Last Chance to Register for In-Person 2022 Metro Children’s Water Festival

March 29th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on Last Chance to Register for In-Person 2022 Metro Children’s Water Festival

Registration for the in-person version of the 2022 Metro Children’s Water Festival closes this Friday, April 1 – don’t wait! Click here to register now!

Join the Metro Children’s Water Festival planning committee for the festival’s 25th anniversary and help celebrate 25 years of water education!

This year’s festival will be offered both in person and virtually, with the in-person event on September 28, 2022. The festival is open to schools and homeschool groups within the Twin Cities Metro Area and is free to attend. This annual event teaches fourth graders about all aspects of water. The past two festivals (2020 and 2021) have been virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2022, the planning committee is planning to return to an in-person festival back at the MN State Fairgrounds with health and safety precautions in place. A virtual option will also be available for those who cannot attend in person, or for those who would like to supplement their in-person experience with more content!

Registration for the virtual festival is also available at www.metrocwf.org/register. Content is available now, but the planning committee requests registration prior to the utilization of the content.

What is the Metro Children’s Water Festival?

The annual Metro Children’s Water Festival educates, motivates, and challenges fourth grade students across the metro area to understand, conserve, and protect water resources. The day brings more than 200 water resource professionals and volunteers together with area teachers and students. There are 49 interactive learning stations that all meet one or more of three core education components: Water’s Chemical & Physical Properties, Hydrology, and Impacts. Students learn about water’s physical and chemical properties, how water move on the land’s surface and underground, and where water is found and how it is connected. This learning is connected to student lives through activities that emphasize how they impact water quality and how water quality impacts them. The Metro Children’s Water Festival is free to fourth grade participants thanks to more than 25 sponsors who provide financial and in-kind donations, including the Metropolitan Council, metro area counties and watershed districts, and state agencies.

How will the 2022 festival be different from previous years?

The entirety of the 25th annual festival will take place outdoors and students will only participate in learning stations with their class. There will be no indoor activities or mixing of classes. The Science Museum show and water arcade will not be offered this year. Classes will attend individual presentations by local water resource professionals. The planning committee will follow all Minnesota Department of Education recommendations and guidelines. As such, if guidelines surrounding gatherings change, or in the event of rain or inclement weather, the in-person festival will be canceled, and all classes will be encouraged to participate in the virtual festival.

Questions

If you have any questions about the Metro Children’s Water Festival, the planning committee is happy to help! For registration questions, contact Abby Shea with Anoka County Environmental Services at 763-324-4207 or abby.shea@co.anoka.mn.us. For other questions, visit the Contact Us page on the festival website to find the appropriate contact.

It’s World Water Day!

March 22nd, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on It’s World Water Day!

Every year on March 22, we celebrate World Water Day! This annual observance was started in 1993 by the United Nations.

In addition to celebrating water, World Water Day raises awareness of the 2 billion people across the world currently living without access to safe water. The United Nations has a goal of water and sanitation for all people by 2030. World Water Day helps inspire individuals and organizations to take action that will lead to the achievement of this goal.

Each year there is a specific theme to World Water Day and this year’s theme is groundwater. More specifically, “Groundwater – making the invisible visible”. Below is the central message of World Water Day 2022:

“Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere.

Out of sight, under our feet, groundwater is a hidden treasure that enriches our lives. In the driest parts of the world, it may be the only water people have.

Almost all of the liquid freshwater in the world is groundwater, supporting drinking water supplies, sanitation systems, farming, industry and ecosystems.

In many places, human activities over-use and pollute groundwater. In other places, we simply do not know how much water is down there.

Groundwater will play a critical role in adapting to climate change. We need to work together to sustainably manage this precious resource.

Groundwater may be out of sight, but it must not be out of mind.”

Learn more about groundwater at www.worldwaterday.org/learn and with the #WorldWaterDay hashtag on social media. World Water Day fact sheets are available at the link in 9 languages!

For more information on the United Nations’ World Water Day, visit www.worldwaterday.org. Click here to learn about previous themes.

Registration Open for Metro Children’s Water Festival – In-Person, Virtual Options

March 15th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on Registration Open for Metro Children’s Water Festival – In-Person, Virtual Options

It’s that time of year again – registration is now open for the free 2022 Metro Children’s Water Festival! Don’t wait to apply – registration for the in-person option closes April 1, 2022. Additionally, this year is the festival’s 25th anniversary, celebrating 25 years of water education!

The Metro Children’s Water Festival will be available both in-person and virtually for September 2022. This annual event teaches fourth graders about all aspects of water. The past two festivals (2020 and 2021) have been virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2022, the planning committee is planning to return to an in-person festival back at the MN State Fairgrounds with health and safety precautions in place. A virtual option will also be available for those who cannot attend in person, or for those who would like to supplement their in-person experience with more content!

Keep reading for more information and registration details.

Registration

The in-person festival is scheduled for September 28, 2022. Register at www.metrocwf.org/register. Registration for the in-person festival is open now and closes April 1, 2022.

You can also register for the virtual option at the above link. Content is available now, but the planning committee requests registration prior to utilization of the content.

What is the Metro Children’s Water Festival?

The annual Metro Children’s Water Festival educates, motivates, and challenges fourth grade students across the metro area to understand, conserve, and protect water resources. The day brings more than 200 water resource professionals and volunteers together with area teachers and students. There are 49 interactive learning stations that all meet one or more of three core education components: Water’s Chemical & Physical Properties, Hydrology, and Impacts. Students learn about water’s physical and chemical properties, how water move on the land’s surface and underground, and where water is found and how it is connected. This learning is connected to student lives through activities that emphasize how they impact water quality and how water quality impacts them. The Metro Children’s Water Festival is free to fourth grade participants thanks to more than 25 sponsors who provide financial and in-kind donations, including the Metropolitan Council, metro area counties and watershed districts, and state agencies.

How will the 2022 festival be different from previous years?

The entirety of the 25th annual festival will take place outdoors and students will only participate in learning stations with their class. There will be no indoor activities or mixing of classes. The Science Museum show and water arcade will not be offered this year. Classes will attend individual presentations by local water resource professionals. The planning committee will follow all Minnesota Department of Education recommendations and guidelines. As such, if guidelines surrounding gatherings change, or in the event of rain or inclement weather, the in-person festival will be canceled, and all classes will be encouraged to participate in the virtual festival.

Questions

If you have any questions about the Metro Children’s Water Festival, the planning committee is happy to help! For registration questions, contact Abby Shea with Anoka County Environmental Services at 763-324-4207 or abby.shea@co.anoka.mn.us. For other questions, visit the Contact Us page on the festival website to find the appropriate contact.

It’s National Groundwater Awareness Week!

March 7th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on It’s National Groundwater Awareness Week!

This week (March 6-12, 2022) is National Groundwater Awareness Week (#GWAW on social media). Created by the National Groundwater Association, #GWAW helps remind private well owners to test their water and inspect their well.

Private well owners are responsible for testing their water to ensure it is safe to drink. It is recommended to test your well annually for bacteria and nitrate. You should have a state-accredited laboratory do this test, rather than unverified tests you can find at the store. Click here for a list of laboratories in Minnesota that are accredited for testing drinking water.

Anoka County also offers a well water testing program. The program currently remains limited, so be sure to check out the website for more information: www.anokacounty.us/water.

In addition to annually testing the water, private well owners are encouraged to do a self-inspection of their well each year, or contact a well contractor to do this. Click here for a list of well contractors in and around Anoka County.

Are you a bit overwhelmed at don’t know where to start with your private well? The Minnesota Department of Health has created the Owner’s Guide to Wells that highlights all of the basics. be sure to check it out!

#GWAW also serves to highlight groundwater management and use in a more general sense. While over 44% of the national population depends on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, 94% of Anoka County residents rely on groundwater. This may be a private well or city water that is supplied from larger municipal wells. Interested in where your city water comes from? Visit our Municipal Wellhead Protection page and click on your city.

In 2018, groundwater withdrawal by public and private wells amounted to over 11.8 billion gallons. By 2050, groundwater withdrawal is estimated to increase to over 19 billion gallons, per the Metropolitan Council. That’s a lot of water! This is why it is important to be aware of how much water we use and to limit our use when we can.

Take a few minutes this week to learn more about groundwater by searching #GWAW on social media platforms! Learn more about National Groundwater Awareness Week at the National Groundwater Association’s webpage.

New and Upcoming Smart Salting Trainings

February 28th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on New and Upcoming Smart Salting Trainings

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has announced a new type of Smart Salting training, this time for local leaders. In the 90-minute workshop, local decision makers will learn about the impacts of chloride and specific action steps for policy changes that reduce salt pollution in communities. The MPCA also announced upcoming sessions for Parking Lots & Sidewalks, Property Management, and Roads for this spring. Keep reading for details!

Below you will find the dates for upcoming Smart Salting trainings, as well as the intended audience for each type of training and registration link(s). For more information about a particular training, click the registration link for the one you are interested in. For more information about Smart Salting trainings in general, as well as information about how to meet your chloride requirements in the 2020 MS4 permit, check out the bulletin published by the MPCA.

NEW Smart Salting for Local Leaders Workshop

Who:

  • City council members and other elected officials
  • Members of sustainability and environmental commissions
  • Board members of housing associations, neighborhood associations, or watershed districts
  • Other local decision makers

When: Monday, March 7th (click here to register)

Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks

Who:

  • Hands-on public or private winter maintenance staff (e.g., staff at parks, hospitals, or schools)
  • Private winter maintenance contractors and staff
  • Those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff

When: Thursday, March 24th (click here to register)

Smart Salting for Property Management

Who:

  • Management-level property managers
  • Public and private property owners and managers
  • Environmental professionals
  • MS4 permit staff
  • Public works directors
  • Those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff

When: Tuesday, April 19th (click here to register)

Smart Salting for Roads

Who:

  • City, county, or state plow drivers
  • Private winter maintenance contractors and staff
  • Those who hire out or supervise winter maintenance professionals

When:

Smart Salting Video

Check out the video below to hear from winter maintenance professionals that continue to maintain a high level of service, but are using less salt as a result of their training!

February Water News

February 23rd, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on February Water News

Even though it is winter, there is still a lot going on in the water world! Below we’ll discuss some recent announcements, publications, and updates. If there are specific newsletters that interest you, be sure to subscribe to them so you never miss an issue!

MN Stormwater News

Last week, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published the latest edition of their quarterly newsletter, MN Stormwater News. This edition includes lots of good information including updates to the MN Stormwater Manual, tips and training videos, and information about becoming a Minnesota GreenCorps host site (more on that below).

The articles in the Winter 2022 edition of MN Stormwater News are:

  • Construction stormwater inspectors identify top 5 violations in 2021
  • Remember to do winter inspections!
  • City of Apple Valley MS4 training videos
  • MN Stormwater Manual updates
  • Apply to be a Minnesota GreenCorps host site
  • Events

Click here to read the newsletter!

Apply to be a MN GreenCorps Host Site!

The MPCA is accepting applications now through Tuesday, March 22nd at 5:00 pm from organizations interested in hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps member for the 2022-2023 program year. Members serve at organizations throughout the state, completing community-focused environmental projects while gaining experience and learning valuable job skills. MN GreenCorps member projects must align with one of 4 topic areas:

  • Air pollutant reduction;
  • Community readiness and outreach;
  • Green infrastructure improvements; or
  • Waste reduction, recycling, and organics management.

For more information and to apply, see the article in MN Stormwater News, or visit the MPCA MN GreenCorps host sites webpage.

Waterline: Spring 2022

Also published last week was the Spring 2022 edition of The Waterline. The Waterline is a quarterly newsletter published by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for water operators, city officials, and other interested in news related to public water systems in Minnesota. Included in this edition is an important update on the lead and copper rule, along with tips and information on training opportunities.

Below are all of the articles included in this edition of The Waterline:

  • Water Towers: New, Old, and Both
  • John Kriesel to be Keynote Speaker for 2022 Metro Water Operators School
  • Blast from the Past: Waterline Roots
  • Threats Highlight Need for Emphasis on Cybersecurity
  • EPA Finishes Lead and Copper Revision, Plans Improvements
  • Minnesota Water Research Funds Keep Flowing
  • More Training Opportunities: WUTT and Drinking Water Institute
  • Worth Watching: Minneapolis and St. Paul Water Treatment Videos
  • Words to Live By
  • Reminder to All Water Operators
  • Calendar

Click here to read the Spring 2022 edition of The Waterline!

Clean Water Council Update

The Minnesota Clean Water Council, created through the 2006 Clean Water Legacy Act, advises the Legislature and the Governor on the administration and implementation of the Clean Water Legacy Act. The Council sends email updates out every Thursday. On February 17th , their update including items such as a new Smart Salting training for local leaders, a link to the video of the proceedings of the 3rd Annual Ag-Urban Partnership Forum, an update on the Drinking Water Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) Initiative, and more. Click here to read the update.

Source Water Protection Grant Announcement

February 22nd, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on Source Water Protection Grant Announcement

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced the next round of Source Water Protection grants. These include:

  • Plan Implementation Grant
  • Noncommunity Transient Grant

See the sections below for more information! Both grants will accept applications from Tuesday, March 1st at 8:00 am until Thursday, March 31st at 4:30 pm.

Plan Implementation Grant

The Plan Implementation Grant is for community and nontransient noncommunity public water systems. This funding is provided to support the implementation of source water protection plans – 1) MDH-approved wellhead protection plans, 2) MDH-approved wellhead protection action plans, 3) MDH-endorsed surface water intake protection plans. The public water system must have one of these plans in order to be eligible.

Key facts:

  • Minimum grant amount: $1,000
  • Maximum grant amount: $10,000
    • Up to $30,000 if 3+ public water systems apply jointly
  • No cost share required

For more information, FAQs, and to apply, visit the Plan Implementation Grant webpage.

Noncommunity Transient Grant

The Noncommunity Transient Grant is for noncommunity transient public water systems. This funding is provided to support measures that address a potential contamination source that presents a high risk to as source of drinking water as determined by MDH. This can be to support work that is identified as a corrective action in a sanitary survey or corrective actions relating to contaminant monitoring.

Key facts:

  • Minimum grant amount: $250
  • Maximum grant amount: $10,000
    • When more than one qualifying noncommunity transient public water system applies under the same request, the amount will be increased by up to $10,000 for each additional system up to $30,000
  • An equal cost share is required

For more information, FAQs, and to apply, visit the Noncommunity Transient Grant webpage.

January 2022 Newsletters

February 4th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on January 2022 Newsletters

As usual, there were many water-related newsletters and announcements in the month of January. In this post, we’ll talk about just a few. If there are specific newsletters that interest you, be sure to subscribe to them so you never miss an issue!

Water Talk Newsletter

Water Talk, a newsletter issued by the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 4-6 times per year, discusses topics relating to floodplain and shoreland management. In this issue, some interesting topics include the updated MN Model Floodplain Ordinance, information on upcoming trainings from DNR and FEMA, and defining the “Regulatory Floodplain”.

A highlight includes the announcement of water efficiency grants available to cities and townships in the metro area served by a municipal water supply. Applications are being accepted from now until March 31st and municipalities will be notified by April 29th if they have received a grant. The maximum grant amount is $50,000. More information is available here from the Metropolitan Council. This information was also included in the January 27th Metro Update newsletter from the Metropolitan Council.

The articles in the January edition are:

  • NOAA State Climate Summaries – 2022 available
  • Updated MN Model Floodplain Ordinance
  • New FEMA Region 5 Trainings: “Managing Your Community’s Floodplains” Monthly Series
  • What’s the Regulatory Floodplain?
  • Water Efficiency Grants Available to Cities & Townships in the Metro Area
  • New Sample Floodplain Permit Application Forms Available
  • Reminder: Floodplain/Shoreland Winter 2022 Virtual Trainings Continuing
  • FEMA Map Status Listing

Click here to read the full newsletter.

Watershed Health Assessment Framework FAQs

Another DNR newsletter from the Watershed Health Assessment Framework (WHAF) program. The WHAF is “a structured, science-based approach to help resource professionals and citizens work together and grow our common understanding of Minnesota’s complex natural resource systems”. In this issue, DNR staff address some frequently asked questions about watershed health.

Here are the questions answered in the publication:

  • Topic: Climate data and reports
    • What is a Watershed Climate Summary?
    • Where do I find my Watershed Climate Report?
    • What does my Watershed Climate Report tell me?
    • Can I see how climate has changed across all of Minnesota?
  • Topic: Health Scores and Watershed Boundaries
    • What do the colors mean for the different health scores?
    • How do I decide which health scores to explore in my watershed?
    • What do I look for in the Matrix table to help me focus my efforts?

Click here to read the full publication.

Clean Water Council – Gov Budget

The Minnesota Clean Water Council, created through the 2006 Clean Water Legacy Act, advises the Legislature and the Governor on the administration and implementation of the Clean Water Legacy Act. The Council sends email updates out every Thursday. On January 27th, their update included information on Governor Walz’s proposals connected to clean water and drinking water programs included in his supplemental budget request for fiscal year 2022-2023. The update also includes a link to view the full budget proposal online. Click here to read the update and learn more.

Additional Newsletters and Announcements

Other relevant news includes the January 2022 SSTS Bulletin. This newsletter includes subsurface sewage treatment system news and notes. Click here to read the newsletter.

Additionally, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization announced a free online class – Turfgrass Maintenance with Reduced Environmental Impacts. The class will be Tuesday, March 22nd from 8am to 2pm. Click here to learn more.

