Accreditation
We offer state certified in-house laboratory testing for drinking water, wastewater, surface water, groundwater, and stormwater. We are committed to providing our clients with the best information and customer service to help them understand and protect their water quality.
Located in Brainerd, Minnesota we are a privately owned, accredited water testing laboratory providing analysis, onsite sampling, and consulting services to clients across the state of Minnesota. Founded in 1972, by Alan Cibuzar, A.W. Research Laboratories is one of the first state-accredited laboratories in Minnesota.
Our Memberships & Affiliations
Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Crow Wing Lakes and Rivers Alliance
Greater Lakes Association of Realtors
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates
Minnesota Rural Water Association
Minnesota Well Water Association
North American Lakes Management Society
A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc.
314 Charles Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
A.W. Research Labs is proud to support our fellow local businesses in the Brainerd Lakes Area!
Click the Lakes Proud logo below to learn more and to join the movement!
Our Staff
Sara Ahlers
Part-Owner, C.E.O.
Laboratory Director
Sara joined A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc. as Laboratory Director in 1999. Originally from Red Lake Falls, she attended the University of Minnesota where she received her degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. As Laboratory Director, Sara is responsible for maintaining the laboratory’s accreditation and quality control procedures. She works directly with clients to provide service quotes to meet their testing needs. She also reviews and approves all testing results completed by the laboratory.
Stephanie Kuesel
Part-Owner, C.O.O.
Operations Manager
Stephanie has been with A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc. since 2001 and is originally from Little Falls. She has degrees in water resource technology and environmental resources from Vermillion Community College and the University of Minnesota. As Operations Manager, Stephanie oversees the day-to-day operations of the laboratory. She supervises our lab staff and couriers, orders supplies, and ensures that testing meets quality standards and is completed on time.
Sarah Fogderud
Part-Owner, C.F.O.
Client Services Manager & Controller
Sarah joined the A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc. team in 2008. She is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota and has a biology degree from Gustavus Adolphus College. Sarah works with clients to communicate laboratory results through written reports, meetings, and presentations. She is in charge of the onsite sample collection for lakes and works with lake associations to develop monitoring plans and understand their water quality. Sarah also oversees all of the business financials and day-to-day bookkeeping.
What our Customers are Saying
“High quality company with the best staff! They are easy to work with, they know their stuff and are competitively priced. They are my go-to source for water tests!“
~ Keith Schwankl, Positive Realty
“I hadn’t tested our water previously and greatly appreciated how easy the process was. They mailed us a kit with detailed, easy to follow instructions. I dropped it off at their offices and received an email with the results and an explanation for what they meant. I’ve already recommended them to our neighbors!“
~ Shari Wadleigh, Homeowner
“Sara was so helpful in getting our water test results! When our home purchase appeared to be failing, she was kind & understanding about putting the tests on hold, then got them completed in record time when our situation changed. She also was wonderful at explaining the results. Thanks, Sara!!”
~ Lisa Laasch, Homeowner
“A.W. Research Laboratories does a quick turn around with the water samples I have submitted to them. Their staff is always helpful and friendly to deal with.“
~ Jeff Brummer, Brummer Septic LLC
“I would highly recommend A.W. Research Labs for all your water analysis needs. They have a long history of proving exceptional service to our company.”
~ Rod Converse, Close Converse Commercial
“A.W. Research Lab was great in answering our many questions about our Sulfur related smell issues. The ladies were very knowledgeable, and we felt more reassured about what to do to help with our Sulfur issue. We would definitely recommend this Lab to everyone.“
~ Judy Meyer, Breezy Point Resident
“Great customer service. Knowledgeable, and insists to call back with questions. Fast results. Will definitely use A.W. Research Labs in Brainerd, MN again. “
~ Kris Fjeld, Homeowner
“I called needing a test quickly for a refinance. They were out the next working day. Arrived on time, and got the test completed and returned to me very quickly. The tech was pleasant and very professional. Thank you for great service. If you need a water test AW Research should be your only call.“
~ Brian Goldberg, Homeowner
“I was greeted with a warm smile and thoughtful conversation. My next steps were made clear to me, and I learned what I need to do to ensure my well water is safe! My results arrived much faster than I expected! I highly recommend AW Labs for water testing.“
~ Pam Hull, Homeowner
“It is great to have a professional lab available in our community to provide water quality analysis. Educating ourselves about water quality, doing our part to protect it through good stewardship, and utilizing the services of a good lab like AW Research to test your water quality periodically are good choices.“
~ Bob Karls, Homeowner
“A.W. Research always provides us with good service and quick turnaround time. Owners and staff are always friendly, helpful and polite.”
~ Mike Altrichter, Altrichter Excavating
“The staff at A.W. Research always greet me, know me, and I am well received as I visit. They answer questions on the spot and offer interpretations and cautious opinions. It is a pleasure doing business with A.W. Research Labs.”
~ Peter Mann, White Pine Villas
“I have always been extremely satisfied with AW Research laboratories and the services they provide. The staff and all the employees are very welcoming and courteous. Thank you and keep up the good work!“
~ Thomas Selseth, Counselor Realty
“I just want to say thank you so much for working with us. Very friendly and fast results. We needed a sample for foster care and because we were buying a house, and we needed it fast. The staff was so understanding! 2 days and we had our results.”
~ Amber Wink, Homeowner
“Working outside of our normal area A.W. Lab was referred to us by another real estate agent and WOW did they perform! Quick response to my inquiry, they were able to go out to the property less than 24 hours from when I contacted them and then they had the results to me in less than 3 days when all other vendors I talked with told me it would take at least a week if not two. I would highly recommend working with A.W. Labs!“
~ Patrick Splinter, Edina Realty
“AW Research is always quick to get the job done, knowledgeable, and does a great job at explaining what needs to happen to get the test completed correctly. They are always my first call!“
~ Jacob Hanson, Edina Realty
“A service that has the skill to deliver peace of mind.”
~ Marilyn Ziebarth, Lower Whitefish Lake
“We needed our results quickly. Called late in the afternoon, they were out next morning at 9:00am, received results 1 1/2 days later, awesome!!! Thank you, Sarah!!!“
~Nancy Gibbs, Homeowner
“Very professional staff! The front desk seemed to know so much and was very good at directing me on steps to take and/or start with. Even on the phone (several times) they were patient with me until I finally went in to get the bottle to test. The results came back so fast, and I was called right away with them, plus sent an e-mail and one should be in the mail. I knew there was a problem, and it was confirmed. I am glad to know and to get this all resolved! Great company, thank you so very much!“
~ Christina Olson, Homeowner