<div><p>On Friday, July 10, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. and Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11-1 p.m., the TAP-IN Collaborative will be providing free water testing at the Winona County Fair, 506 West Sixth Street in St. Charles, for households that rely on private systems for their drinking water. The testing will take place in the West Commercial Building, the building closest to the Grand Stand. </p><p>To participate, collect a cup of water from your well in a clean glass container and bring it to the TAP-IN Booth in the Commercial Building at the Winona County Fair. Your sample will be analyzed while you wait. TAP-IN staff will provide results to you within 15 minutes. Staff will be available to answer questions and recommend solutions if water samples show elevated nitrate levels.</p><h2>What is nitrate? </h2><p>Nitrate is a compound that naturally forms when nitrogen combines with oxygen or ozone. While nitrogen is essential for all living things, high nitrate levels (>10mg/L) in drinking water could pose harmful health risks, especially to infants and pregnant women. </p><p>Nitrates can occur naturally in surface and groundwater without causing health problems. However, high nitrate levels in well water often result from improper well construction and location. Improper disposal of human and animal waste or the overuse of chemical fertilizers can further increase nitrate levels. Sources of nitrate that can enter your well include fertilizers, septic systems, animal feedlots, industrial waste, and food processing waste. After flooding, wells could become more vulnerable to contamination, especially if the wells are shallow, poorly constructed, dug or bored, or submerged by floodwater for long periods.</p></div>

Block Source: winonapost.com

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On Friday, July 10, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. and Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11-1 p.m., the TAP-IN Collaborative will be providing free water testing at the Winona County Fair, 506 West Sixth Street in St. Charles, for households that rely on private systems for their drinking water. The testing will take place in the West Commercial Building, the building closest to the Grand Stand.

Free nitrate testing at Winona County Fair

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On Friday, July 10, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. and Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11-1 p.m., the TAP-IN Collaborative will be providing free water testing at the W

Free nitrate testing at Winona County Fair

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