Potential Biomonitoring of PFAS in Minnesota – Feb. 8th Panel

January 27th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on Potential Biomonitoring of PFAS in Minnesota – Feb. 8th Panel

The Environmental Health Tracking and Biomonitoring Advisory Panel (Advisory Panel) is convened by the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Environmental Tracking and Biomonitoring programs three times per year. This panel consists of public health and environmental experts that provide recommendations on MDH’s priorities and activities.

A big topic in the water resources sphere currently is the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), especially as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been working on their PFAS monitoring plan for the state. At the next Advisory Panel meeting, the experts will discuss PFAS in Minnesota and the potential for MDH PFAS biomonitoring efforts in the future. There will be a time for public comments for anyone who would like to provide input.

All meetings of the Advisory Panel are open to the public and the next meeting will be Tuesday, February 8th from 1:00-3:00 pm. The meeting will be held online via Teams. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to lynn.treadwell@state.mn.us and the meeting login information will be emailed to you.

About the Programs:

MN Tracking “brings environmental public health data together, enabling communities, policymakers and public health professionals to explore relationships between environmental exposures and health effects.”

MN Biomonitoring “measures levels of chemicals in Minnesotans and whether exposures differ between groups and over time. This information is used to promote public health actions to reduce chemical exposures.”

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Announcements

January 26th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Announcements

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) put out two recent announcements: the final version of the 2021-2031 Watershed Management Plan is now available and the MWMO Executive Director Doug Snyder has announced his retirement.

Over the last two years, the MWMO has been developing their 2021-2031 Watershed Management Plan. Throughout the process, the MWMO solicited feedback from the public, state agencies, and local units of government. The final plan is now available and “sets out goals, strategies, and implementation actions based on past studies and current data on the watershed”.

To learn more about how the plan is used and to read the plan, visit the MWMO’s Watershed Management Plan webpage. You can also subscribe to their email list to be notified in the future about updates relating to the plan.

In other news, the MWMO put out a news release yesterday announcing the retirement of Executive Director Doug Snyder. Kevin Reich, former Board member and chair, has been appointed interim Executive Director and the MWMO will begin the search for a permanent replacement. Click here to read the news release.

The MWMO includes all or part of the Anoka County communities of Columbia Heights, Fridley, and Hilltop. Click here to learn more.

MDH White Paper on the Public Health Evaluation of Stormwater Reuse

January 20th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on MDH White Paper on the Public Health Evaluation of Stormwater Reuse

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently released a public health white paper entitled Reuse of Stormwater and Rainwater in Minnesota: A Public Health Perspective.

Water reuse is defined in the paper as: “The collection, storage, treatment, and use of stormwater, wastewater, and subsurface water. Stormwater reuse is also called ‘capture and use.'” As population increases, our communities become more urbanized, irrigation increases, the climate changes, and industries grow, water reuse will be a progressively important part of managing our water resources here in Minnesota.

Stormwater often contains pathogens that can make people sick. As MDH’s mission is “to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans”, they evaluated the safety of selected Minnesota stormwater reuse systems.

From the Executive Summary of the paper, “This white paper provides guidance on what to consider from a public health perspective when approaching stormwater reuse in Minnesota. It gives an overview of potential health risks from stormwater reuse, presents a quantitative assessment of microbial risk with Minnesota data, and describes a risk-based framework that could be one approach to managing risks.”

Their evaluation demonstrated that pathogens in stormwater have the potential to infect people exposed to untreated stormwater when used for things like irrigation and indoor uses. However, those who design and operate these reuse systems can reduce these potential health risks. The end of the paper outlines recommendations to reduce these risks. Moving forward, MDH will participate in a workgroup that will develop actionable steps and hold conversations with key stakeholders about stormwater reuse, associated risks, and the potential need to manage water reuse in Minnesota. MDH acknowledges that there is a need for more research on pathogens and algal blooms in water reuse systems as well.

Click here to read the white paper.

Figure 1 from the Minnesota Department of Health’s white paper: Reuse of Stormwater and Rainwater in Minnesota: A Public Health Perspective.

Stewardship Fund Grants from MWMO

January 10th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on Stewardship Fund Grants from MWMO

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) offers Stewardship Fund Grants to support public efforts to manage stormwater, control pollution, and improve water quality and habitat. Two of these grants have upcoming deadlines:

  • Planning Grants – March 11th, 2022
  • Community Grants – April 8th, 2022

If you have a project idea to improve water quality and habitat in your community, join the MWMO for a free, online information session to learn how to apply for a grant and which grant is the best fit for your idea.

There will be two virtual info sessions – one in the evening, and one midday. The info sessions will be the same, so choose whichever one is most convenient for you! Although they are free, you will need to register to get the Zoom link to join.

Visit the MWMO’s Stewardship Fund page for more information.

Photo credit: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.

The MWMO includes part of Fridley, most of Columbia Heights, and all of Hilltop, as well as parts of other cities outside of Anoka County. Click here for a map of the MWMO. Learn about watershed districts and watershed management organizations, as well as which one you live in, here.

Water Talk Newsletter – Floodplain and Shoreland Updates

January 4th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on Water Talk Newsletter – Floodplain and Shoreland Updates

At the end of the year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sent out a new edition of their Water Talk Newsletter. Water Talk is issued 4 to 6 times per year.

Of particular interest to Know the Flow readers may be the announcement of 16 upcoming virtual trainings on various floodplain and shoreland management topics. The trainings will be offered on various Mondays and Wednesdays starting this month and concluding in March.

Following the publishing of Water Talk, the DNR sent out an email stating that several registration links in the newsletter did not work. These links have been corrected on their website, so to see the list of trainings and register, please visit the DNR’s Floodplain Training and Education page. A short synopsis of training content is available by clicking on the respective “Register” link.

Trainings are free, but registration is required to receive the link to join the virtual meeting. Registration confirmation is not automated – the DNR will email confirmations for each training in batches at least weekly.

Additionally, “New Guidance for Identifying Bluffs in Shoreland” may be helpful for local zoning staff, as this is one of the most difficult tasks faced by these staff persons. The new guidance document is available on the DNR’s Bluff and Slope Protection page – it is available as a PDF towards the bottom of the page.

The following are all of the articles in the December 2021 edition of Water Talk:

  • Duration of Ice Cover on Minnesota Lakes Decreasing
  • Floodplain/Shoreland Winter 2022 Virtual Trainings
  • Join the My MN Outdoor Adventure Campaign
  • New Guidance for Identifying Bluffs in Shoreland
  • MN and WI Hit Triple Digits for CFMs
  • Are We Still Using FEMA Elevation Certificates?
  • Using LiDAR Data for Elevation Documentation
  • Ghostbusters Help Remind Families to “Be Prepared” in FEMA PSA
  • NFIP Extended to Feb. 18, 2021
  • FEMA Map Status Listing

Click here to read the newsletter in full.

Photo: MN Department of Natural Resources.

Recent Water News

December 20th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Recent Water News

A number of updates and announcements have been made recently, including some from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regarding the draft PFAS Monitoring Plan and the 2022 Ag-Urban Partnership Forum on Water Quality. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) announced the approval if $12.7 million in Clean Water Fund Grants as well, with two of the 39 grants going to Anoka County projects.

Input period extended for draft PFAS Monitoring Plan

There have been a couple previous posts regarding the MPCA draft PFAS Monitoring Plan here on Know the Flow. Recently, MPCA announced that they are extending the public input period for the plan until Friday, January 21st, 2022. The new deadline will allow interested parties to review the MPCA PFAS sampling guidance and the revised PFAS analytical guidance.

Reminder that comments can be provided via the online PFAS monitoring plan comment form.

MPCA Remediation programs public meeting on the draft PFAS Monitoring Plan

In making the announcement of the input period extension above, MPCA announced a public meeting on the Remediation program’s draft PFAS Monitoring Plan. The meeting will be held on January 4th, 2022 from 2-3 pm. There will be an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the plan.

Below is the meeting agenda:

  • Summary of the PFAS Monitoring Plan and Appendix E – Remediation
  • Implementation of the PFAS Monitoring Plan at Remediation sites
  • Remediation program PFAS guidance development process and timeline
  • PFAS Stakeholder group and public website
  • Opportunities for public input through the stakeholder group and public comment period
  • Open forum for public comment and general Q&A

To join the Microsoft Teams meeting on a computer or mobile app, click this link: Click here to join the meeting. You can also call in (audio only): +1 651-39507448,,242829432#, Phone Conference ID: 242 829 432#.

To review the draft plan, to submit comments, and for contact information regarding the meeting, visit the MPCA PFAS monitoring plan website.

2022 Ag-Urban Partnership Forum on Water Quality

The MPCA also announced the 2022 Ag-Urban Partnership Forum on Water Quality, which will be held on Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 from 9 am until noon via WebEx webinar. The Ag-Urban Partnership Forum is an annual conversation on the ways that agricultural and urban partners are working together to improve water quality around Minnesota.

Use this registration link to obtain meeting access information. Note that the start time for the meeting is listed at 8:45 am, as MPCA hopes that participants will log in early as the forum will begin promptly at 9 am.

Below are the desired meeting outcomes:

  • Learn from innovative examples of Ag-Urban collaboration
  • Listen to stories about groups that have broken down barriers and are working together
  • Hear strategies on how to move partnerships forward with existing planning frameworks
  • Recognize successful partnerships
  • Inspire additional partnerships

The meeting agenda will be:

  • Welcome
  • North Fork of the Crow water quality trading pilot project
  • Shell Rock River trading pilot project
  • Red River Basin adaptive management project
  • Generating credits on agricultural land: the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program and Ecosystem Services Market Consortium

Sponsoring Partners: BWSR, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, MPCA, Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program.

Questions: Lauren Lewandowski, MPCA Communications & Outreach: 651-757-2756 or lauren.lewandowski@state.mn.us.

BWSR Clean Water Fund Grants – 2 Anoka County projects

BWSR approved $12.6 million in Clean Water Fund grants on December 16th to improve water quality in streams, lakes, and groundwater across the state of MN. The $12.7 million will fund 31 grants dedicated to specific projects and practices, four grants that will support multipurpose drainage management, and four grants that will focus on projects that specifically address drinking water issues.

Two of the 31 projects and practices grants were awarded for projects in Anoka County, with the grants awarded to the Coon Creek Watershed District and the City of Anoka. Below are the abstracts for the two projects:

Coon Creek Watershed District – Epiphany Creek BIESF: “In partnership with the City of Coon Rapids, Coon Creek’s aquatic life and recreation impairments will be addressed by reducing nutrient and bacteria loading attributable to urban stormwater runoff. A 10,000 sq ft biochar- and iron-enhanced sand filter will be constructed to treat runoff from Epiphany Creek, a 655-acre urban subwatershed. This regional filtration practice will reduce total phosphorus loading to Coon Creek by 23 pounds per year and bacteria loading by 404 billion organisms per year.”

City of Anoka – Rum River Woodbury House Riverbank Stabilization Project: “This project will stabilize 300 linear feet of eroding bank along the Rum River adjacent to the historic Woodbury House site, less than 1/2 mile upstream of the confluence with the Mississippi River. Eroding riverbanks contribute to the Mississippi River’s TSS impairment, Rum River’s near-listing for nutrients, and degrades aquatic habitat. This project was identified in a 2012 riverbank inventory along 16.2 miles of the Mississippi River. Riverbank stabilization will combine an armored toe and vegetated reinforced soil slope. As a secondary benefit, this project helps protect a highly visible historic site. Woodbury House, on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1857 and overlooks the rivers’ confluence. The project will reduce pollutants by 128 tons of sediment and 128 pounds of phosphorus annually.”

Learn more about the grant recipients:

Click here to learn more about the Clean Water Fund.

Photo: MPCA

Winter/Spring 2022 Well Water Testing

December 10th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Winter/Spring 2022 Well Water Testing

The Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services Department helps Anoka County residents protect their drinking water. One way to assure safe, quality drinking water is by having it tested. It is recommended to test for bacteria and nitrate on an annual basis.

The Anoka County Well Water Testing program will continue to operate on a limited basis as we move into the beginning of 2022. In addition to the sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), samples for arsenic and manganese will continue to be accepted. Please see below for full details.

Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted on the dates below with limited hours. Water samples for other analyses (lead, iron, etc.) will not be accepted at this time. An appointment and pre-payment over the phone will be required. Please continue reading for full details. The upcoming dates and times for water sample drop-off will be:

  • Monday, January 24th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, January 25th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, February 14th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, February 15th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, March 21st, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, March 22nd, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, April 18th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, April 19th, 9-11:30 am

Please note that drop-off dates have typically the last Monday and Tuesday of the month, but many have been adjusted for 2022. Be sure to read the dates closely.

The drop-off table will be located on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Government Center near the main door.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

  1. Test kits (sample collection bottle and blue (for sanitary analysis) or yellow (for arsenic or manganese) sampling sheet with collection instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. No kits will be available on the drop-off days. Test kit pick-up locations are listed below.
  2. A drop-off appointment must be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. No cash or checks allowed, and no credit cards will be accepted the day of drop-off. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
  3. The blue or yellow sampling sheet must be completed ahead of time. No pens will be available to use at the drop-off table.
  4. Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Abby Shea at (763) 324-4207.
  5. Only samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted at this time. If other testing is desired, it can be performed at a later date or a private laboratory can be recommended.
  6. Samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) must be collected as close to the drop-off time as possible to avoid exceeding the holding time of the sample, which can result in inaccurate results.
  7. Social distancing guidelines must be respected, and rules of the drop-off area must be followed.

Water test kits for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) are currently available at the following locations:

  • Andover City Hall *
  • Bethel City Hall (23860 Dewey St NW)
  • Blaine City Hall
  • Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
  • Centerville City Hall
  • Columbus City Hall
  • East Bethel City Hall *
  • Ham Lake City Hall
  • Lino Lakes City Hall **
  • Linwood Township Hall
  • Nowthen City Hall
  • Oak Grove City Hall *
  • Ramsey City Hall **
  • St. Francis City Hall

*Denotes location with arsenic test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits.

**Denotes location with manganese test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits.

This information is also available on the official Anoka County website (www.anokacounty.us/water).

Stormwater and Wastewater News

December 3rd, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Stormwater and Wastewater News

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has recently published various newsletters and announcements relating to stormwater and wastewater including an edition of MN Stormwater News, an announcement about the the Draft PFAS monitoring plan for wastewater, and an edition of the On Point newsletter.

MN Stormwater News

MN Stormwater News is a quarterly newsletter published by the MPCA. The Fall 2021 edition of MN Stormwater News was published on November 29th and includes information about climate resilience grants, BMPs, and more.

Below are the articles in this edition of the newsletter:

  • Make your community more climate resilient
  • Green infrastructure operation and maintenance
  • MPCS staff interview with Mark Maloney, City of Shoreview, on their experience installing and maintaining permeable pavers
  • Use plastic free, biodegradable BMPs
  • Events

Click here to read the newsletter.

Draft PFAS Monitoring Plan for Wastewater

We recently posted about the Draft PFAS monitoring plan that was published on November 16th. Following this release, there are various program-specific meetings for interested parties to participate in. On Thursday, December 9th, 2021 from 11 am to noon there will be a presentation on the draft plan for wastewater. This presentation will focus on major elements of the wastewater component of the draft plan, as currently written. Click here for the virtual meeting link.

More information on the multi-sector draft plan can be found on the MPCA’s website, including a comment form for providing feedback. Feedback will be accepted until December 20th.

On Point Newsletter

Earlier this month, the November/December 2021 edition of the On Point newsletter was released. The MPCA On Point newsletter includes news and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders, and is typically sent out every couple of months. This edition contains a lot of valuable information including information on wastewater and drought, lots of learning and training opportunities, conference announcements, and important reporting reminders!

Below is everything covered in the November/December 2021 edition of the newsletter:

  • Katrina Kessler appointed MPCA commissioner
  • New basin-wide approach underway to reduce phosphorous in Red River, Lake Winnipeg
  • MPCA looking forward to seeing you in ’22
    • Webinar series offers opportunities to question and learn
    • Listening sessions seek your views on operating challenges
  • Wastewater and drought
    • MPCA conducting rare monitoring study of the Lower Minnesota River
    • Addressing pond operational concerns during drought years
  • Operations awards
    • Review period for award October 2020 through September 2021
    • Review process for industrial facilities changed for 2021
  • Reporting/compliance
    • Reminder: Annual biosolids report due to MPCA and EPA
    • State reports must be submitted electronically
    • Compliance tips
    • Pond optimization: Lower operational costs and increase environmental protection
  • Operations reserve funding
    • New LSTS plan requirement driven by many systems nearing end of their design life
  • Wastewater operator training/exams
    • 2022 Wastewater Training Calendar now available
    • Collection System Conference set for March 21-23, 2022
    • Wastewater Operations Conference set for March 23-25, 2022
    • Upcoming training/exam sessions
  • Smart salting update
    • Sign up to receive new MPCA smart salting newsletter
    • MPCA offering grant for chloride reduction from water softening activities
  • C&E staff coverage areas for industrial and municipal facilities
  • eDMR news
  • MPCA in the news

Click here to read the newsletter.

Winter 2021-2022 Waterline

November 29th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Winter 2021-2022 Waterline

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released the Winter 2021-2022 edition of the Waterline this morning. The Waterline is a quarterly newsletter for water operators, city officials, and others interested in news related to public water systems in Minnesota.

MDH has resumed in-person training for water operators and is looking forward to a full year of district schools in 2022. This edition of Waterline includes the announcement of the keynote speaker of the 2022 Metro School.

Another topic that may be of interest included in the newsletter is an update on the Water-Wastewater Utilities Treatment and Technology (WUTT) Program, which received the Andrew Sullivan Outstanding Service Award at the annual conference of the Minnesota Section of American Water Works Association. The article also discusses the benefits of the WUTT program.

