The First District Water Lab is located in the Minot office and 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. Click here to view the 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.
| 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 |
| Lead Testing for Water (sent away) | $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: