Nobles County, Minnesota

Arsenic: 18 of 78 sampled wells (23%) above the EPA limit of 10 µg/L. Nitrate: 6 of 62 sampled wells (10%) above the EPA limit of 10 mg/L as N. Samples 1955-12-02 to 2022-09-20; updated 2026-10-18. Source: Water Quality Portal (USGS, EPA, NWQMC), siteType=Well.

What wells in this county have measured for arsenic and nitrate. A local picture only: test your own well to know your water.

Arsenic

18 of 78 sampled wells (23%) had a latest result above the EPA limit of 10 µg/L.

Median (latest per well): 0.952 µg/L
90th percentile: 20.5 µg/L
Highest: 120.9 µg/L
Non-detects: 8 wells' latest result was "not detected" with no detection limit reported; they are counted as below the limit.
Samples: 79, 1993-06-08 to 2022-09-20
Source: Water Quality Portal (USGS, EPA, NWQMC), siteType=Well, downloaded 2026-10-18

Nitrate

6 of 62 sampled wells (10%) had a latest result above the EPA limit of 10 mg/L as N.

Median (latest per well): 0.23 mg/L as N
90th percentile: 1.74 mg/L as N
Highest: 50 mg/L as N
Samples: 64, 1955-12-02 to 2007-07-10
Source: Water Quality Portal (USGS, EPA, NWQMC), siteType=Well, downloaded 2026-10-18

Includes monitoring, research and private wells reported to the Water Quality Portal. Non-detects count only when the lab's detection limit is at or below the EPA limit. Method: data rules.

What to do next

Test your own well. County numbers cannot tell you what is in your water. See which tests fit your well.
Use a lab certified by Minnesota. Certified labs in Minnesota.
Compare your results with the EPA limits (arsenic 10 µg/L, nitrate 10 mg/L as N). If a result is above a limit, contact your county or state health department.
If a result is high: arsenic guide · nitrate guide · bacteria guide · salesperson checklist.
Test again every year for bacteria and nitrate. Get a yearly reminder.