Below are all of the articles included in this edition of the Waterline:

  • John Kriesel to be Keynote Speaker for 2022 Metro Water Operators School
  • Pipestone Presented with EPA Aquarius Award
  • Water Wastewater Utilities Treatment and Technology (WUTT) Program Update
  • DWP Profiles: David Vaaler, Stephanie Voeller, and Indran Kamalanathan
  • Words to Live By
  • Past Waterlines Archived at wateroperator.org
  • Reminder to All Water Operators
  • Calendar

Click here to read the newsletter.

Resilience Grants and Draft PFAS Monitoring Plan

November 24th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Resilience Grants and Draft PFAS Monitoring Plan

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) had two big announcements recently: the launch of $870,00 in climate resilience planning grants, and the release of the draft PFAS monitoring plan.

Resilience Planning Grants

The MPCA is providing $870,000 to Minnesota communities for assessing vulnerabilities and creating plans to adapt to the effects of climate change. The funds can be used to build resilience in three infrastructure areas:

  • Stormwater resilience: reducing localized flood risk
  • Wastewater resilience: preventing infrastructure threats from climate-related flooding
  • Community resilience: adapting community assets and services, ordinances, and public spaces for the effects of climate change.

Tribal nations, cities, counties, towns/townships, soil and water conservation districts, water management organizations, regional development commissions, and the Metropolitan Council are eligible to apply. Applications are due no later than Tuesday, December 21st at 4pm. Planning grant projects must be completed no later than June 30th, 2023. There is no minimum or maximum grant award amount. There is a minimum match requirement of 10% of the grant amount, either cash or in-kind, provided by any organization involved in the project.

Questions about the grant can be submitted to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “FY 22 Planning Grants for SWC Resilience”. Click here to learn more.

Draft PFAS Monitoring Plan

Additionally, the MPCA released their draft PFAS monitoring plan on November 16th. The plan supports near-term priorities in Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint. It lays out a path forward for PFAS monitoring at solid waste, wastewater, and stormwater facilities, hazardous waste landfills, facilities with air emissions, and sites in the Brownfield or Superfund programs. The plan does not establish facility-specific requirements, but outlines how the MPCA plans to prioritize locations for PFAS monitoring and what the monitoring will entail.

The MPCA is accepting input on the draft plan from anyone who is interested. Feedback will be accepted on their website from now until December 20th. Click here to read the draft plan.

Photo credit: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Recent Newsletters – Water Talk, MWMO, Smart Salting

November 9th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Recent Newsletters – Water Talk, MWMO, Smart Salting

A few issues of various water-related newsletters have been published in the last few weeks, including the Water Talk Newsletter, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Newsletter, and a Smart Salting Update.

Water Talk Newsletter – October 2021

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sent out the October 2021 Water Talk Newsletter on October 26th. The articles included in the newsletter are:

  • New Videos on Disaster Roles of Local Officials
  • MnAFPM / WAFSCM Joint Annual Conference Nov. 3-5 in LaCrosse, WI
  • MnTOPO Viewer – Review of a Useful Tool
  • New DNR Shoreland Training for Local Elected and Appointed Officials
  • Risk Rating 2.0 Started Oct. 1 – Some FAQs
  • New Useful Quick Videos by FEMA’s Flood Insurance Advocate Office
  • Groundwater Atlas of Winona County is published
  • NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) Extended to Dec. 3, 2021
  • DNR Dam Safety and Floodplain Mapping Openings
  • FEMA Map Status Listing

Click here to read the newsletter. Water Talk Newsletter is issued 4 to 6 times per year.

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) Newsletter – October 2021

The MWMO sent out their October 2021 newsletter on October 28th. The following topics are covered in the newsletter:

  • The Easy Way to Plant a Pollinator Lawn (and Why You Might Already Have One)
  • Fall Yard Care Reminders
  • Adopt a Stormdrain in Your Neighborhood
  • Stewardship Fund Grants: Info Sessions, Application Deadlines Approaching
  • Upcoming Events
    • Weaving Water: Monthly Fiber & Indigo Workshop – Sunday, Nov. 13th, 10 am – Noon
    • MPCA Smart Salting for Property Managers Training – Wednesday, Nov. 17th, 9 am – 1:30 pm
  • Thank You to Our MWS Steering Team Members!
  • Featured Project – North Star Community Rowing Site Rehabilitation

Click here to read the newsletter. The MWMO sends out a newsletter monthly.

Minnesota Smart Salting News – Fall 2021

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) sent out a Minnesota Smart Salting Update on November 4th. The following are topics covered in the update.

New! MPCA Chloride Reduction Grant

The MPCA is offering a new Chloride Reduction grant for the development of a project that provides direct assistance to optimize, upgrade, or replace water-softening systems in targeted communities with elevated chloride levels in surface waters or wastewater discharge. The grant award is $250,000 with a 25% minimum match, and the grant will be awarded to a single applicant. Apply by December 10th before 4 pm. To learn more and for application materials, see the MPCA Chloride Reduction Grants webpage.

Smart Salting Assessment tool Level 2 Certification Training

In the 2020 MS4 General Permit, all MS4 permittees have new requirements that promote deicing salt reduction. The MPCA Stormwater and Chloride Reduction Programs are hosting a Smart Salting Assessment tool (SSAt) Level 2 certification training on December 8th. This tool helps assess and track your winter maintenance practices, with custom efficiency recommendations that reduce de-icing salt and save money, while tracking annual progress. Click here for more information and to register.

New Winter Maintenance Plan Templates

On behalf of a group of watershed organizations, cities and other organizations in Hennepin County called the Hennepin County Chloride Initiative (HCCI), Fortin Consulting was hired to develop a winter maintenance/chloride management plan template(s). The vision for this template is for it to be used at the time of development or redevelopment permitting to assist the property manager/responsible party develop a winter maintenance plan to minimize salt use. The group also recognizes the templates have value beyond the permitting process. Visit the MPCA’s Statewide Chloride Resources page for this and more resources to help communities and organizations reduce chloride. (Tip: scroll about halfway down the page to access the templates).

Upcoming Smart Salting Training

Smart Salting for Property Management:

  • When: Wednesday, Nov. 17th
  • Who: Management-level property managers, business owners, building manager, environmental professionals and advocates
  • Why and What: Click here to watch.
  • Registration: Click here.

Smart Salting for Roads: Due to high demand, more classes are being offered in 2021. Visit the Smart Salting training calendar for class dates and registration information. Also check out the short MPCA Smart Salting Training for Winter Maintenance Professionals promotional video.

University of Minnesota Stormwater Program Annual Report and MPCA SSTS Bulletin

October 25th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on University of Minnesota Stormwater Program Annual Report and MPCA SSTS Bulletin

University of Minnesota Stormwater Program Annual Report

The University of Minnesota Stormwater Research and Technology Transfer program has released their annual highlights report. Click here to read the report.

Click here read more about urban stormwater at the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center (WRC). WRC urban stormwater efforts focus on research, Extension education, and technology transfer to industry professionals and all levels of government to prevent, minimize, and mitigate the effects of runoff from the built environment.

MPCA October 2021 SSTS Bulletin

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) publishes a quarterly e-newsletter called the SSTS (subsurface sewage treatment systems) Bulletin. The following topics are included in the October 2021 bulletin:

  • 2020 SSTS Annual Report
    • Number of compliant septic systems up from 401,000 in 2011 to 505,600 today
    • More than 1,500 businesses licensed, 9,000 individuals certified
  • Be SepticSmart
  • Non-SSTS waste streams
    • Dog kennel facilities and SSTS
    • When possible, separate non-sewage waste streams
    • Some options for separating waste streams
    • If separation isn’t an option, design SSTS accordingly
  • Certification and training
    • Renewal flexibility ends Dec. 31
    • No more than half of continuing ed hours can be online
    • Volunteer opportunity to assist with exam pilot sessions
  • Plumbing code and SSTS
    • Who can perform the installation of outside water and sewer services within the property lines?
    • What work are septic professionals authorized to do for buildings served by SSTS systems?
  • Staff update
  • Installers, read this now, ‘tank’ us later
  • Help us help you. Share your ideas for continuing education content

Click here to read the October 2021 SSTS Bulletin.

Free Family Festival – Confluence, Oct. 16th

October 6th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Free Family Festival – Confluence, Oct. 16th

Looking for a fun outdoor activity this month? Don’t want to travel too far? Check out this upcoming event!

The public is invited to Confluence: Coming Together for Art and Water. Confluence is a celebration of work for water with art activities, a singalong, printmaking, an interpretive hike by the river, games for kids (and adults!), a food truck, art exhibits, art for sale, and more! Learn about Minnesota Water Stewards (MWS) and celebrate water with your community.

When: Saturday, Oct. 16th, 2021; 11 am – 3 pm

Where: North Suburban Center for the Arts, Manomin Park, Fridley (6666 E River Road)

What: This FREE festival celebrates the work of Minnesota Water Steward volunteers.

Who: Newly certified Stewards, seasoned Stewards, program partners, supporters, and the public are all welcome!

RSVP: The event organizer, Freshwater, requests an RSVP/registration. Click here and scroll down to enter your name and email to register.

The MWS program (formerly known as Master Water Stewards) trains and certifies community members who volunteer with watershed districts, cities, counties, and environmental groups to improve the health of our waters. Freshwater, a nonprofit inspiring and empowering people to value and preserve our freshwater resources, runs the program.

A cohort of the MWS program are artists who have created public art that educates and inspires awareness about water issues. This art ranges from a coloring book to decorated storm drains to art created from found objects—and more!

For more information, including a schedule of activities and details on getting to the event, visit the Confluence webpage here.

Also check out the Facebook event to see if your friends are going, or invite them to join you!

About Freshwater

Since 1968, Freshwater has been a leading public nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving freshwater resources and their surrounding watersheds. Its mission is to inspire and empower people to value and preserve our freshwater resources. Learn more at freshwater.org.

Upcoming Smart Salting Trainings

September 30th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Upcoming Smart Salting Trainings

It’s fall in Minnesota, which means it is time to start thinking about preparing for the upcoming winter!

Those that take part in winter maintenance should look into Smart Salting trainings to learn practical winter maintenance while minimizing environmental impacts. This could be county, city, or state plow drivers; private winter maintenance staff and contractors; property managers; business owners; environmental professionals; and even environmental advocates.

MS4 permittees may wish to have their winter maintenance staff trained as a way to meet the new MS4 requirements aimed at reducing chloride pollution. The trainings touch on the new requirements and offer practical and technical information for better application and maintenance practices, salt storage, policy examples, and resources for community outreach.

Watch the Smart Salting Training for Winter Maintenance Professionals video to hear from maintenance pros that are now using less salt and still offering a high level of service!

See below for the Smart Salting Training classes taking place in October and November.

Smart Salting for Roads

Lean how to integrate science with practice winter maintenance on roads while minimizing impacts to the environment. Covers technical aspects such as application rates, calibration, using weather conditions to more accurately plan and apply, converting to de-icing and anti-icing, storage and more.

Who:

  • City, county, or state plow drivers
  • Private winter maintenance contractors and staff

When:

Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks

Learn practical, more efficient winter maintenance practices for parking lots and sidewalks that can help save on costs and time while minimizing environmental impacts.

Who:

  • Hands-on public or private winter maintenance staff (e.g., staff at parks, hospitals, or colleges)
  • Those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff
  • Private contractors

When:

Smart Salting for Property Management

Learn how to reduce damages caused by salt, that reducing salt use can save money while providing safe surfaces, ways to encourage your maintenance crew to use sustainable practices, address liability concerns, and the basics of snow and ice management tools.

Who:

  • Management-level property managers
  • Environmental professionals and advocates
  • Business owners
  • MS4 and Wastewater permit staff

When:

Visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Smart Salting Training website for the training calendar and list of certificate holders.

Questions about the trainings? Email smartsalting.pca@state.mn.us.

2021 Virtual Metro Children’s Water Festival Available Now!

September 27th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on 2021 Virtual Metro Children’s Water Festival Available Now!

Calling all teachers, parents, and guardians! The 2021 Virtual Metro Children’s Water Festival is available now!

The Metro Children’s Water Festival is normally an in-person festival at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, but the festival has been adapted to be virtual for 2021. There are a number of lessons and activities available that teach children about water resources and how young people can help ensure a future where both the quantity and quality of resources are protected and managed wisely.

Students can learn about wastewater treatment, water scarcity around the globe, and what lives in our waters. They can see a rainfall simulator, explore the Mississippi River, meet local water professionals, and study watersheds.

Content is available NOW! The festival week officially ends on October 1st, but all materials will be available throughout the entire 2021-2022 school year. Metro area teachers who register for the festival and watch any number of videos and complete the paired activities will receive an Every Kid Outdoors pass for each 4th grade student in their classroom, compliments of the U.S. Forest Service.

The festival is free and open to all, however curriculum is at a 4th grade level, and parks passes are available for 4th grade students only per the federal program.

Ready to get started?! Register at www.metrocwf.org/register and view the festival at www.metrocwf.org/festival.

The Metro Children’s Water Festival hopes your students and children all enjoy the 2021 virtual festival and the brand-new website!

Minnesota is Septic Smart – New SSTS Annual Report

September 24th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Minnesota is Septic Smart – New SSTS Annual Report

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued its latest subsurface sewage sewage treatment systems (SSTS) annual report just in time for SepticSmart Week.

The overall compliance rate of septic systems for 2020 is estimated to be 81% (505,300 systems), which is an increase from 77% in 2011. This exceeds the Clean Water Council’s strategic plan goal of 80% compliance. Systems failing to protect groundwater (FTPGW) and systems with an imminent threat to public health and safety (ITPHS) have both decreased over the last 10 years.

The SSTS annual report is compiled with information submitted by local government units (counties, cities, and townships) that administer installation permits and septic systems inspections. To learn more about the number of permits issued, inspections conducted, and septic system professionals licensed and certified in 2020, visit the MPCA’s SSTS annual report page.

Click here to read the full news release from the MPCA.

Septic Smart Week 2021 – Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

September 20th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Septic Smart Week 2021 – Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

This week, September 20-25th, is SepticSmart Week! SepticSmart Week is an annual event in which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates a week that is focused on how homeowners and renters can care for and maintain their septic systems.

Many homes, as well as businesses, in Anoka County are served by septic systems. It is important that everyone knows how to properly care for their septic systems. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for your septic system, provided by the EPA:

Protect It and Inspect It:

Do:

  • Have your system inspected (in general) every 3 years by a licensed contractor and have the tank pumped, when necessary, generally every 3 to 5 years.
  • (TIP: In Anoka County, septic systems are regulated by the cities and townships. Contact your city or township if you have questions about their requirements.)

Think at the Sink:

Don’t:

  • Pour cooking grease or oil down the sink or toilet.
  • Rinse coffee grounds into the sink.
  • Pour household chemicals down the sink or flush them.

Do:

  • Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal.
  • Properly dispose of coffee grounds and good.
  • Put grease in a container to harden before discarding in the trash.

Don’t Overload the Commode:

Don’t:

  • Flush non-degradable products or chemicals, such as feminine hygiene products, condoms, dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, cat litter, paper towels, pharmaceuticals.

Do:

  • Dispose of these items in the trash can!

Shield Your Field:

Don’t:

  • Park or drive on your drainfield. The weight can damage the drain lines.
  • Plant trees or shrubs too close to your drainfield – roots can grow into your system and clog it.

Do:

  • Consult a septic service professional to advise you on the proper distance for planting trees and shrubs, depending on your septic tank location.

Don’t Strain Your Drain:

Don’t:

  • Concentrate your water use by using your dishwasher, shower, washing machine, and toilet at the same time. All that extra water can really strain your septic system.

Do:

  • Stagger the use of water-generating appliances. This can be helpful especially if your system has not been pumped in a long time.
  • Become more water efficient by fixing plumbing leaks and consider installing bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators and water-efficient products.

Learn more about septic systems and how to be a SepticSmart homeowner here. If you experience a problem with your septic system, be sure to contact a licensed septic contractor right away. If you aren’t sure when your septic system was last pumped, most cities/township have this information on file, as they regulate septic systems in Anoka County.

North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area Update

September 17th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area Update

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has designated an area in the north and east portions of the metro region as the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA), which includes Washington and Ramsey counties, along with portions of Anoka and Hennepin counties. The Anoka County communities in the GWMA are Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Columbus, Fridley, Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, and Spring Lake Park.

The North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area advisory team was established to provide ongoing insights to the DNR as it implements a five-year plan, approved in 2015. The plan will continue to guide the DNR’s approach to groundwater management in the north and east metro and provide a framework within which the DNR will work with water users to ensure that groundwater supplies remain adequate to meet human needs, while protecting lakes, streams, and wetlands.

The advisory team met in an online format on June 11, 2021. The agenda included:

  • A brief update on the status of the five-year plan for management of groundwater in the north and east metro area.
  • A summary of recent court proceedings.
  • An update on groundwater modeling and analysis.
  • Information on water conservation and efficiency efforts around the area.

In the status update, DNR project manager Dan Miller stated “The plan isn’t going to expire. We’re going to continue meeting with all of you and the advisory team”, as the GWMA Plan provided a framework for DNR work on local groundwater issues through 2020. The plan will continue to guide the DNR’s approach to groundwater management in the face of issues including population growth, groundwater quality concerns, and groundwater-surface water interactions.

Randall Doneen (DNR) highlighted some water conservation and efficiency trends. Per capita water use has been declining, in terms of residential use, as well as total community use. The Anoka County community of Fridley was highlighted, as they saved 28 million gallons using leak detection to help conserve water and save money.

