water treatment equipment. The best solution depends on the source of the odor.

Cloudy tap water is often caused by tiny air bubbles and may clear after sitting for a few moments. If cloudiness remains, it could be related to sediment, hardness, tannins, or other common water quality problems.

A metallic taste may come from iron, manganese, copper, zinc, or aging plumbing materials. Water testing can help identify the source and allow you to choose the right filtration system.

Dirt and sediment are small particles such as sand, silt, rust, or debris that can get into your water supply. They are more common in private wells, older plumbing systems, or water sources affected by heavy rain and ground movement.

These particles can make water look cloudy and may build up in pipes, faucets, water heaters, and appliances over time. Sediment is commonly treated with cartridge filters, backwashing filters, or whole-house filtration systems. The best solution depends on the amount of sediment and your water source.

Hard minerals in water are usually calcium and magnesium that dissolve into groundwater as it moves through soil, limestone, and rock. This is a common issue in many homes that use well water or mineral-rich local water sources. Hard minerals are most commonly removed with a water softener.

Hard water in Minnesota will usually show up in a variety of ways. The most common signs include mineral scale on fixtures, soap scum throughout the home, stiff laundry, dry skin and hair, white spots or film on dishes and glassware, poor appliance efficiency, and plumbing issues.

Many locations throughout MN often have hard water, such as Arlington, Prior Lake, Winsted, Glencoe, Buffalo, and more.

Sulfur and methane gases can form naturally underground and enter well water supplies. Sulfur is often noticed as a rotten egg smell, while methane may cause bubbling water or trapped gas in plumbing. These issues are more common in private wells and can vary based on soil conditions, water depth, and local geology.

Dissolved gases in water can be damaging to piping systems and cause wear on valves, seals, and washers. Treatment depends on the source and gas levels.

Common solutions include aeration systems, oxidation, activated carbon filters, and other custom treatment equipment. Water testing is the first step to identify the problem and choose the right solution.

Our Sanitizer Series may be the appropriate treatment method. In severe cases of hydrogen sulfide and methane gas, we also offer the Sentry Open-Air, a system that is like your own private water treatment plant.

If you only notice a rotten egg odor when using hot water, the problem may be fixed by simply having your water heater serviced.

Iron is a common mineral found in many groundwater sources and private wells. As water moves through soil and rock, it can dissolve iron and carry it into your home’s water supply.

High iron content in Minnesota water may cause red, orange, or brown stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, and laundry. It can also create metallic tastes and cloudy water. Iron bacteria can grow, as well, which can produce slime that clogs pipes and faucet aerators.

Treatment depends on the type and amount of iron present. Iron comes in different forms, including ferric and ferrous iron. Both of these can leave behind stains that are extremely hard to remove and cause other issues. Common solutions include softeners for lower iron levels, air injection systems, specialty filters, or custom whole-home treatment systems.

One of the systems we offer is the EcoWater ECR 3502, which is rated to remove up to 15 ppm of clear water iron (ferrous iron). In most cases, our equipment can remove triple the iron compared to competitive brands.

If your water looks red when it runs out of the faucet, an ETF AII9 Air Injection filter ahead of a water softener can help treat the issue. In severe cases, a separate iron filter may be needed.

Bacteria in water are microorganisms that can enter private wells or water systems through surface water, flooding, damaged well caps, plumbing issues, or natural sources. Some types may cause odors, bad tastes, stomach illness, or slime buildup in toilet tanks and plumbing.

Treatment depends on the type of bacteria present. Common solutions include UV water treatment systems, chlorination, filtration, and well system repairs, plus sanitation. Regular testing is especially important for private well owners.

Our EPS 1000 microbiological purification system is often a top choice for treating bacteria in water. It is certified to meet or surpass the EPA requirement for removing viruses, bacteria, and cysts (such as Giardia and Cryptosporidia). The EcoWater EPS 1000 can be installed on both municipal and well water supplies.

Common contaminants in our area can include arsenic, lead, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, and more. We offer full laboratory testing at an affordable price so you can test for these and other contaminants in your water supply.