City Laboratory - Environmental Operations

The Red Wing City Laboratory provides biological and chemical analysis service for the City of Red Wing, S. B. Foot Tanning Company and other significant users. The City Lab also provides private analysis for companies and individuals in Red Wing and surrounding areas.

The Red Wing City Lab is a Minnesota State Certified Laboratory and provides water and wastewater analytical services to the general public. Private well owners should test their water annually for total coliform bacteria and nitrates to ensure a safe drinking water supply.

Fees for Lab services are available by clicking on the following link:

2010 Fee Schedule - Sewer and Lab Rates

A complete list of analyses performed and fees charged, along with sample requirements, can be obtained by calling the City Lab at 651.388.2108 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Samples can be brought to the City Lab at 1020 East Fifth Street between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday. Test results are mailed.

The Red Wing Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant has a biological system that can be harmed if improper substances are discharged into the sewer. To protect the facility, the City has enacted a Significant Industrial User Ordinance that puts the responsibility of these discharges on the industries generating the waste. This applies to one-time discharges as well as continual industrial strength discharges. All businesses and industries must apply for a discharge permit through the Utilities Office at the Public Works Building. All industrial/commercial wastes will be analyzed to determine potential problem wastes. In some cases, industrial wastewater is required to undergo pretreatment prior to discharged into the system.