Click here to read the full update bulletin from the DNR.

The advisory team will likely next meet in the fall of 2021. Be sure to subscribe to email updates to ensure you receive additional meeting details. A notice will be posted on Know the Flow as well. For more information on the GWMA, click here to view it’s website.

Public Hearing – Lower Rum River Watershed Management Plan

September 10th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Public Hearing – Lower Rum River Watershed Management Plan

The Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) Board of Managers will host a public hearing on the draft LRRWMO 2022-2031 Watershed Management Plan on Thursday, September 16, 2021 as part of the Board of Managers meeting. The hearing will start at 8:15 am, or shortly thereafter, at Anoka City Hall (2015 First Avenue, Anoka). Those wishing to attend virtually may do so using a the Microsoft Teams link posted at the LRRWMO website in advance of the meeting: www.lrrwmo.org.

The LRRWMO is a joint powers special purpose unit of government including the cities of Ramsey, Anoka, and portions of Andover (see map at the end of this post). The Board is made up of representatives from each of these cities. This organization seeks to protect and improve lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater, and other water resources across municipal boundaries. All of the LRRWMO’s activities are guided by their Watershed Management Plan.

The draft LRRWMO 2022-2031 Watershed Management Plan was distributed for 60-day review as required in Minnesota Statutes 103B.231 from May 28-July 27, 2021. The draft Plan is currently available at the LRRWMO website. A summary of formal review comments and proposed responses to those comments will be made available at the LRRWMO website ahead of the public meeting.

The public hearing will include discussion of the Plan development process and responses to comments following the 60-day formal review. All are invited to attend the hearing and submit comments, written or verbal, that will become part of the official public hearing record. Please submit written comments electronically to the LRRWMO Engineer by September 15, 2021 at gwilliams@barr.com.

MDH Source Water Protection Grants

September 6th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on MDH Source Water Protection Grants

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has two new grant opportunities that are now available. There are two different grants for different types of public water supply systems: one for community and nontransient noncommunity public water supply systems and one for transient noncommunity public water supply systems. The deadline for applications for both grants is 4:30 pm on September 30, 2021.

Plan Implementation Grant

  • Who: community and nontransient noncommunity public water supply systems who have an MDH-approved Wellhead Protection Plan or MDH-endorsed surface water intake protection plan
  • Purpose: to help public water suppliers implement source water protection measures included in their MDH-approved or -endorsed plan.
  • Cost share: not required
  • Amount: $1,000 to $10,000
  • Website to download an application form and to review more detailed information about the grant program: Plan Implementation Grant

Noncommunity Transient Grant

  • Who: noncommunity transient public water systems
  • Purpose: to support measures that address a potential contamination source that presents a high risk to a source of drinking water as determined by MDH
  • Cost share: an equal cost share is required for receiving this grant
  • Amount: $250-$10,000
  • Website to download an application form and to review more detailed information about the grant program: Noncommunity Transient Grant

2021 Metro Children’s Water Festival

September 3rd, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on 2021 Metro Children’s Water Festival

SAVE THE DATE for a fun-filled virtual festival sharing presentations and activities about our most precious resource – water!

The Metro Children’s Water Festival will host a virtual water festival beginning the week of September 27th and it will be available throughout the 2021-2022 school year. Virtual lessons consist of videos on downloadable curriculum and cover many topics including the following:

  • What happens to wastewater from our homes in Waste water treatment for kids
  • How different land covers affect how much rain soaks into the ground or runs off in Rainfall simulator
  • What happened to the waterfall in the Twin Cities in the Mystery of the Disappearing Waterfall
  • How do streams pick their path and what creatures are found in them in A model stream
  • Water scarcity around the world and what you can do to help in Youth help solve the global water crisis
  • What small aquatic bugs called macroinvertebrates can tell you about the health of your local lakes and streams in Exploring macroinvertebrates and water quality

The festival website is currently under construction and will be available in early September. Fill out the form on the home page to be sent a reminder when the virtual festival is available, or feel free to check the Metro Children’s Water Festival website in early September.

Also, check out the festival’s BRAND NEW logo below!

Fall/Winter 2021 Well Water Testing

September 2nd, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Fall/Winter 2021 Well Water Testing

The Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services Department helps Anoka County residents protect their drinking water. One way to assure safe, quality drinking water is by having it tested. It is recommended to test for bacteria and nitrate on an annual basis.

The Anoka County Well Water Testing program will continue to operate on a limited basis through the reminder of 2021. In addition to the sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), samples for arsenic and manganese will continue to be accepted. Please see below for full details.

Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted on the dates below with limited hours. Water samples for other analyses (lead, iron, etc.) will not be accepted at this time. An appointment and pre-payment over the phone will be required. Please continue reading for full details. The upcoming dates and times for water sample drop-off will be:

  • Monday, September 27th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, September 28th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, October 25th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, October 26th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, November 22nd, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, November 23rd, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, December 20th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, December 21st, 9-11:30 am

Please note that while drop-off dates are typically the last Monday and Tuesday of the month, November and December are the second to last Monday and Tuesday of the month due to the holidays.

The drop-off table will be located on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Government Center near the main door.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

  1. Test kits (sample collection bottle and blue (for sanitary analysis) or yellow (for arsenic or manganese) sampling sheet with collection instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. No kits will be available on the drop-off days. Test kit pick-up locations are listed below.
  2. A drop-off appointment must be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. No cash or checks allowed, and no credit cards will be accepted the day of drop-off. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
  3. The blue or yellow sampling sheet must be completed ahead of time. No pens will be available to use at the drop-off table.
  4. Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Abby Shea at (763) 324-4207.
  5. Only samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted at this time. If other testing is desired, it can be performed at a later date or a private laboratory can be recommended.
  6. Samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) must be collected as close to the drop-off time as possible to avoid exceeding the holding time of the sample, which can result in inaccurate results.
  7. Social distancing guidelines must be respected, and rules of the drop-off area must be followed.

Water test kits for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) are currently available at the following locations:

  • Andover City Hall *
  • Blaine City Hall
  • Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
  • Centerville City Hall
  • Columbus City Hall
  • East Bethel City Hall *
  • Ham Lake City Hall
  • Lino Lakes City Hall **
  • Linwood Township Hall
  • Nowthen City Hall
  • Oak Grove City Hall *
  • Ramsey City Hall **
  • St. Francis City Hall

*Denotes location with arsenic test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits.

**Denotes location with manganese test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits.

Summer Water News

August 25th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Summer Water News

State and local agencies have published various newsletters and bulletins throughout this summer. Below is a recap of some of the largest water-related publications issued over the past few months. Click on the link to the publication to read it, and be sure to subscribe to its email list if you enjoy its content!

Minnesota Department of Health’s Waterline Newsletter

The Waterline is a quarterly newsletter for water operators, city officials, and others interested in news related to public water systems in Minnesota. The Waterline includes updates on training sessions along with a registration form for various operator schools as well as feature stories of interest to those in the drinking-water profession.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Water Talk Newsletter

Water Talk Newsletter is issued 4 to 6 times per year, or approximately quarterly, and features updates on program news, funding, projects, events, and learning resources for local governments and others involved in floodplain and shoreland management. The newsletter is published with the support of a FEMA grant.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Watershed Health Assessment Framework ‘Managing for Heath’

The Watershed Health Assessment Framework provides an organized approach for understanding natural resource conditions and challengers, and for identifying opportunities to improve the health and resilience of Minnesota’s watersheds.

On June 22nd, 2021, the Department of Natural Resources sent out a publication with the title “Wiser about Water Use”. In this edition of their newsletter, they take a look at new tools that tell Minnesota’s water use story.

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) includes the Anoka County cities of Columbia Heights, Fridley, and Hilltop. They have recently transitioned to monthly newsletters for updates on projects, grants, events, and other items related to the MWMO.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Smart Salting News

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Smart Salting Program is for winter maintenance and property management professionals seeking to maintain safe surfaces using less salt. Subscribers to this email list receive updates on various Smart Salting Certification Trainings and other related news.

MN Stormwater News (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency distributes a quarterly newsletter called MN Stormwater News. MN Stormwater News includes a variety of articles about stormwater topics, including the MS4 permit.

  • August 2021 MN Stormwater News – sent out August 4th, 2021

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency SSTS Bulletin

This quarterly newsletter includes subsurface sewage treatment system news and notes for local governments, septic system professionals, homeowners, and others that are interested.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency On Point Newsletter

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency On Point newsletter includes news and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders. On Point is typically sent out every couple of months.

Volunteers Needed! Starry Trek on August 21st

August 2nd, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Volunteers Needed! Starry Trek on August 21st

Lake-loving volunteers are needed across the state of Minnesota on Saturday, August 21st, 2021 to participate in a search for starry stonewort!

Starry stonewort is an aggressive, aquatic invasive algae that can spread easily and grows into dense mats at and below the lake’s surface.

“Starry Trek” is an annual event where members of the public first gather at training sites to learn how to identify starry stonewort and other aquatic invasive species. The newly-trained citizen scientists then branch out to local water accesses to search for signs of the invasive species.

In 2020, 212 volunteers scoured 292 public water accesses on 238 waterbodies across the state – finding one new infestation of starry stonewort. There were other aquatic invasive species found too, as well as some very cool native species!

No experience or equipment is necessary to participate in Starry Trek. Expert training on monitoring protocols and starry stonewort identification will be provided on-site. This event is free, but registration is required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

For most Anoka County residents, the closest rendezvous site is the Bunker Hills Activities Center in Andover, hosted by Anoka County Parks. Click here to register and to see an interactive map of all of the training sites. You will receive an email with additional details about your site, including you local coordinator’s contact information. Volunteers will receive a complimentary tote bag for participating in this event (guaranteed availability for all volunteers registered prior to August 15th).

Learn more about Starry Trek here.

Official event poster

Summer 2021 Anoka County Well Water Testing

June 22nd, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Summer 2021 Anoka County Well Water Testing

With the Government Center remaining closed to the public beyond the first floor, the Anoka County Well Water Testing program will continue to operate on a limited basis. However, we will resume accepting samples for arsenic and manganese testing, in addition to the sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate). Please see below for full details.

Anoka County Environmental Services was hoping to offer a delayed Well Water Wise week in the summer of 2021, but this will not be feasible. An additional Thursday and Friday have been added to the drop-off schedule to provide an alternative for residents unable to come to the Government Center on a Monday or Tuesday.

Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted on the dates below with limited hours. Water samples for other analyses (lead, iron, etc.) will not be accepted at this time. An appointment and pre-payment over the phone will be required. Please continue reading for full details. The upcoming dates and times for water sample drop-off will be:

  • Monday, June 28th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, June 29th, 9-11:30 am
  • Thursday, July 22nd, 1-4 pm
  • Friday, July 23rd, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, July 26th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, July 27th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, August 30th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, August 31st, 9-11:30 am

The drop-off table will be located on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Government Center near the main door.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

  1. Test kits (sample collection bottle and blue (for sanitary analysis) or yellow (for arsenic or manganese) sampling sheet with collection instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. No kits will be available on the drop-off days. Test kit pick-up locations are listed below.
  2. A drop-off appointment must be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. No cash or checks allowed, and no credit cards will be accepted the day of drop-off. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
  3. The blue or yellow sampling sheet must be completed ahead of time. No pens will be available to use at the drop-off table.
  4. Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Abby Shea at (763) 324-4207.
  5. Only samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted at this time. If other testing is desired, it can be performed at a later date or a private laboratory can be recommended.
  6. Samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) must be collected as close to the drop-off time as possible to avoid exceeding the holding time of the sample, which can result in inaccurate results.
  7. Social distancing guidelines must be respected, and rules of the drop-off area must be followed

Water test kits are currently available at the following locations:

  • Andover City Hall *
  • Blaine City Hall
  • Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
  • Centerville City Hall
  • Columbus City Hall
  • East Bethel City Hall *
  • Ham Lake City Hall
  • Lino Lakes City Hall **
  • Linwood Township Hall
  • Nowthen City Hall
  • Oak Grove City Hall *
  • Ramsey City Hall **
  • St. Francis City Hall

*Denotes location with arsenic test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits.

**Denotes location with manganese test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits.

Recent Publications and Annoucements

May 21st, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Recent Publications and Annoucements

There have been a number of water-related publications that may be of interest to Anoka County agencies, municipalities, residents, and others released in the past few weeks. Additionally, a couple of announcements were made by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Annoucements:

The MPCA is hosting a live webinar on engineered/bioretention media on Wednesday, May 26th from 9:30 to 11 am. This presentation features five Minnesota stormwater professionals discussing their work with media amendments and designs to retain pollutants. There will also be a short update on how this information is being incorporated into the Minnesota Stormwater Manual.​ 1.5 pdh is offered for attending this webinar. Click here if you would like to join the webinar or if you want more information. If you have questions, contact Mike Trojan at mike.trojan@state.mn.us.

There are two upcoming smart salting training opportunities:

  • MPCA Smart Salting Property Management Training: Tuesday, June 8th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • MPCA Smart Salting Assessment tool (SSAt) Level 2 Certification Training: Thursday, July 8th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

For more information on these training opportunities, and to register, click here to read the release from the MPCA.

Lastly, MDH announced that the annual stakeholder meeting for the Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) initiative will be held virtually via WebEx on Thursday, July 8th at 3 pm. Each year, the Health Risk Assessment Unit develops an annual contaminant review work plan for the CEC initiative. This process includes holding a stakeholder meeting to discuss and solicit input on a draft chemical review work plan for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022). The meeting is open to the public. More details can be found on the Contaminants of Emerging Concern website.

Publications:

Yesterday, the Summer 2021 Waterline, the official newsletter of the Drinking Water Protection Section of MDH, was published online. The Waterline is a quarterly newsletter for water operators, city officials, and others interested in news related to public water systems in Minnesota. The Waterline includes updates on training sessions along with a registration form for various operator schools as well as feature stories of interest to those in the drinking-water profession. Click here to read the newsletter.

On Tuesday, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization published their May 2021 newsletter, which includes project updates, yard care tips, new videos, and more. Read the newsletter here.

Last week, the MPCA published the latest edition of MN Stormwater News, with lots of great information related to stormwater and MS4 permits! Click here to read it.

The Spring 2021 Noncom Notes was published late last month by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Noncommunity Public Water Supply Unit. Included in the newsletter is lots of good information for noncommunity public water suppliers. The newsletter is available here.

Lastly, also published late last month is the April 2021 On Point newsletter. Published by the MPCA, On Point contains news and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders. There are lots of articles in this newsletter, so be sure to check it out by clicking here!

Minnesota Smart Salting Update – Spring Edition (Upcoming Trainings Included)

April 13th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Minnesota Smart Salting Update – Spring Edition (Upcoming Trainings Included)

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) sent out the spring edition of the Smart Salting Update yesterday, April 12th. To receive Smart Salting Updates, along with other updates of interest to you, head to the MPCA Smart Salting webpage and enter your email address on the right-hand side of the page.

Below are the topics included in the spring Smart Salting Update:

  • MPCA seeks feedback on need for more advanced Road Weather Prediction Services
  • Upcoming MPCA Smart Salting Certification Trainings
  • Getting certified – Why get salt smart?
  • New! MPCA grant for chloride reduction from water softening activities
  • Success in reducing salt use – Epic Systems Corporation
  • Save the Date! 2021 Salt Symposium

MPCA seeks feedback on need for more advanced Road Weather Prediction Services

The MPCA Smart Salting program is considering creating a new state contract open to local governments for road weather prediction services at competitive prices, if there is local interest. Anyone interested is asked to complete this survey by April 28th, 2021.

Upcoming MPCA Smart Salting Certification Trainings

It is possible to apply less salt safely while improving operations and still offering a high level of service by attending an online MPCA Smart Salting Certification Training (upcoming trainings listed below).

  • Smart Salting Assessment tool (SSAt) – Level 2: Tuesday, April 20th
  • Parking Lots & Sidewalks: Tuesday, April 27th
  • Property Management: Tuesday, May 11th and Tuesday, June 8th
  • Roads Training: Tuesday, May 18th

See the additional bulletin sent by MPCA earlier today on Smart Salting Trainings for course descriptions, registration links, and more.

Visit the MPCA Smart Salting Training page for the training calendar and list of certificate holders. Detailed training information is on the Salt Applicators page.

Getting certified – Why get salt smart?

New to Smart Salting Trainings? Get details and hear from other maintenance pros that are now using less salt and still offering a high level of service! Watch the new 3-minute MPCA Smart Salting Training for Winter Maintenance Professionals promo video!

The recently reissued MPCA Municipal Stormwater (MS4) General Permit requires specific chloride reduction activities for permittees. Some permittees must also conduct an annual winter maintenance operations assessment to assist in identifying de-icing salt reduction opportunities on permittee owned/operated surfaces. The MPCA Stormwater Wiki offers guidance on requirements for permittees that have an applicable waste load allocation (WLA) for chloride and meeting chloride TMDL permit requirements. If your MS4 has a WLA for chloride, actively completing the Smart Salting Assessment tool is one way to satisfy the requirements under the new 2020 MS4 General Permit (item 22.6).

The MPCA water permit holders and chloride webpage offers a more detailed summary of all chloride related requirements.

New! MPCA grant for chloride reduction from water softening activities

The MPCA is offering a new Chloride Reduction grant for the development of a project that provides direct assistance to upgrade and optimize water-softening systems in targeted communities with elevated chloride levels in surface waters or wastewater discharge.

