23 named for coliform bacteria itself on the list.
Per the state list or a state web page. Call to confirm.
Located outside Minnesota but on its list.
USGS estimate for Minnesota.
How many labs test for coliform bacteria in Minnesota
23 labs on Minnesota's official drinking-water lab list are certified to test for coliform bacteria. All 23 are named for coliform bacteria on the list. 23 of them are marked as taking samples from the public. They are listed first.
The list is published by the Minnesota Department of Health - MNELAP / Well Management. List version on file: October 2026. Fetched 2026-11-15 (UTC).
Minnesota labs certified for coliform bacteria
Marked as taking public samples (23)
| Lab | Location | Bacteria certification | Public samples | Cert. expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc. | Brainerd, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| AC Analytical & Consulting, LLC | Puposky, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| EMSL Analytical, Inc. | New Hope, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Engel Water Testing, Inc. | Minnetrista, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Fillmore SWCD Water Quality Laboratory | Preston, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Instrumental Research, Inc. | Fridley, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Koochiching Health Department Water Testing | International Falls, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories, Inc. | New Ulm, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Pace Analytical Services, LLC - Duluth | Duluth, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Pace Analytical Services, LLC - Minneapolis | Minneapolis, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Pace Analytical Services, LLC - Virginia | Virginia, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Red Wing City Laboratory | Red Wing, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc. - Burnsville | Burnsville, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc. - Virginia | Virginia, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc. – Detroit Lakes | Detroit Lakes, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc. – Pequot Lakes | Pequot Lakes, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Southeastern Minnesota Water Analysis Laboratory | Rochester, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Southwest Health and Human Services | Marshall, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Traut Water Analysis Lab | St. Joseph, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Twin City Water Clinic, Inc. | Hopkins, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| UC Laboratory | Janesville, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Water Laboratories, Inc. | Elk River, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
| Worthington Public Utilities Laboratory | Worthington, MN | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | Not on the list |
How the Minnesota list marks public samples (whole list). Every lab on this list accepts private-well samples.
Before you send a sample, call the lab to confirm it is currently certified for the exact test and method, that it accepts samples from homeowners, and how to collect and ship them. Status can change between list updates.
Why test for coliform bacteria in Minnesota
About a third of the 397 domestic wells tested for bacteria in a national USGS study had total coliform. Read our coliform bacteria explainer.
EPA advises private-well owners to test every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH. [1]
Minnesota guidance that mentions coliform bacteria:
- Coliform bacteria and nitrate every year. Arsenic, lead and manganese at least once. [2]
- MDH says Minnesota does not require testing private well water at the time of property transfer, but many lending institutions may require testing, typically for coliform bacteria and nitrate, as a condition for a loan. In Dakota County, a local ordinance requires wells to be tested at the time of property transfer. State law (Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.235) requires the seller to disclose the number and status of all wells on the property and provide a sketch map showing where each one is. [3]
About 1,176,917 people in Minnesota used private wells in 2015, by the USGS estimate of people on domestic self-supplied water. [4] Federal limits are written for public water systems, not private wells, so testing is up to the owner.
For tests that depend on your home (farms nearby, old plumbing, a new baby), use the which-tests checklist. When results arrive, check your numbers against EPA's limits. State guidance, county data and every lab: Minnesota.
Other tests in Minnesota
- U.S. EPA, Protect your home's water
- Minnesota Department of Health, Well water testing tips
- Minnesota Department of Health, What You Should Know About Wells at Property Transfer (last updated 09/30/2025)
- USGS, Estimated use of water in the United States, county-level data for 2015 (Dieter et al., ver. 2.0, 2018)
- MDH Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private Well Users (official list)
MDH Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private Well Users.
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