A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc.
(218) 829-7974
16326 Airport Rd
Brainerd, MN 56401
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Drinking Water Testing

Safe drinking water is essential to our health and well-being, yet it is something that we often take for granted. There are several contaminants that can affect the safety of drinking water. Some such as bacteria or parasites can make us sick right away while others such as arsenic cause more chronic health problems over a long period of time.

Our accredited laboratory tests for a variety of drinking water contaminants. Protect your family by having your water checked on a regular basis. Contaminants in water can be especially harmful to young children and infants. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends having your water checked for safety at least once every year. 

Other common issues with well water such as iron, hardness, and tannins, do not pose a safety concern, but can be a nuisance. Our lab offers testing for these parameters as part of our Softener Suite Package. You can take your results to any water treatment professional who can help you decide what kind of softener or filtration system you need to fix your water issues. 

Should I test my Water?

If you have a well you should test your water annually to make sure that it is safe to drink. Cities and municipalities check their water for safety on a regular basis; however, if you have your own well it's up to you to make sure your water is safe for drinking. 

Sampling Your Water

In most instances, homeowners are able to collect their own water sample. Click on the link below to have a sampling kit mailed to you.  The Sampling Kit will include all necessary sampling containers and instructions on how to collect the sample properly. 
Order a Sampling Kit
Some real estate transactions may require an unbiased third party to collect your water sample (check with your lender). If this is the case, or if you would rather have one of our trained staff collect your sample, please download and submit the Onsite Water Test Request Form below. 
Onsite Water Test Request Form
File Size: 338 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

My water smells - What should I do?

If your water has a rotten egg or sulfur smell you have iron and/or sulfur bacteria. This bacteria is not harmful but it can cause staining, slimy build-up, and give your water a bad taste or smell.  The only way to get rid of this problem is to chlorinate your well.  Click on the document below for instructions:
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"Love the staff and the service. Couldn't be more satisfied with this company!"   ~ Kimberly Baker, REMAX Northland
"The staff were very helpful in answering many questions, and took the time to explain everything to a me in a way that made it easy to understand as a normal person who knew absolutely nothing about acceptable drinking water from a well. It is something we just take for granted. Thank you for all of your help!"   
​                                                    ~ Josh Lowe, Homeowner

Testing Parameters

Click on the links below to learn more about each of these testing parameters: 

Coliform Bacteria
Nitrates
Arsenic
Lead and Copper
Iron and Hardness

Price List

Sample Information Sheet (fillable pdf) - Bring to the lab with your sample.

Drinking Water Fact Sheets from the Minnesota Department of Health

Coliform Bacteria Fact Sheet
File Size: 29 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Nitrate Fact Sheet
File Size: 103 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Arsenic Fact Sheet
File Size: 21 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Lead & Copper Fact Sheet
File Size: 28 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

How to Chlorinate Your Well
File Size: 299 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

A.W. RESEARCH LABORATORIES, INC.
16326 Airport Road
Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone: (218) 829-7974
Email: awlab@awlab.com

100% Women-Owned and Operated
HOURS: 
Mon-Thurs  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM  
Friday  8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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