The application deadline is 4:00 pm on May 7th. For grant application materials and more information, see the MPCA Chloride Reduction Grants webpage.

Success in reducing salt use – Epic Systems Corporation

The Smart Salting Update featured a success story in salt use by Epic Systems Corporation in Verona, WI.

Save the Date! 2021 Salt Symposium

Be sure to save the date for the 2021 Salt Symposium: two days of chloride research and innovation – August 3rd and 4th, 2021. Symposium registration opens soon! See an early draft agenda, award nomination forms, sponsorship opportunities, signing up for updates, and more at www.fortinconsulting.com/2021-symposium/.

Opportunities to Learn and Serve

April 8th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Opportunities to Learn and Serve

There are always lots of opportunities to learn more about water resources and to serve in the community!

Three opportunities are highlighted below, including an upcoming street sweeping webinar, the free 2021 Virtual Mississippi River Institute, and an opening on the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board for a Public Board Member.

Upcoming Street Sweeping Webinar

On Thursday, May 13th, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is hosting a live webinar on street sweeping from 9:30-11:00 am. Below is the agenda, featuring distinguished speakers:

  • Opening statement – the importance and value of street sweeping: Randy Neprash, PE, Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition, Stantec
  • Discussion of nutrients in urban stormwater, focused on impacts of trees: Dr. Sarah Hobbie, Distinguished McKnight University Professor, Dept. of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior, University of Minnesota
  • Overview of recently developed street sweeping calculator: Aileen Molloy, Tetra Tech
  • Overview of draft guidance for street sweeping: Hillary Yonce, Tetra Tech
  • Discussion of additional research needs: William Selbig, Research Hydrologist, USGS Upper Midwest Water Science Center
  • Q&A

Click here to go to the webinar’s webpage for information on joining the webinar, speaker information, and links to information on street sweeping.

Free Virtual Mississippi River Institute

The following is a bulletin from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization:

“Our natural affinity to water makes rivers and watersheds a useful and familiar context for teaching and learning. Join the Center for Global Environmental Education from home this summer for its acclaimed Mississippi River Institute- a hybrid model combining online content and outdoor hands-on investigations close to home.

The virtual River Institute is a live, interactive three-day professional development opportunity taking place July 26-28, with modules online and outside from 8 am – 4 pm. It inspires, educates, and prepares 3rd – 8th grade teachers to engage students in STEM disciplines through experiential, inquiry-based investigations of local watersheds.

Full scholarships are provided for teachers admitted to the program, as well as 18 CEUs, classroom resources, and the option to purchase two graduate-level credits at a reduced rate.”

Click here to learn more!

Apply now to be an Environmental Quality Board member!

The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is seeking a new Public Board Member to represent Minnesota’s Congressional District 6 and applications are open now! The position is open until filled and begins January 3, 2022 for a 4-year term. District 6 includes parts of Anoka, Benton, Carver, Sherburne, Stearns, Wright, and Washington counties. Most of Anoka County is included in District 6.

From a recent Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) bulletin:

“Serving on the Environmental Quality Board is a unique opportunity to shape environmental issues in Minnesota. Public Board Members bring the voices of Minnesotans from diverse perspectives around the state into decision making, helping the Board think in new ways about environmental challenges and solutions. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.”

Click here to learn more. You can also contact the EQB Executive Director, Katie Pratt, with questions at katie.pratt@state.mn.us or 651-757-2524.

Source Water Protection Competitive Grant Accepting Applications

April 5th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Source Water Protection Competitive Grant Accepting Applications

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently accepting applications for their Competitive Grant, which is available to all community and nontransient noncommunity public water systems

The purpose of the funding is to support actives that address a potential contamination source that presents a high risk to a source of drinking water as determined by MDH.

An equal cost share is required for receiving the grant. The minimum amount for any grant is $500 and the maximum is $10,000.

The deadline for applications is 4:30 pm on April 30, 2021.

Click here for more information and to download an application form.

Water Talk Newsletter – March 2021: Spring Training, MN Groundwater Provinces, and More

March 31st, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Water Talk Newsletter – March 2021: Spring Training, MN Groundwater Provinces, and More

A new edition of the Water Talk newsletter was published this week by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Water Talk is issued 4 to 6 times per year with the support of a FEMA Community Assistance Program – State Support Service Element (CAP-SSSE) grant. The newsletter features updates on floodplain program news, funding, projects, events, and learning resources for local governments and others involved in floodplain and shoreland management. Find previous issues of Water Talk (may need to scroll) and learn more about the DNR’s floodplain program on their website.

Highlights of the March 2021 edition include:

  • A virtual “Spring Series” of floodplain and shoreland training opportunities. The series is already in full swing, so be sure to check it out in the newsletter! Each session is only 1 hour. The sessions are free, but be sure to register. Target audiences include local zoning and engineering officials, consulting engineers and planners, watershed officials, surveyors, state and federal agency staff involved in related programs, etc. Many of the sessions may also be of interest to elected or appointed officials and interested citizens.
  • A piece on the updated Minnesota Groundwater Provinces map, which summarizes aquifer and groundwater resource differences at the regional level. Click here to read it.
  • Reminder: Scholarships available for local officials to attend the virtual Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFM) conference May 9-13, 2021.
  • Updated FEMA Technical Bulletins 3 & 6

Be sure to check out the full newsletter here! Below is a full list of all topics covered in the March 2021 Water Talk newsletter:

  • Virtual Floodplain & Shoreland Training “Spring Series”
  • Got the Spring Planting Bug? BWSR Pollinator Resources are Here to Help
  • Minnesota’s Groundwater Provinces
  • ASFPM Conference Going Virtual – May 9-13, 2021
  • Thinking About Summer Projects? Join the April 15 CHAOS Meeting
  • FEMA Releases Technical Bulletin 3 & 6 Updates
  • County Groundwater Atlas Updates
  • Great Lakes Communities – Complete Survey by April 30 to Help Guide Future Protection Efforts
  • FEMA Map Status Listing

March 2021 Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Newsletter

March 26th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on March 2021 Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Newsletter

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization recently sent out their March 2021 newsletter. Click here to read it! Items to note include upcoming grant application deadlines, an Adopt-a-Drain competition, and some early spring yard care tips.

Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines

  • Community Grants – Friday, April 2nd by 4:30 pm
  • Capital Project Grants – Friday, April 23rd by 4:30 pm

The Community Grant deadline is in one week! Community Grants (formerly known as Mini Grants) are one of three types of Stewardship Fund Grants offered by the MWMO. These grants provide an opportunity for local organizations and businesses to help the environment, engage individuals and communities, and build partnerships to improve water quality and habitat.

Community Grants are designed for short-term or small-scale water quality projects. The grant amount may not exceed $5,000. No matching funds are required. Click here for more information.

Adopt-a-Drain Competition

Also of interest for Anoka County residents, cities, and other partners, is a short article about the MWMO cities of Columbia Heights and Fridley joining Andover and Blaine in a friendly competition to see who can get the most sign-ups through the Adopt-a-Drain program. Through the Adopt-a-Drain program, residents sign up to keep their local stormdrains clean and document their results.

Early Spring Yard Care Dos and Don’ts

One more item to highlight is the list of Early Spring Yard Care Dos and Don’ts, which include: don’t clean up your garden yet, do clean your gutters, do start planning your landscaping projects, and do adopt a stormdrain. Be sure to read the newsletter for more on these tips! The MWMO will also host another Mini Maintenance Workshop, this time on “Moving Toward Spring”, on Thursday, April 1st, from 6:00 to 6:45 pm. While it is free, registration for the workshop is required. Click here for more information and to register.

Below are all of the topics included in the March 2021 MWMO Newsletter:

  • First Phase of Construction at North Columbia Golf Course and Park Complete
  • MWMO Awards Funding for Four New Action Grant Projects
  • New Videos Show Stormwater Monitoring in Action
  • Early Spring Yard Care Dos and Don’ts
    • Mini Maintenance Workshop: Moving Toward Spring
  • Adopt-a-Drain Competition Heats Up in Columbia Heights and Fridley
  • Upcoming Professional Trainings
  • MWMO in the News
  • Featured Project: Eastside Maintenance Facility

Anoka County Well Water Testing Updates

March 22nd, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Anoka County Well Water Testing Updates

05/21/2021 UPDATE: Anoka County Environmental Services is planning to continue to operate on a limited basis for the month of June, as the Anoka County Government Center remains closed to the public beyond the first floor. The June drop-off dates and times will be:

  • Monday, June 28th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, June 29th, 9-11:30 am

All procedures below will continue to be followed. Thank you for your understanding.

The Anoka County Well Water Testing program will continue to operate on a limited basis through at least June 1st. Please see below for details. Stay tuned to www.anokacounty.us/water for the most updated information.

With the program being limited during the first week of May, Well Water Wise week, which normally occurs that week, will be postponed. Anoka County Environmental Services is planning on hosting Well Water Wise week July 19th-23rd, 2021. Stay tuned to this website and www.anokacounty.us/water for the official notification. [06/22/21 UPDATE: With the Anoka County Government Center remaining closed to the public beyond the first floor, Well Water Wise week will be canceled for 2021. However, an additional Thursday and Friday have been added to the schedule for July 22nd and 23rd. Please see our most recent post for more information.]

Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates) will be accepted on the last Monday (1-4 pm) and Tuesday (9-11:30 am) of each month. Water samples for other analyses (arsenic, manganese, lead, etc.) will not be accepted at this time. An appointment and pre-payment over the phone are required. Please see the full details below. The upcoming dates and times for water sample collection are:

  • Monday, March 29th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, March 30th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, April 26th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, April 27th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, May 24th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, May 25th, 9-11:30 am

The drop-off table will be located on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Government Center near the main door.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

  1. Sample kits (sample collection bottle and blue sampling sheet with instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. No kits will be available on the drop-off days. Kit locations are listed below.
  2. A drop-off appointment must be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. No cash or checks allowed, and no credit cards will be accepted the day of drop-off. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
  3. The blue sampling sheet must be completed ahead of time. No pens will be available to use at the drop-off table.
  4. Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Abby Shea at (763) 324-4207.
  5. Only samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates) will be accepted at this time. If other testing is desired, it can be performed at a later date or a private laboratory can be recommended.
  6. Social distancing guidelines must be respected, and masks are required. Rules of the drop-off area must be followed.

Water test kits are currently available at the following locations:

  • Andover City Hall
  • Blaine City Hall
  • Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
  • Centerville City Hall
  • East Bethel City Hall
  • Ham Lake City Hall (call and they will set one out for you: (763) 434-9555)
  • Linwood Township Hall
  • Oak Grove City Hall
  • Ramsey City Hall
  • St. Francis City Hall (call and they will set one out for you: (763) 753-2630)

Feel free to call additional city halls to see if they can provide a water test kit.

National Groundwater Awareness Week

March 12th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on National Groundwater Awareness Week

Tomorrow marks the end of this year’s National Groundwater Awareness Week (March 7-13, 2021).

Did you know that 94% of Anoka County residents rely on groundwater for their drinking water?

This may be a private well or city water that is supplied from larger municipal wells. In 2018, groundwater withdrawal by public and private wells amounted to over 11.8 billion gallons. By 2050, groundwater withdrawal is estimated to increase to over 19 billion gallons, per the Metropolitan Council.

Below are 10 ways to protect and conserve groundwater from the National Ground Water Association:

  1. Go Native – Use native plants in your landscape. They look great, and don’t need much water or fertilizer. Also choose grass varieties for your lawn that are adapted for your region’s climate, reducing the need for extensive watering or chemical applications.
  2. Reduce Chemical Use – Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard, and make sure to dispose of them properly – don’t dump them on the ground!
  3. Manage Waste – Properly dispose of potentially toxic substances like unused chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other substances.
  4. Don’t Let It Run – Shut off the water when you brush your teeth or shaving, and don’t let it run while waiting for it to get cold.
  5. Fix the Drip – Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away, or install water conserving models. (The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.)
  6. Wash Smarter – Take shorter shows and only run full loads in the dish and clothes washer.
  7. Water Wisely – Water the lawn and plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when they truly need it. Make sure you, your family, and your neighbors obey any watering restrictions during dry periods.
  8. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – Reduce the amount of “stuff” you use and reuse what you can. 
  9. Natural Alternatives – Use all natural/nontoxic household cleaners whenever possible.
  10. Learn and Do More! – Get involved in water education! Learn more about groundwater and share your knowledge with others.

Interested in learning more about groundwater? Check out this series of videos from the University of Minnesota Extension!

Reminder: Virtual Water Festival Available

March 5th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Reminder: Virtual Water Festival Available

Teachers, parents, and other educators:

Happy spring! As the snow melts and we get closer to April showers, it’s a great time for water education. If you have water themes coming up in your curriculum, don’t forget to check out our virtual Metro Area Children’s Water Festival resources. The festival took place last September, but all of the resources are still available online.

Visit www.metrocwf.org/virtual or follow the links below.

Recordings of live classes

Live classes were recorded on a number of water topics. Presenters were local water professionals. In these classes, students can learn about mosquitoes, what causes water pollution, the mystery of the disappearing waterfall that used to be in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and more. Recordings of these classes can be found on our Metro Children’s Water Festival live classes site and our YouTube site.  

Videos

A number of videos are available for use. Watch a rainfall simulator, learn about aquatic bugs or why fish in Minnesota lakes get mercury resulting in health guidelines for eating them. View videos and associated links and lessons plans for these topics.

Lesson plans

Want to have the class act out a day in the court of a water trial? Or learn about water scarcity and the global water crises? Or do a fun experience showing how roots absorb water? Download these and other lesson plans for classroom use.  

As we move forward in this new year, the planning committee has decided that due to the uncertainty remaining around larger gatherings, the 2021 festival will also be virtual. We will be exploring different options for this year’s virtual festival that may involve new topics, new methods of delivering education, etc. Stay tuned!

Whether you participated in the 2020 virtual festival or not, we’d like to know what you would like us to incorporate into the 2021 virtual festival to make it worthwhile to you and your students. If you have thoughts and ideas, please fill out this survey.

New Source Water Protection Grant Opportunities

February 19th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on New Source Water Protection Grant Opportunities

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced two new grant opportunities, both of which will be available on March 1, 2021. They are the Plan Implementation Grant and the Noncommunity Transient Grant. Both grants have an application deadline of March 31, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

The Plan Implementation Grant is available to all community and nontransient noncommunity public water supply systems who have a:

  1. MDH-approved Wellhead Protection Plan under the requirements of MN Rules Parts 4720.5100 to 4720.5590, or
  2. MDH-approved wellhead protection action plan, or
  3. Surface water intake protection plan that has been endorsed by MDH.

The purpose of this funding is to help public water suppliers implement source water protection measures included in their MDH-approved or endorsed plan. These grants do not require a cost share. The minimum grant amount is $1,000 and the maximum grant amount is $10,000.

To download an application form and to review more detailed information about this grant program, click here to go to the website.

The Noncommunity Transient Grant is available to noncommunity transient public water systems and its purpose is to support measures that address a potential contamination source that presents a high risk to a source of drinking water as determined by MDH. An equal cost share is required for receiving this grant. The minimum grant amount is $250 and the maximum amount is $10,000.

To download an application form and to review more detailed information about this grant program, click here to go to the website.

Spring 2021 Waterline Now Available – AWWA Virtual School and Proposed HRL Updates

February 16th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Spring 2021 Waterline Now Available – AWWA Virtual School and Proposed HRL Updates

Waterline is the official newsletter of the Drinking Water Protection Section of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and is published on a quarterly basis. The Spring 2021 edition is now available online.

The lead story is the Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) virtual school for water operators. The Metro District of the Minnesota AWWA had its spring water operators school scheduled for 4 days at the end of March through early April, but because of the pandemic, the Metro District is working with other Minnesota AWWA districts on the virtual school. This virtual school is limited to 250 people and many have signed up already, so be sure to sign up soon! For more details, click here to read the story in the newsletter.

Another story of particular interest may be the proposed updates to health risk limits (HRLs) rules. MDH is currently considering amendments to the HRL Rules in order to incorporate new or updated water guidance for groundwater contamination, and outdated guidance would be repealed and replaced. MDH is accepting comments during the initial comment period until at least March 22, 2021. Another more formal comment period will be announced later as more materials become available. Click here to read the story in the newsletter for more information and a link to the MDH website with even more information on these proposed changes.

Be sure to check out the full newsletter here for many more stories related to drinking water protection. Below are all of the articles included in the Spring 2021 edition of Waterline:

  • Minnesota AWWA Virtual Water Operators School Set for March 30 to April 7
  • Public Art Saint Paul Continues through Pandemic
  • Pipestone Receives EPA Aquarius Award
  • Minneapolis Water Magic Project Continues Mission of ReThink Your Drink
  • Drinking Water Needs Survey for 2021
  • MDH to Propose Updates to Health Risk Limits Rule
  • Words to Live By
  • Opt-in Required to Remain on Mailing List for Printed Copies of Waterline
  • Reminder to All Water Operators
  • Calendar

Past issues of Waterline are available here, an index of stories is available here, and past feature stories are available here.

Winter 2021 MN Stormwater News

February 14th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Winter 2021 MN Stormwater News

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) distributes a quarterly newsletter called “MN Stormwater News”. The Winter 2021 edition of the newsletter was published on February 11th.

Some important dates included in the newsletter:

  • MS4 permit applications for the new MS4 General Permit are due April 15th.
  • Applications from eligible organizations interested in hosting Minnesota GreenCorps members are due by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, March 16th.

