Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 34 § 34.12
Private wells on residential properties
Operative Text
The owner of any premises regulated by this section, as specified in section 34.03, shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Private wells. In all dwellings or multiple dwellings serviced by a private well for drinking water purposes, coliform bacteria and nitrate testing of water shall be conducted by the property owner every two (2) years. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to either: a. Submit well water samples to the department of safety and inspections for testing and analysis; or b. Contract with a laboratory certified by the state department of health for collection, testing and analysis. Within thirty (30) days of the testing, a copy of the test results shall be submitted by the property owner to the department of safety and inspections, along with such fee as may be set by the city council. The department of safety and inspections shall then issue a certificate to the property owner, effective for two (2) years, verifying that the water samples are within the standards set for public health. All repairs and installations shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Water Well Construction Code, Chapter 4725. (2) All facilities and equipment. All required and supplied equipment and all building space and parts in every residential building shall be constructed and maintained to properly and safely perform their intended function in accordance with the provisions of the applicable code.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.12 establishes that residential properties served by a private well must have their water tested for coliform bacteria and nitrates every two years. The property owner must either submit water samples directly to the city's Department of Safety and Inspections or use a state-certified laboratory, and must provide test results to that department within 30 days of testing along with any applicable fee. Upon review, the department issues a two-year certificate confirming the water meets public health standards, and any well repairs or installations must follow the Minnesota Water Well Construction Code, Chapter 4725. The provision also broadly requires that all equipment and building spaces in residential properties be constructed and maintained to safely perform their intended functions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.12, compliant property owners with private wells schedule coliform bacteria and nitrate testing on a two-year cycle, choosing between submitting samples directly to the Department of Safety and Inspections or engaging a state-certified laboratory. Within 30 days of testing, owners submit results and any required fee to the department to obtain the two-year compliance certificate. Operators also ensure that all building equipment and facilities are constructed and maintained in proper working order in accordance with applicable codes, and that any well work is performed in conformance with Minnesota Water Well Construction Code, Chapter 4725.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.12 gives tenants in dwellings served by private wells a basis to expect that their drinking water is tested for coliform bacteria and nitrates every two years and that a valid certificate from the Department of Safety and Inspections is on file. If a tenant has reason to believe testing has not been conducted or that building equipment is not properly maintained, they may contact the Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections to inquire about compliance records or file a complaint. Tenant-rights organizations in the Saint Paul area can also help residents understand what documentation they are entitled to review and what options exist if a landlord appears to be out of compliance with § 34.12.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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