Polk County, Minnesota

Arsenic: 9 of 18 sampled wells (50%) above the EPA limit of 10 µg/L. Nitrate: 9 of 82 sampled wells (11%) above the EPA limit of 10 mg/L as N. Samples 1964-06-19 to 2024-07-16; 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

9 of 18 sampled wells (50%) had a latest result above the EPA limit of 10 µg/L.

Median (latest per well): 10.405 µg/L
90th percentile: 22.6 µg/L
Highest: 51.3 µg/L
Non-detects: 4 wells' latest result was "not detected" with no detection limit reported; they are counted as below the limit.
Samples: 30, 1991-08-28 to 2024-07-16
Source: Water Quality Portal (USGS, EPA, NWQMC), siteType=Well, downloaded 2026-10-18

Nitrate

9 of 82 sampled wells (11%) had a latest result above the EPA limit of 10 mg/L as N.

Median (latest per well): 0.102 mg/L as N
90th percentile: 6.67 mg/L as N
Highest: 22.2 mg/L as N
Non-detects: 30 wells' latest result was "not detected" with no detection limit reported; they are counted as below the limit.
Samples: 475, 1964-06-19 to 2015-09-10
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.