Below are the articles included in the Winter 2021 edition of MN Stormwater News:

  • MS4 permit applications due April 15, 2021!
  • Common CSW (construction stormwater) permit application mistakes
  • The problem of dissolved phosphorus
  • Importance of vegetation for stormwater
  • MPCA stormwater research
  • Apply to host a GreenCorps member
  • 2021 Smart Salting training

Click here to read the full newsletter.

The article about Smart Salting training does not list any specific dates, but the MPCA sent out a separate email with upcoming Smart Salting Certification training opportunities:

  • February 24th: Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks Online Certification Training (intended audience: private maintenance companies, city parks, hospitals, and colleges)
  • March 2nd: Level 2 (SSAt) Online Certification Training (intended audience: winter maintenance leadership, public works managers, supervisors, business owners, superintendents, and other lead staff)
  • March 4th: Smart Salting for Roads Online Certification Training (intended audience: city, county, or state plow drivers)

Be sure to visit the MPCA’s Smart Salting training calendar for all upcoming trainings and to register. Click here to read the full email from MPCA for more information.

Photo: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

How to Mitigate Stubborn Sidewalk Ice in Extreme Cold Temperatures – MWMO

February 12th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on How to Mitigate Stubborn Sidewalk Ice in Extreme Cold Temperatures – MWMO

As we continue to experience below zero daily high temperatures, it is important to remember that salt and other deicing products are not effective in these extreme low temperatures. The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) published a blog post earlier this week with advice on how to take care of stubborn sidewalk ice during these times.

Click here to read the post, which includes tools and techniques you can use and a video demonstrating how to use an ice chisel to remove ice and compacted snow. The post also includes information why salt is bad for waterbodies, along with an important reminder that there are no environmentally friendly ice-melt products, despite some manufacturers’ claims.

Photo: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.

New Water Talk Newsletter Available

February 9th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on New Water Talk Newsletter Available

A new edition of the Water Talk newsletter was recently published by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on January 26th. Water Talk is issued 4 to 6 times per year, or approximately quarterly, and features updates on floodplain program news, funding, projects, events, and learning resources for local governments and others involved in floodplain and shoreland management. Find previous issues of Water Talk and learn more about the DNR’s floodplain program on their website.

The following topics addressed in the newsletter may be of particular interest to Know the Flow readers:

  • The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Conference is going virtual for 2021 (May 9-13). Scholarships are available for local officials to attend the conference. Click here to read the article.
  • Twin Cities Mississippi River HUC8 (includes a portion of Anoka County) – Local Official Flood Risk Review Meetings (click here for the full list):
    • Rice Creek Watershed District – 3/11/2021
    • Coon Creek Watershed District – 3/25/2021

There is a lot of other great content as well! Be sure to check out the full newsletter here. Below are all of the articles included in the January 2021 edition:

  • Register for CHAOS Meeting – Jan. 27, 1–2:30 PM
  • Sixth Time’s a Charm – Minnesota Legislature passes a record bonding bill
  • ASFPM Conference Going Virtual – May 9-13, 2021
  • Clearwater Creek (Itasca County) Road Crossing Stabilization Project
  • One Watershed One Plan Explained (in videos)
  • Executive Order 13690 Reinstated (Involves Requirements for Federally Funded Projects)
  • eLOMA: A Collaborative Tool for Licensed Professionals, Communities and FEMA
  • Elevation Certificate Video Series (by NFIP/CRS Program)
  • Trainings for NE Part of State: (1) Stream Crossings & (2) Culvert Inventory Tool
  • FEMA Map Status Listing

Updates from the Minnesota Clean Water Council

February 4th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Updates from the Minnesota Clean Water Council

The Clean Water Council was created through the Clean Water Legacy Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 114D), which was signed into law on June 2nd, 2006. The Council’s role is to advise the Legislature and the Governor on the administration and implementation of the Clean Water Legacy Act. A large part of this work is establishing budget recommendations for how Clean Water Fund dollars should be used. The Council also includes policies for clean water and progress on Clean Water Fund activities in their Biennial Report.

Included in this post:

  • BWSR: Showing Clean Water Funds at Work
  • Smart Salting Update
  • Project Priority Lists – Intended Use Plans
  • New Legislative Report on Septic Systems

BWSR: Showing Clean Water Funds at Work

A new page on the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) website called Your Clean Water Funds at Work was published this week. The page showcases a selection of Clean Water Fund stories and outcomes, showing how the Clean Water Fund is making a difference in communities across the state, including in and around Anoka County. Included on the page are a variety of articles and videos, with a mini-map next to each story on the main page to quickly identify the area of the state benefiting from a particular project. These stories provide a closer look at the farm families, local governments, and many stakeholders who leverage the Clean Water Fund to work towards goals of increased water quality and high value conservation. Click here to visit the webpage.

Smart Salting Update

A large initiative that uses the Clean Water Fund is the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Smart Salting program. The MPCA sent their most recent Minnesota Smart Salting Update bulletin out yesterday morning. Included in the update are the following topics:

  • 2021 MPCA Smart Salting Certification Trainings
  • New MPCA Smart Salting Training promotional video
  • Need help with chloride reduction efforts? Consider a GreenCorps member
  • Save the Date! Salt Symposium in August

For more information on these topics, click here to read the bulletin.

Project Priority Lists – Intended Use Plans

An announcement was posted in a recent edition of the weekly Clean Water Council Update that submissions are currently being accepted to place public wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water infrastructure improvement projects on the 2022 Project Priority Lists (PPL) and Intended Use Plans (IUP) for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). Projects must be listed on the appropriate PPL as the first step to be eligible for the SRFs or Clean Water Legacy Fund programs. System owners must request that their projects be placed on the appropriate 2022 IUP if they expect to be ready for construction and are seeking SRF financing in state fiscal year 2022 (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022). Click here for more information, deadlines (coming up as soon as March 5th), and submission instructions.

New Legislative Report on Septic Systems

The MPCA has been distributing money from the Minnesota Clean Water Fund (CWF) for subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) purposes for 9 years, and these CWF appropriations are divided into 3 grant opportunities for which county SSTS programs are eligible: 1) SSTS Base Grants; 2) SSTS Low-Income Grants; 3) SSTS Incentive Grants. Additionally, a small amount of CWF money is made available each year to help counties pay for advances inspection and design work required by certain types of SSTS projects. The MPCA recently submitted a report to the Legislature on CWF appropriations for SSTS for fiscal years 2013-2021. You can read the report on this page (report is entitled “Clean Water Fund appropriations for subsurface sewage treatment (SSTS)”).

Learn more about the Clean Water Council and the Clean Water Fund on the Clean Water Council webpage.

Reminder: Well Sealing Cost-Share Opportunity

January 29th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Reminder: Well Sealing Cost-Share Opportunity

The Anoka Conservation District (ACD) is still looking for eligible landowners wanting to seal their unused wells!

ACD has been awarded grants through the Clean Water Fund to establish their Abandoned Well Sealing Cost-Share Program, which helps landowners with the cost of sealing unused wells on their property. Wells located in a Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) in Anoka County can qualify for up to 60% cost share.

Why seal unused wells? Unused/unsealed wells can serve as direct conduits for pollution from the surface to reach our aquifers and therefore our drinking water supplies. It is very important for these wells to be sealed by a professional. Cost can be a barrier for landowners to seal their unused wells, so this is a great opportunity from the ACD! See the video at the end of this post to learn more about sealing unused wells.

DWSMAs are particularly vulnerable areas of groundwater, as they are the areas directly surrounding a public water supply well. Don’t know if your unused well is in a DWSMA? Check out the map below for a broad view, or click here to view an interactive map. Otherwise, call Kris Larson with the ACD at (763) 434-2030 x11 to help determine if you are eligible or for more information. If you received a postcard from ACD, your property already qualifies!

Visit the program website at www.anokaswcd.org/well-sealing for more information and for a step-by-step guide to how the program works. It is important that you wait to receive a cost-share approval letter from ACD before you seal your well. Funding may not be applied retroactively to wells that have already been sealed.

Upcoming Winter Maintenance Training for All Audiences

January 26th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Upcoming Winter Maintenance Training for All Audiences

Whether you are an MS4 permittee, a homeowner, or a business owner, there are upcoming training and workshop opportunities for winter maintenance, provided by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA):

  • Mini Maintenance Workshops: Managing Snow and Ice – February 1st and February 3rd
  • Level 2 Online Certification Training – March 2nd and April 15th

For homeowners, business owners, and more:

The upcoming Mini Maintenance Workshops are the same workshop as those held in December of 2020, but in case you missed it, the MWMO will be hosting two more:

Both workshops are the same, so choose the one that works best for your schedule. The workshops will be on Zoom and are free, but registration is required. Click the workshop you want to attend from the list above to register, or go to the MWMO’s Upcoming Events page.

Workshop description:

“With more snow on the way before spring arrives, it’s not too late to consider how you can manage snow and ice while using less salt.

Salt is an important tool in winter safety, but it also permanently pollutes our rivers, lakes, and streams. Learn ways to prevent slippery sidewalks using methods that reduce pollution in local waterbodies for your home, community building, or office with MWMO staff in this brief Zoom workshop!”

Unable to attend? Learn more about managing now and ice on the MWMO’s Snow and Ice Removal resource page.

For MS4 permittees:

Although the upcoming MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks Certification Training on February 9th is full, MS4 permittees can use an upcoming Level 2 Online Certification Training to help meet their winter operations assessment requirement if they are subject to a chloride TMDL. Level 2 is a certification for public and private organizations to help you assess your salt use and take steps to minimize it. Included in the training is how to use the Smart Salting Assessment tool (SSAt).

There are two upcoming Level 2 training sessions:

  • Tuesday, March 2nd from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, hosted online by the MPCA
  • Thursday, April 15th from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, hosted online by the MPCA

There is no cost to register for these training sessions. You can also earn your Level 2 certification through use of the online tool directly. Learn more on the MPCA’s Smart Salting training website.

Photo from MWMO.

Recent Local Updates

January 21st, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Recent Local Updates

Three local updates were recently published, including an announcement of a free watershed PREP class for educators to use, an update on the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area, and the January 2021 Mississippi Watershed Management Organization newsletter. See below for brief descriptions of these updates and links to learn more!

The West Metro Watershed Alliance (WMWA) has created a created a video to replace their traditional in-classroom lesson “What is a Watershed?”. The video is called Watershed PREP, which is the name of the educational outreach initiative of the WMWA. The video is free for teachers to use in their classrooms, but the WMWA asks that they use their contact form to let them know the name of the school and how many students watched the video for tracking purposes. Learn more here!

The North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA)* advisory group met back on November 13th, 2020, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently sent out an update on the GWMA last week. The update discusses highlights from the last meeting including reflections on the GWMA’s accomplishments, water supply planning in the east metro, the Project 1007 investigation of PFAS, and looking ahead to the next steps for the GWMA. Read the full update here.

Lastly, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) sent out their January 2021 newsletter last week. This year, the MWMO will be switching from a quarterly newsletter to a monthly newsletter. Many topics are discussed in the newsletter, including a project update on the Columbia Golf Course and Park Stormwater BMPs, Stewardship Fund Grant changes and application deadlines announced, upcoming professional trainings, the MAWD award for MWMO’s Sculpture Garden video, eco-friendly winter yard care tips, and the Watershed Management Plan update. Read the full newsletter here. Learn more about the MWMO on their website.

*The DNR has designated an area in the north and east portions of the metro region as the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA), which includes Washington and Ramsey counties, along with portions of Anoka and Hennepin counties. The Anoka County communities in this GWMA are Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Columbus, Fridley, Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, and Spring Lake Park. The designation as a GWMA “allows a more comprehensive and focused approach to ensuring that groundwater supplies remain adequate to meet human needs, while protecting lakes, streams and wetlands”. For more information on the GWMA, click here to view it’s website.

New MS4 Training Videos

January 20th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on New MS4 Training Videos

Municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permittees are required to provide training for their staff on a variety of topics related to stormwater and pollution prevention.

The Washington Conservation district has published a series of 11 short videos that can be shared with staff or incorporated into staff meetings or training workshops. One option could be to watch one video per month as part of an annual training plan.

The playlist of videos can be found here. Or, individual videos can be accessed by clicking the title of the video you are interested in from the list below. Other community partners or the general public may find these videos interesting as well!

January 2021 SSTS Bulletin

January 13th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on January 2021 SSTS Bulletin

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published the January 2021 SSTS Bulletin this week. This quarterly newsletter includes subsurface sewage treatment system news and notes for local governments, septic system professionals, homeowners, and others that are interested.

All articles in this edition of the bulletin are listed below, but of particular interest may be the SSTS rule changes that became effective on January 11th. The rule modifications can be broken down into 3 main changes: 1) SDS permit requirements, 2) flow equalization, and 3) existing system tank inspections. Be sure to read the article for more information.

Also of note:

  • An important discussion on proper maintenance
  • Tank fee process – tank fee forms were mailed in early December to every SSTS installation business that held a license for at least 1 day in 2020 and must be submitted to the MPCA by the end of January
  • 2020 SSTS Annual Report – these were sent to local SSTS programs on December 10th and are due back to the MPCA by February 1st

All articles in the January 2021 edition of the SSTS Bulletin:

  • SSTS rule changes effective Jan. 11
  • An important discussion on proper maintenance
  • Tank fee process
  • MPCA SSTS staff update
  • 2021 MPCA talking tour, mini pumper courses cancelled
  • 2020 SSTS Annual Report
  • Fish Cleaning Shacks. Do they produce sewage?
  • Have a story idea or a topic you’d like to learn more about? Let us know

Click here to read the bulletin.

Hold the Salt to Protect Minnesota Water

January 12th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Hold the Salt to Protect Minnesota Water

Minnesotans love their lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, but we’ve got a growing problem with salt pollution. Excess salt (chlorides) comes primarily from three sources:

  1. Road salt
  2. Water softeners
  3. Fertilizer, manure, and dust suppressant

Salty water threatens fish and other aquatic life. Chloride can also get into our groundwater, so water supplies that come from surface water and groundwater are impacted. One teaspoon of salt is enough to permanently pollute 5 gallons of water, and once it’s in the water, there is no easy way to remove it.

So, what can you do? … Yes, YOU can have an impact!

The Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment, in partnership with the East Metro Water Resources Education Program and the Washington Conservation District, produced a short, fun video that explains the problem with easy-to-understand cartoon graphics and offers suggestions on what the general public can do to help protect Minnesota water.

Check out the video by clicking here, or clicking on the video below!

Learn more about salt in Minnesota waters at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Chloride 101 website.

Reminders on Reopening Buildings and Maintaining Water Quality

January 8th, 2021 knowtheflow Comments Off on Reminders on Reopening Buildings and Maintaining Water Quality

As the Governor’s newest Executive Order has lifted some of the previous restrictions on indoor activities and events, some businesses may be reopening after a prolonged period of closure. Even if businesses were not completely closed, many buildings have been experiencing periods of little to no water usage. When water sits in a building’s plumbing system, water quality issues can arise.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued recommendations for community and noncommunity public water systems earlier on in the pandemic, but it is important to remember this information as periods of little to no water usage continue. See the basic information below that applies to your situation, as well as links to more information from MDH.

Community Public Water Systems (Utilities and Building Owners):

Water utilities should take action to prevent issues. This includes working with the facilities in your community, particularly the owners and managers of larger buildings. It is recommended to provide building owners and managers with guidance on how to adequately flush the plumbing systems in their buildings. Consider flushing water mains that serve commercial districts or schools. Be sure to notify the building owners prior and recommend they flush internal plumbing as well before using the water.

Water utilities should see the MDH handout: Ensuring Water Quality in Building Premise Plumbing (water utilities) for more information on flushing and for more recommendations on things to communicate with building owners about. The handout also includes links to many more resources.

Building owners and managers should also take action to prevent issues, including flushing all water in your building. It is important that large building owners share their flushing schedules with any other large users in their immediate area in order to avoid a low pressure incident and/or high water demand. Also keep an eye out for information about upcoming flushing of water mains near your building.

Building owners and managers should see the MDH handout: Ensuring Water Quality in Building Premise Plumbing (building owners and managers) for more information on flushing and for more recommendations on actions to take. The handout also includes links to many more resources.

It is important to remember that the water utility and the building owner or manager both have important actions to take.

Noncommunity Public Water Systems:

Noncommunity public water systems are different than community systems, as the water system owner and building owner are often the same person. These systems provide water to the public in places other than their homes. Examples of these systems include restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that get their water from their own well or small system of wells.

If you are reopening your noncommunity public water system after a period of low or no use, you should follow the System Reopening and Maintaining Water Quality guidance from MDH. Broadly, this guidance includes information on a reopening and maintenance plan that should be followed to maintain safe and sanitary water quality. The plan should include a self-inspection, an integrity check, flushing stagnant water, disinfection of the well and water system, and testing of the water. Please see the guidance for more information on each of these components.

Noncommunity public water systems that completely depressurized their distribution system(s) should instead follow the Start-Up Procedure for Seasonal Public Water Systems.

More Information and FAQ:

For more information, including answers to many frequently asked questions, be sure to go to the MDH Public Water Systems and COVID-19 website. There you can also find contact information for MDH staff that are available to help you.

December 2020 On Point Newsletter Available

December 31st, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on December 2020 On Point Newsletter Available

The December 2020 edition of the On Point newsletter is now available. On Point, published by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), contains news and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders.

There are some topics in this newsletter that may be of particular interest, including:

All articles in the December 2020 edition:

  • St. Cloud, Pipestone projects garner EPA’s top awards for innovation, excellence in protecting environment, health
  • Have a water infrastructure project that needs funding? Here’s how to apply
  • Social distancing no barrier to farm-city partnership on environment
  • Compliance Tip: Be sure to calibrate flow monitoring equipment
  • Year-end submittals: Send in Water Quality Submittals electronically
  • eDMRs: How to report parameters with no results, including chlorine
  • Reminder: Annual biosolids report due to MPCA and EPA
  • Wastewater training calendar updated for first half of 2021
  • EPA requiring additional information for chloride variance requests
  • Collection system and wastewater conferences set for March 16-17, 2021
  • Upcoming exam sessions
  • January/February Smart Salting training opportunities
  • Wastewater in the news

Click here to read the entire newsletter. Previous issues can be found on the MPCA website.

MN Nutrient Reduction Strategy Progress Report

December 29th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on MN Nutrient Reduction Strategy Progress Report

As the year comes to a close, it presents a good time to reflect on the progress of various water resources projects and set additional steps for moving forward.

One such project is the Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS), which was adopted by 11 organizations in 2014. The NRS “outlines how Minnesota will reduce nutrient pollution in its lakes and streams, and reduce the impact downstream”. It targets phosphorus and nitrogen levels, establishing reduction goals of 10-20% to be reached by 2025 over much of the state, as well as larger reduction goals to be reached by 2040.

Every 5 years, the NRS requires a progress report to asses whether or not the state is on track to reach the nutrient reduction goals. As such, the 5-Year Progress Report on Minnesota’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy was released by the State of Minnesota this year and this report serves as a halfway point for the goals to be reached by 2025.

The progress report assesses 1) water quality trends over the past 1-2 decades to determine if water quality is improving, 2) state-level program advancements to see if their programs are making progress, and 3) changes in practices to see if enough practices are being added to reduce nutrient pollution. The report also lays out the actions will be taken or will be continued in the next 5 years.

Assessment of water quality trends over the past 10-20 years showed that phosphorous levels are down, while nitrogen levels are up. An important note is that the significantly increased precipitation in recent years has led to increased runoff. This offsets the progress made with phosphorus levels and increases nitrogen levels further. Over the next 5 years, river monitoring and trends analysis will continue.

Of the major program areas identified in the initial 2014 NRS, almost all were advanced. Minnesota has expanded and/or initiated more than 30 programs associated with the recommendations in the 2014 NRS. However, more time is needed for these programs to effectively contribute to nutrient reduction at their full potential. Partner agencies will continue to develop, implement, and expand these programs over the next 5 years.

Although there is still a great deal of work to do in both urban and rural areas regarding practices to reduce nutrient pollution, wastewater treatment has shown to contribute to the reduction in phosphorus levels and cropland practices have gone into place on several hundred thousand acres. Over the next 5 years, progress will continue with urban stormwater, septic systems and manure spreading, along with continuing the steps outlined in the 2014 NRS.

The report also lays out some additional steps that need to be taken in the next 5 years:

  1. “Maximize the multiple benefits of NRS practices by coordinating with other plans and strategies that use similar practices to achieve resiliency to climate change and ecosystem improvements.
  2. Identify and address social, economic and other human dimension obstacles to scaling-up BMP (best management practice) implementation.
  3. Use the latest research to continue refining the optimal combination of practices that will achieve the needed nutrient reductions in our waters.
  4. Optimize wastewater nitrogen treatment.”

The progress report can be viewed on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website on this page. There you will find the entire report, along with an executive summary and appendices. Additionally, the Tracking BMP Progress tool can be used to visualize progress in BMP adoption for nutrient reduction across the state.

Anoka County Partners to Receive Clean Water Fund Grants

December 22nd, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Anoka County Partners to Receive Clean Water Fund Grants

The following press release from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) announces the approval of 37 grants to “support conservation projects benefiting drinking water and improving water quality”. Of these grants, three will go to Anoka County local government entities: the Coon Creek Watershed District (in partnership with the City of Coon Rapids), the City of Fridley, and the Anoka Conservation District. Projects will support Pleasure Creek, East Moore Lake, and the Rum River, respectively. Additionally, the City of Hugo will receive a grant for a stormwater reuse system that will positively impact Peltier Lake, which is in Anoka County. Click here to read the abstract for each project receiving a grant.

Board of Water and Soil Resources News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Juhl
612-358-5733

BWSR awards $12.3 million in Clean Water Fund grants

37 grants will support conservation projects benefiting drinking water and improving water quality

December 18, 2020

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) approved $12.3 million in Clean Water Fund grants at the Dec. 17 board meeting. The grants will be used to improve water quality in lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater across the state. Most of the grant funding is allocated for voluntary conservation projects across Minnesota, including $646,825 for projects that specifically focus on improving and protecting drinking water. Multipurpose drainage management projects will receive $551,159.

“Throughout Minnesota, local government staff and private landowners are collaborating with the state to make meaningful progress toward improving water quality,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “These grants are a key component in ongoing efforts to keep our water clean and our lakes, rivers and streams healthy.”

The $12.3 million will fund 37 separate grants that will be awarded to local government entities (soil and water conservation districts, counties, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, and cities). Grant funding will support projects and practices that reduce erosion, protect and restore surface water quality in lakes and streams, and protect ground water. This includes stormwater treatment, shoreline restoration, and treatments that reduce sediment, bacteria, nitrate and phosphorus.

Learn more about the grant recipients:

About the Minnesota Clean Water Fund

Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008 to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The Clean Water Fund receives 33 percent of the sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment. More information about the Clean Water Fund is available here.

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BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. BWSR’s mission is to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners.

Questions? Contact Us

New Videos Explaining One Watershed One Plan Program

December 17th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on New Videos Explaining One Watershed One Plan Program

Previous posts on Know the Flow and around the web have discussed or mentioned the One Watershed, One Plan program (1W1P). The 1W1P program is administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and its purpose is to “develop comprehensive watershed management plans for Minnesota’s major watersheds*.”

Last week, BWSR released a series of short videos that explain what the 1W1P program is all about. The 5 videos discuss the following:

  • What is One Watershed, One Plan?
  • Three Big Ideas
  • Roles, Committees, and Commitments
  • A Brief History of Watershed Management in Minnesota
  • Making Choices to Show Results

These videos are a great introduction to the 1W1P program, as well as general watershed management! Find them on the BWSR website here.

* There are 3 major watersheds that overlap with the boundaries of Anoka County: the Lower St. Croix, Mississippi, and Rum River watersheds. The Lower St. Croix‘s Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan was approved by BWSR in October of 2020 and the Rum River watershed is currently in the planning process.

For more information on the 1W1P program, see the website.

Translations of Water Resources Videos Now Available

December 14th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Translations of Water Resources Videos Now Available

Our Groundwater Connection

The Anoka County Water Resource Outreach Collaborative has translated their “Our Groundwater Connection” video into the 6 most commonly spoken, non-English languages in Anoka County via subtitles. These languages include:

  • Somali
  • Hmong
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese
  • Arabic
  • Russian

To access the subtitles (except for Hmong – keep reading for instructions to view Hmong subtitles), first go to the video on YouTube, then click on the gear icon in the bottom right of the video, then on “Subtitles”, and then finally choose the language you wish to see subtitles in.

Uploading Hmong subtitles is not yet supported by YouTube. View Hmong subtitles here. Timestamps help the viewer follow along with the visuals in the video. This link to the subtitles is also provided in the video’s description on YouTube.

MS4-Related Videos – Lawn Care & Illicit Discharge

Additionally, many new videos have been released with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s MS4 Toolkit that cover topics like lawn care and illicit discharge. With the exception of the Hmong videos, these videos do not have any spoken audio (just music), but have text describing the photos and video clips that make up the video as a whole. Videos are available with this text in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. To view a video, click on the language you wish to watch the video in

  1. Illicit discharge:
  2. Lawn Care:
  3. 4 Tips for a Beautiful, Water-Friendly Yard:

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The Anoka County Water Resource Outreach Collaborative is “a fledgling partnership formed in 2018 to implement a comprehensive water outreach and engagement program for watershed and city partners in Anoka County, MN.” Partners include the Anoka Conservation District (host), Anoka County, local watershed management organizations, and cities and townships. (Website)

Mini Maintenance Workshops: Managing Snow and Ice

December 11th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Mini Maintenance Workshops: Managing Snow and Ice

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is hosting two short workshops on winter maintenance. Both workshops are the same and the program is free, but registration is required. Click on the option that works best for you to register.

Although salt is important for safety in the winter months, it creates permanent water quality issues in our water resources. This workshop will teach participants methods for managing snow and ice that reduce pollution of our water resources for use at home, at work, or in the community.

Learn more about winter maintenance here at the MWMO’s Snow and Ice Removal page.

Photo from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.

Metro Region Water Supply Planning

December 10th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Metro Region Water Supply Planning

In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature decided to give regional water supply planning responsibilities to the Metropolitan Council (Met Council). The Council’s role in water supply is not as a supplier nor as a regulator. Rather, the Met Council collaborates with “water utilities and other water agencies in long-range planning, providing data and analysis, giving grants for water conservation, and facilitating sub-regional water partnerships”.

This September, the Met Council published the report “Water Supply Planning in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (2005-2020)“, which highlights recent projects and planning activities addressing the water supply needs of the region, along with new findings and recommendations for moving forward.

While the Twin Cities area has relatively plentiful water resources, factors like population growth, increased pumping of groundwater (on which 75% of the region’s population solely relies), land use changes, and changes in climate patterns create challenges for some communities to be able to meet demand.

The report begins by describing the water supply sources for the metro region and key factors shaping the approach to water supply planning by the Met Council and its partners. After describing the Council’s role in water supply planning and its approach, key findings are presented. The report then highlights various successes the Met Council and its partners have accomplished over the years.

One highlight is the “Northwest Metro Area Water Supply System Study”, which was the result of a collaboration between the Anoka County city of Ramsey, along with the cities of Corcoran, Dayton, and Rogers. These cities, together with the Met Council, explored the costs and implementation issues of four different approaches to a multi-community water supply.

Other highlighted projects include the Metro Model – a regional groundwater flow model – and the MnTAP (Minnesota Technical Assistance Program) Water Efficiency Intern Program, among many others. If you are interested in regional water supply issues and new studies, be sure to check out the full report.

Future work can be expected to attempt to address these new questions, among others:

  • “How could equity be implemented in water supply activities?
  • What is the impact of climate change on our resources and operations in the water supply sector?
  • How can we strengthen land use and water supply planning connections?
  • What can we do to prevent contamination of our water supply sources and respond more effectively to emerging contamination, such as PFAs and chloride?”

Learn more about the Met Council at https://metrocouncil.org/.

Winter 2020-2021 Waterline Now Available

December 8th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Winter 2020-2021 Waterline Now Available

Waterline is the official newsletter of the Drinking Water Protection Section of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). It is issued quarterly and is geared towards water operators, city officials, and others interested in news related to public water systems in Minnesota. The Winter 2020-2021 issue was released on December 7th.

An article of specific interest to those who live and/or work in Anoka County may be “Minneapolis Scores High in Customer Satisfaction”, as Minneapolis Water Works (MWW) serves the Anoka County communities of Columbia Heights and Hilltop. MWW was ranked first in the Midwest in customer satisfaction for a mid-sized utility.

Also, be sure to note that readers will need to opt-in to receive printed copies of Waterline in the mail starting next year!

Below are the topics included in the Winter 2020-2021 issue:

  • Minneapolis Main Goes from Bridge to Under the River
  • Opt-in to be Required to Remain on the Mailing List for Printed Copies of Waterline
  • Department of Agriculture Develops Videos on Groundwater and Nitrate Movement in Southeast Minnesota
  • Minneapolis Uses Microtunneling for Water Main below the Mississippi River
  • Minneapolis Scores High in Customer Satisfaction
  • MDH Profile: Kate Callais
  • Freeport Facelift Completed
  • WUTT’s Up Next
  • Source Water Protection Grants Support Community Solutions to Protect Drinking Water
  • Reminder to All Water Operators
  • Calendar

Click here to read the newsletter.

Past issues of the Waterline can be found here. An index of stories is here.

Ag-Urban Partnership Forum on Water Quality

December 6th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Ag-Urban Partnership Forum on Water Quality

The following is an announcement of the 2020 Ag-Urban Partnership Forum on Water Quality from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA):

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

8:45 am – Noon | Webex webinar

What: A conversation on the ways that agricultural and urban partners are working together to improve water quality around Minnesota. This builds off the inaugural event in 2019 that sparked new partnerships in the Minnesota River Basin, and explores ways to keep the conversation – and the partnerships – going, and beyond this basin.(Photo above is a streambank restoration along the Rum River, a municipal project with benefits beyond city limits.)

Who should attend: Ag and urban partners looking for ideas and information on how to develop and strengthen their relationships for working together to improve the water quality of Minnesota lakes and streams. These partners include elected officials, municipal employees, producers, tribal leaders, commodity groups, watershed professionals, advocacy groups, lake associations and private citizens.

How to register: Use this registration link to obtain meeting access information. 

Desired meeting outcomes:

  • Learn from innovative examples of Ag-Urban collaboration
  • Listen to stories about groups that have broken down barriers and are working together
  • Hear strategies how to move partnerships forward within existing planning frameworks
  • Recognize successful partnerships
  • Inspire additional partnerships

Agenda:

  • Welcome by Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen and MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop
  • Results from the 2019 Ag-Urban Partnership Forum held in Mankato
  • One Watershed One Plan: How it works and why you should get involved
  • Ecosystem Services Market Place Minnesota pilot program
  • Panel: Ag and urban partners in water quality

Sponsoring Partners:

This forum is organized through a partnership among the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Water Resources, Water Resources Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato, City of Mankato, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Questions?

Cathy Malakowsky
MPCA Communications & Outreach
507-206-2608
catherine.malakowsky@state.mn.us

League of Women Voters Water Column in Anoka County Union

December 4th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on League of Women Voters Water Column in Anoka County Union

Have you seen the recent water resource-related columns in the Anoka County Union Herald? The League of Women Voters has been working with local water experts to publish a series of monthly columns on local rivers and land use. This collaboration between the League of Women Voters Upper Mississippi River Region and other environmental groups in Anoka County has produced many columns already. Below are some that have been published and are available online:

Be sure to keep an eye out each month for a new water-related column in the Union!

Learn more about the League of Women Voters at lwvumrr.org.

Photo submitted to Anoka County Union Herald by Jamie Schurbon.

Anoka County Well Water Testing Update

November 25th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Anoka County Well Water Testing Update

The Anoka County Well Water Testing program will continue to operate on a limited basis through at least March 2021. Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates) will be accepted on the last Monday (1-4 pm) and Tuesday (9-11:30 am) of each month. Water samples for other analyses (arsenic, manganese, lead, etc.) will not be accepted at this time.

An appointment and pre-payment over the phone are required. Please click here for full details.

Please note that turnaround time for results is approximately 3-4 weeks at this time. If you need results sooner, or if you would like to test your water for additional components (arsenic, manganese, lead, etc.), you may consider the use of a private laboratory.

BWSR Approves Lower St. Croix One Watershed, One Plan

November 25th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on BWSR Approves Lower St. Croix One Watershed, One Plan

The following is a news release from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). Anoka County communities within the Lower St. Croix major watershed are Linwood Township and portions of East Bethel, Ham Lake, and Columbus (see image at the end of this post).

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A collaborative effort among 15 local governments to improve water quality and natural resources in the Lower St. Croix River Watershed will begin implementation following approval of the partnership’s comprehensive watershed management plan at the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources’ (BWSR) October 28 meeting.

The plan was developed as part of the state of Minnesota’s One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) program. The vision and purpose of the 1W1P program is to align local water planning on major watershed boundaries with state strategies towards prioritized, targeted, and measurable implementation plans. Planning on a watershed level allows collaborating local governments to pursue timely solutions based on a watershed’s highest priority needs.

“This partnership shows how conservation outcomes can be achieved when local governments from different geographic areas unite toward a common goal,” BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke said. “We look forward to watching what’s next for this partnership as they move into the plan implementation phase.”

The watershed planning boundary includes portions of Chisago, Isanti, Anoka, Pine and Washington counties. Water resources are abundant in the area, including 127 lakes, 152,000 acres of wetlands and more than 1,000 miles of rivers, streams and ditches. Plan priorities include improving lake, stream, St. Croix River, and groundwater quality by providing cost-share for targeted cost-effective agricultural and urban projects, protecting and restoring uplands and wetlands and expanding technical assistance to landowners. The partnership includes local governments from both greater Minnesota and the metro area.

“Throughout the planning process, I have met a lot of really great people who work in the natural resources field in the Lower St. Croix watershed. Individually, we are accomplishing a lot, but by working together we will be able to build on each of our strengths to accomplish the goals of our plan,” said Craig Mell, Chisago SWCD administrator.

“I’m excited about the opportunities we have before us because of the high level of collaboration we’ve seen and the broad reach we have within the Lower St. Croix because of that collaboration,” said Fran Miron, Washington County commissioner, who chaired the planning partnership’s policy committee.

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BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. BWSR’s mission is to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners.

Contact: Mary Juhl
651-215-9008

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More information, including the plan itself, can be found at https://www.lsc1w1p.org/ .

Sand Creek Corridor Restoration Highlighted in Water Talk Newsletter

November 22nd, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Sand Creek Corridor Restoration Highlighted in Water Talk Newsletter

The following article was included in the November 2020 edition of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Water Talk Newsletter. This bulletin is issued anywhere from 4 to 6 times each year.

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By Jeff Weiss, DNR, Clean Water Specialist

The Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) and the City of Coon Rapids have partnered with DNR Ecological and Water Resources staff to address aquatic recreation and aquatic life impairments on Sand Creek in the City of Coon Rapids.

