RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc. – Detroit Lakes

At a glance

What it is certified to test

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

Price

from $35 (Bacteria Series (Pres./Abs.)), as printed on the lab’s website, read 15 Nov 2026

Turnaround

“Standard Turnaround Time: Bacteria Series 2-3 Business Days; Nitrate Nitrogen 2-3 Business Days; Arsenic, Lead, Manganese 3-5 Business Da...” (lab’s website)

Homeowner samples

yes (Minnesota list)

Lab facts

Listed by

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

Address

22796 County Highway 6, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 · Open in Google Maps

County

Becker

Phone

(218) 846-1465

Website

www.rmbel.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: “if you have your own well, ensuring the drinking water is safe for consumption is the homeowner's responsibility. Our laboratory checks for a wide variety of pollutants in your water.” source
• Who collects: You collect it, or lab staff can. 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): Standard Turnaround Time: Bacteria Series 2-3 Business Days; Nitrate Nitrogen 2-3 Business Days; Arsenic, Lead, Manganese 3-5 Business Days; Suitability Package 5-7 Business Days 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 across 5 other labs that print a price on their own site; 1 of them charge less than $35.
• Nitrate against other Minnesota labs: median $35 across 5 other labs that print a price on their own site; 2 of them charge less than $35.
• Arsenic against other Minnesota labs: median $40 across 3 other labs that print a price on their own site; 1 of them charge less than $40.
• Lead against other Minnesota labs: median $40 across 3 other labs that print a price on their own site; 1 of them charge less than $40.

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

No other lab that takes homeowner samples is within 25 miles of this lab; the nearest is 78 miles away. 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: Becker County, MN

• Private wells: about 21,446 people, 64% of Becker County’s 33,386 residents (USGS, 2015); rank 16 of 87 counties in Minnesota by people on wells.

• EPA radon zone (indoor air): Zone 1: highest potential (average indoor radon may be greater than 4 pCi/L). EPA says the zone map should not decide whether one home needs testing.
• Arsenic above 10 µg/L (USGS model): about 1,131 private-well users (95% range 879 to 1,465; 2010 base), rank 36 of 87 in the state. A screening estimate, not a measurement of any well.
• Older homes (Census ACS 2020–2024): 49% of 20,005 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.

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).