The First District Water Lab is located in the Minot office and generally accepts water samples Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Samples can be dropped off any time on those days between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Holidays may affect these days and hours. Click here to view the 2024 water testing calendar. Click here to view the 2025 water testing calendar.
Samples submitted for Bacteriological Testing must be submitted in an First District Health Unit-supplied bottle. You may stop by or call any First District office to obtain a bottle, but samples must be submitted to the water lab in Minot. Samples submitted for bacteriological testing in a non-approved bottle will not be tested.
Samples submitted for Routine Chemistry Water Analysis need to include at least one quart of water and need to be accompanied by a water sample submission form. Use a clean container made of glass or plastic that has not previously been used to store bleach, soap, or vinegar. Do not use a metal container. Wash the container with soap and water, rinse 4-5 times with the water to be tested, then fill the container to the top before capping it.
The First District Health Unit water lab cannot test for lead. Information regarding lead in water, including testing laboratories, can be found on the North Dakota Division of Environmental Quality’s fact sheet Lead in Household Water Systems. In addition to the options listed on the fact sheet, Astro-Chem in Williston can also test water for lead content – (701) 572-7355.
| General Testing and Services Available | Fees |
|---|---|
| Bacteriological Water Analysis (presence/absence) - standard 48 hour test | $30.00 (double charge on non-testing days) |
| Bacteriological Water Analysis (presence/absence) - 18 hour test | $45.00 (double charge on non-testing days) |
| Recreational Water Analysis for Swimming Pools and Spas (bacteriological presence/absence, Heterotrophic Plate Count) | $35.00 (double charge on non-testing days) |
| Routine Chemistry Water Analysis: Conductivity, Iron, Manganese, Nitrates, pH, estimated Sodium, Sulfates, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, Chloride | $85.00 |
| Agricultural Water Analysis: Conductivity, Iron, Nitrates, pH, Estimated Sodium, Total Dissolved Solids, Hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride | $60.00 |
| Livestock Water Analysis: Conductivity, Nitrates, pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Sulfates | $30.00 |
| Individual Chemistry Tests: pH/Conductivity/Total Dissolved Solids; Sulfates; Iron; Manganese; Nitrates, Estimated Sodium, Total Hardness; Calcium/Magnesium; Chloride; Chlorine; Fluoride; Potassium | $15.00 each test |
| Quantitative Bacteriological Analysis | $45.00 |
Testing is subject to availability. Additional charges may be incurred for special requests.
The First District Health Unit (FDHU) lab is a state-certified facility that routinely tests water samples. Municipal water supplies are tested for compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
For questions regarding the water lab, contact:
Jayme Calavera, REHS/RS: (701) 837-5119 or jcalavera@nd.gov
Becky Fred: (701) 837-5121 or bfred@nd.gov
Lisa Otto-Westman, Director of Environmental Health: (701) 837-5124 or ecotto@nd.gov
For more information on drinking water quality please visit the following websites: