A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc.

At a glance

What it is certified to test

5 of the 9 common well tests on the MN list (see which)

Price

from $30 (Nitrate as N), as printed on the lab’s website, read 15 Nov 2026

Turnaround

“Results are typically completed within 3-5 business days with the exception of arsenic and lead (see below). *Lead, Arsenic, and Manganes...” (lab’s website)

Homeowner samples

yes (Minnesota list)

Lab facts

Listed by

Minnesota (Minnesota Department of Health - MNELAP / Well Management)

Address

314 Charles Street, Brainerd, MN 56401 · Open in Google Maps

County

Crow Wing

Phone

(218) 829-7974

Website

awlab.com

Not on the state list: found and checked by us, 15 Nov 2026

Certificate

The MDH Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private Well Users (version October 2026) prints no certificate ID or expiry date for this lab.

Public / homeowner samples

Public samples: yes (per state)

Listed on MDH 'Accredited Labs Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private Well Users'

Tests on the state list

• Named on the official list The state list names this analyte (or a column for it) for this lab.
• Group-level certification Certified for a parent group (e.g. 'Inorganics') that includes this analyte. Confirm the specific test with the lab.
• Partial group certification The list marks the group as 'Partial'. Confirm this analyte with the lab.
• Subcontracted The lab sends this analyte to another accredited lab (MDH 'X*').

Homeowner service and turnaround (lab’s own website)

• Takes homeowner samples: yes. The lab’s site says: “Clients include municipalities, state agencies, realtors, septic inspectors, lake/conservation associations, and private homeowners.” source
• Who collects: You collect it, or lab staff can. Sampling fee as printed: Technician Sampling Fee $75.00 per hour. source
• By mail or courier: the lab says samples or kits can be shipped. Bacteria samples must reach the lab within its holding time.
• Turnaround (as printed): Results are typically completed within 3-5 business days with the exception of arsenic and lead (see below). *Lead, Arsenic, and Manganese Results Standard turn-around is 5-10 business days from the day we receive your sample. source

From the lab’s own website, read 15 Nov 2026 and re-read by a second checker; next check due by 13 Feb 2027. Certification fields come from the state list only.

Prices the lab prints, compared

• Bacteria (coliform / E. coli) against other Minnesota labs: median $35.50 across 6 other labs that print a price on their own site; 1 of them charge less than $35.
• Nitrate against other Minnesota labs: median $35.50 across 6 other labs that print a price on their own site; 0 of them charge less than $30.
• Arsenic against other Minnesota labs: median $40 across 3 other labs that print a price on their own site; 0 of them charge less than $35.
• Lead against other Minnesota labs: median $40 across 3 other labs that print a price on their own site; 0 of them charge less than $35.

Comparison uses the lowest single-test price this lab prints; panels and ranges are left out. For comparison only, not a quote.

Nearest labs that take homeowner samples

1 other certified lab that takes homeowner samples is within 25 miles of this lab. Distances are straight-line from the address on the state list (approx. = ZIP-code centre). “Takes homeowner samples” comes from a state list column or the lab’s own website, as named.

Price and turnaround as printed on each lab’s own website and checked by a second reader; – = not published or not read yet.

Around this lab: Crow Wing County, MN

• Private wells: about 36,558 people, 58% of Crow Wing County’s 63,428 residents (USGS, 2015); rank 8 of 87 counties in Minnesota by people on wells.
• At house sale: Crow Wing County has a septic system rule (Crow Wing County Land Use Ordinance (SSTS); section not read). What it requires

• EPA radon zone (indoor air): Zone 2: moderate potential (average indoor radon may be between 2 and 4 pCi/L). EPA says the zone map should not decide whether one home needs testing.
• Arsenic above 10 µg/L (USGS model): about 2,657 private-well users (95% range 1,973 to 3,570; 2010 base), rank 4 of 87 in the state. A screening estimate, not a measurement of any well.
• Older homes (Census ACS 2020–2024): 39% of 42,683 housing units were built before 1980, below the state share of 52%. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead solder or fittings, so test tap water for lead there.
• PFAS in public water nearby (public supply, not your well): 2 public systems serving this county reported EPA UCMR 5 results; 0 had a PFOA or PFOS sample at or above 4.0 ng/L.

County figures describe where the lab is, not the lab. Sources: USGS 2015 water use and 2017 arsenic estimates, EPA radon zones, Census ACS table B25034 (2020–2024), EPA UCMR 5 (2023–2026); details and links on the sources page.

Before you send a sample

Call the lab to confirm it's currently certified for the exact test and method, that it accepts samples from homeowners, and how to collect and ship them. Bacteria samples have short holding times. Status can change between list updates. To check a status, contact the Minnesota certification program.

Is this your lab?

Labs can ask for corrections through the agency that publishes their state list. Homeowner service, prices and turnaround above come only from the lab’s own website. To ask us to correct or remove this listing, write to us (how we handle listings).