Project goals

In 2018, a stream corridor restoration of Lower Sand Creek was implemented to reduce bank erosion and improve habitat. The partnership was awarded a second set of Clean Water Fund and US-EPA Section 319 grants for continuing stream corridor restoration in Middle Sand Creek. The project goals are to:

  1. Reduce sediment and phosphorous loading from bank erosion.
  2. Enhance habitat for native species.
  3. Reduce the impacts of altered hydrology while accommodating floods.

Why the projects were needed

There are multiple causes for the poor condition of Sand Creek. Much of the stream channel was ditched and straightened years ago causing the channel to cut downward and lose connection to its floodplain. Urban development within Lower Sand Creek occurred before stormwater regulations were enacted. There were many direct pipes to the stream which speeds up water delivery and causes stream flows to be “flashy.”

Upper Sand Creek is in better condition than Lower Sand Creek because stormwater regulations were in place prior to development and there are wetlands and stormwater ponds that help retain water and filter pollutants.

Aerial view of Middle Sand Creek while project is under construction
The aerial image above is from a drone flight of Middle Sand Creek between construction phases showing the newly constructed “off-line” meanders that will form the new channel. Once the work is completed, the filled-in portions of the old channel will connect the flow.

Proposed Middle Sand Creek project

The Middle Sand Creek project area is divided into two reaches where differing techniques will be used to address problems.

  • Upstream reach: Eroding banks will be stabilized using a variety of methods and instream habitat will be improved.
  • Downstream reach: A newly remeandered channel and floodplain, designed by DNR Clean Water Specialist Nick Proulx and Wenck Associates, will be constructed that improve connection to the floodplain and accommodates flood flows.

The new channel will be constructed following the natural channel design principles instead of using traditional hard armoring techniques such as riprap. According to CCWD staff, there was initially public resistance due to the amount of disturbance the project would create and the number of trees that would need removal to accommodate a meandered channel. However, CCWD and DNR staff explained that the disturbance would be temporary and that tree removal was necessary to create space for the channel and the wider connected floodplain. The public has gained acceptance of the project through discussion and education.

Previous Lower Sand Creek work

Replacing invasive tree species with a variety of native vegetation in the Lower Sand Creek project area provided a glimpse of what the new project will eventually look like. Residents were also concerned about impacts to wildlife that use the stream corridor. After completion of the Lower Sand Creek project in 2019, residents believed they were seeing more wildlife use of the corridor and this helped alleviate concerns about tree removal and disturbance in the new project area.

Sand Creek Before - eroded and riprapped shoreline
Before: Lower Sand Creek
Sand Creek After - stable vegetation
After: Same Lower Sand Creek site after vegetation has grown in.

The Lower Sand Creek project was completed in 2018-19. Half of the new channel and most of the floodplain of Middle Sand Creek were excavated in the winter of 2019-20.  Excavation work of the channel was completed “off-line” with stream flow remaining in the old channel. This re-meandered section of the stream was left dry during 2020 to allow vegetation to grow and establish root structure. During this winter, 2020-2021, the other side of the floodplain and the new channel will be constructed while the old channel will be filled, thus completing the project. 

Additional educational elements, including tours

Additional project elements to be added include interpretive signing along a popular walking path next to the stream, hosting interactive “Watershed Walks” with CCWD staff, and continued monitoring and project maintenance. The photo on the right shows Jon Janke, of Coon Creek Watershed District, giving a site tour to Anoka Ramsey Community College biology students.The Sand Creek corridor restoration will be completed soon. The partnership is now setting its sights on restoring the stream corridor of Coon Creek by applying what they have learned from the Sand Creek projects. 

For more information contact Justine Dauphinais or Jon Janke at the Coon Creek Watershed District.

Editor’s note: We have two DNR staff named Jeff Weiss. One Jeff Weiss is an engineer leading the floodplain mapping program in our St. Paul office, and the author of this article is a Clean Water Specialist in our Rochester office.

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To view the rest of the newsletter, click here.

New MPCA Newsletters Available

November 20th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on New MPCA Newsletters Available

A variety of newsletters compiled by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) have published a new edition, including:

  • SSTS Bulletin – Subsurface sewage treatment systems news and notes)
  • On Point newsletter – News and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders
  • MN Stormwater News

To view a newsletter, click on its hyperlink below.

The SSTS Bulletin includes the following:

  • 2019 SSTS Annual Report is online; more local program reporting improving compliance estimates
  • Clean Water Partnership loans available to replace failing SSTS
  • SSTS professional certification update
  • Redox revisited: Is that redox or mottles? Here’s how to tell
  • SSTS rule change process nearly complete
  • Spots open on SSTS Advisory Committee, Technical Panel
  • Mix of free online, in-person septic system workshops offered for homeowners
  • Dowlding, Nistler join MPCA SSTS team
  • SSTS enforcement summary
  • When existing tanks, drainfields can be used in SSTS upgrades

Next, the On Point newsletter, includes:

  • MPCA announces new protective water and fish values for PFAS
  • Get involved with Minnesota’s climate initiatives
  • Effects of climate change threaten water quality improvement efforts in Minnesota
  • MPCA has tools, training to help communities meet new MS4 permit requirements for reducing chloride pollution
  • Reminder: Annual biosolids report due to MPCA and EPA
  • Coming soon: Draft Annual Compliance Summary
  • COMPLIANCE TIP: Labs retain wastewater samples
  • Lac qui Parle TMDL presentation available
  • Wastewater operator certification and training
  • FEMA offering grants for projects that reduce disaster losses, build resiliency
  • Rendering company fined for wastewater violations
  • Wastewater in the news

Lastly, the November 2020 edition of MN Stormwater News includes the following topics:

  • New MS4 permit to be issued soon
  • New MS4 permit chloride reduction requirements
  • Sign up now! MPCA smart salting trainings
  • MN Stormwater Manual updates
  • Ensuring compliant construction site inspections
  • MPCA presentation on iron-enhanced sand filters performance available
  • New Minnesota climate website
  • 2020-2021 GreenCorps members selected for green infrastructure work
  • Upcoming events

Minnesota Ground Water Association 2020 Fall Conference

October 23rd, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Minnesota Ground Water Association 2020 Fall Conference

The Minnesota Ground Water Association (MGWA) will be hosting its 2020 Fall Conference virtually on November 12th, 2020 from 8 am to 4:30 pm via Zoom. The focus of the conference is “Keeping it Clean: Protecting and Managing Groundwater Quality in Urban Environments”.

Registration is open now and the deadline for pre-registration is November 6th. Click here to register.

There is also a call for posters. If you would like to present your groundwater-related poster, see the conference website for details.

See the conference description below and be sure to check out the conference website for more information and details on speakers!

Conference Description:

The MGWA Fall Conference will examine issues related to urban groundwater protection and management. Nearly three-fourths of Minnesota residents live in urban areas and continued growth is expected over the next decade. As we continue to grow our demands and impacts on our geologic environment continue to increase.

The conference will bring to light groundwater quality issues of concern facing urban areas and the work that is being done to address them. Speakers will explore the current status and trends of chemicals in our groundwater from the scale of a single spring or well to regional aquifer systems. Presentations will cover aspects of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the eastern part of the Twin Cities, chloride concentrations in our shallow groundwaters, and address emerging concerns including detection of human viruses in deep groundwater in Wisconsin.

Virtual MS4 Permit Chloride Discussion

September 30th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Virtual MS4 Permit Chloride Discussion

Are you a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permittee?

The new MS4 General Permit is planned to be issued on Monday, November 16, 2020. Existing MS4 permittees will have 150 days (April 15, 2021) to complete and submit the permit application forms to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

There will be an opportunity to join other MS4 communities and MPCA staff to learn about the new MS4 requirements for chloride and find out what other MS4 communities have implemented to improve their winter maintenance operations on Monday, October 5th, from 8:30 am to 12 pm. This discussion will be online and hosted by the MPCA. It is a great chance to get a step ahead on planning ways to meet upcoming permit requirements.

The next MS4 General Permit will require specific chloride reduction activities for permittees such as community education, annual training for your winter maintenance staff, proper deicing salt storage practices, and other requirements. Some permittees must also conduct an annual winter maintenance operations assessment to assist in identifying deicing salt reduction opportunities on permittee owned/operated surfaces. The MPCA Smart Salting Assessment tool is one way to complete the assessment requirement.

Register today for this free, online live-stream to openly and informally discuss how we can all reduce the permanent effects of chloride pollution in Minnesota and protect our water resources. Contact Brooke Asleson brooke.asleson@state.mn.us or Cole Landgraf cole.landgraf@state.mn.us with questions and to register.

For more information about the upcoming permit application process, check out the MPCA municipal stormwater website.

Online Children’s Water Festival Next Week – Register Now!

September 24th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Online Children’s Water Festival Next Week – Register Now!

Final reminder that the FREE 23rd annual Metro Children’s Water Festival is online this year, with LIVE online classes from Monday, September 28th to Thursday, October 1st!

Live classes will cover a wide variety of water topics. Some examples include:

  • What lives in water?
  • Who polluted?
  • Journey through a watershed from forest to faucet
  • Mosquito mania

In addition to live classes, many presenters have provided recorded videos, curriculum, and lesson plans on the festival webpage.  If you are looking for water education, there are plenty of accessible and fun opportunities at this festival!

Learn more, see the schedule, and register for the live classes at www.metrocwf.org/virtual.

Although education is geared to meet 4th grade standards, water is vital to everyone, and all interested teachers, students, and their caregivers are welcome to participate.

Anoka County Well Water Testing Remains Limited

September 23rd, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Anoka County Well Water Testing Remains Limited

The Anoka County Well Water Testing program will continue to operate on a limited basis. Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates) will be accepted on the last Monday (1-4 pm) and Tuesday (9-11:30 am) of each month until further notice. Water samples for other analyses (arsenic, manganese, lead, etc.) will not be accepted at this time. An appointment and pre-payment over the phone are required. Please see the full details below. The upcoming dates and times for water sample collection are:

  • Monday, September 28th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, September 29th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, October 26th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, October 27th, 9-11:30 am

The drop-off table will be located on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Government Center near the main door.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

  1. Sample kits (sample collection bottle and blue sampling sheet with instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. No kits will be available on the drop-off days. Kit locations are listed below.
  2. A drop-off appointment must be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. No cash or checks allowed, and no credit cards will be accepted the day of drop-off. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
  3. The blue sampling sheet must be completed ahead of time. No pens will be available to use at the drop-off table.
  4. Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Abby Shea at (763) 324-4207.
  5. Only samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates) will be accepted at this time. If other testing is desired, it can be performed at a later date or a private laboratory can be recommended.
  6. Social distancing guidelines must be respected, and masks are required. Rules of the drop-off area must be followed.

Water test kits are currently available at the following locations:

  • Andover City Hall
  • Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
  • Centerville City Hall (in the vestibule)
  • East Bethel City Hall
  • Ham Lake City Hall (call and they will set one out for you: (763) 434-9555)
  • Linwood Township Hall
  • Oak Grove City Hall
  • Ramsey City Hall
  • St. Francis City Hall

Feel free to call additional city halls to see if they can provide a water test kit.

Ramsey Conducting Feasibility Study of Water Treatment Plant

September 22nd, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Ramsey Conducting Feasibility Study of Water Treatment Plant

Back in 2019, the City of Ramsey detected manganese, an unregulated contaminant, in higher than recommended levels during routine water testing in some of the City wells. Since then, the City has been closely monitoring its water system for manganese and has reduced overall manganese levels by utilizing the City wells with the lowest levels of manganese. Until recently, the City has been able to keep manganese levels below the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) guidance value using this method*.

As the weather has warmed, City water usage has increased, forcing the City to add water from wells with higher levels of manganese. Therefore, City water system customers may experience higher levels of manganese in their drinking water. Two samples from the City water system had levels of manganese above the MDH guidance value for bottle-fed infants in July 2020. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that bottle-fed infants not consume water with manganese at levels above 100 ppb (parts per billion). The two samples tested at 108 ppb and 131 ppb. Learn more about manganese in drinking water here. You can monitor monthly manganese levels on the City of Ramsey’s website here.

To reduce levels of iron, manganese, and other contaminants in the City’s water system, the City of Ramsey has determined that, of the long-term options available, only a water treatment plant can ensure these contaminants are effectively removed. Therefore, the City is preparing a feasibility study to investigate the City’s source water chemistry and sustainability, alternative treatment processes, alternative treatment plant sites, estimated costs, and preliminary construction schedules. The study is expected to be completed by the fall of 2020, after which the City Council will decide whether or not to move forward with the construction of a water treatment plant.

In the meantime, residents may choose to use home water treatment units such as refrigerators with water filters, pour-through pitchers, units that attach to faucets, and water softeners to try to remove or reduce particular contaminants in their drinking water. See the Minnesota Department of Health’s “Home Water Treatment” for more information.

Manganese can also be present in varying levels in private wells, so private well owners are encouraged to test their wells for manganese. Residents can usually have this done through the Anoka County Well Water Testing program, however, due to COVID-19, the program is limited to bacteria and nitrates testing only. In the meantime, residents may utilize a private, state-certified water testing laboratory to test their well water for manganese. Check back for updates as to when Anoka County will resume full testing capacity.

*The City of Ramsey noted in their article in the September/October 2020 issue of the Ramsey Resident that a side effect of the City using the wells with the lowest levels of manganese is that the water system has more iron in it. This can result in greater discoloration of clothes, sidewalks, and buildings, however, there are currently no health concerns associated with high iron concentrations.

Minnesota Smart Salting Update

September 19th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Minnesota Smart Salting Update

A new Minnesota Smart Salting Update from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is now available. Articles included in this bulletin are:

  • Spots still open! Free online MPCA Smart Salting trainings
  • Hot off the press! New MPCA Smart Salting training intro video
  • Still need your Roads certificate this year? Get it before the snow flies!
  • Be a Smart Salting host – Bring trainings to your area!
  • Save the Date! Virtual MS4 permit chloride discussion
  • Chloride Reduction Leadership Award – City of Hopkins, MN

Click here to read these articles in the full bulletin.

Be sure to check out the new Smart Salting promo video to learn the value of these important trainings! Here it is below:

Upcoming online Smart Salting trainings:

  • Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks Certification:
    • October 13th: Hosted by Riley-Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District
    • October 20th: Hosted by Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association
  • Smart Salting for Property Management Certification:
    • September 29th: Hosted by Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
    • October 19th: Hosted by Crow Wing Soil & Water Conservation District
    • October 21st: Hosted by Ramsey Washington Metro Conservation District
    • November 2nd: Hosted by Freshwater Society

See the MPCA Smart Salting training calendar to pick a training and register.

SepticSmart Week in Minnesota

September 18th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on SepticSmart Week in Minnesota

Did you know that over 600,000 Minnesota residents and businesses rely on a septic system to treat their wastewater from things like toilets, sinks, and washing machines?

This week (September 14th-20th) is SepticSmart Week in Minnesota, as declared by Governor Tim Walz.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) says this week is a good time to revisit the Do’s and Don’ts of septic systems. The two big Do’s are:

  1. Inspect it (at least every 3 years)
  2. Protect it

Check out this guide by the MPCA to learn how to do these things and to learn what not to do.

By properly maintaining your septic system, you can help protect human health and the environment. You can even save money as well, as septic system repairs caused by a lack of understand about how the system works, or simple neglect, can be quite expensive.

Learn how your septic system works at the MPCA’s Healthy Septic Systems website, which also has additional information for homeowners.

Register to Attend the Online Metro Children’s Water Festival

September 14th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Register to Attend the Online Metro Children’s Water Festival

The 23rd annual Metro Children’s Water Festival is FREE and will be offered online this year from Monday, Sept. 28—Thursday, Oct. 1.

This event has always taken place as an in-person field trip at the State Fairgrounds, but this year, it will be online. The purpose of the festival is to educate 4th grade students about water resources and to present ways they can help ensure a future where both the quantity and quality of water resources are protected and managed wisely.  Although education is geared to meet 4th grade standards, water is vital to everyone, and all interested teachers, students, and their caregivers are welcome to participate.

The festival is offering 9 live online classes via Zoom and 9 pre-recorded sessions that are all about 30-minutes long. Live classes will be followed by time for questions. All classes will be posted on YouTube for future viewing.

Details at metrocwf.org.

Well Sealing Cost-Share Opportunity

August 14th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Well Sealing Cost-Share Opportunity

If you have an old well that you no longer use, you may be eligible for cost-share funding to seal it! Unused/unsealed wells could be direct conduits for pollution to reach our drinking water supply, so it is important to have them sealed by a professional. To qualify for up to 60% cost-share, unused/unsealed wells must be located in a Drinking Water Supply Management Area in Anoka County. Learn more about the program and see if you qualify here: www.anokaswcd.org/well-sealing. Call Kris Larson at (763) 434-2030 x11 for more information.

The above information was submitted by the Anoka Conservation District. 

Tips for a Healthy Lawn

August 10th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Tips for a Healthy Lawn

Healthy lawns can lead to healthy water quality. Curious as to how you can best maintain your lawn and how this can improve water quality? Check out this how-to video from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO).

The video contains information on the following tips:

  • Tip #1: Adjust Your Mower Height
  • Tip #2: Mulch Your Grass Clippings
  • Tip #3: Sweep Up Leftovers
  • Tip #4: Water Wisely
  • Tip #5: Consider Turf Alternatives

A few simple changes to the way our lawns are maintained can make a big difference in our water quality.

Click here to see the original post from the MWMO.

Photo from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. 

2020 Anoka County Water Resources Report

August 4th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on 2020 Anoka County Water Resources Report

The Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services Department has updated its Water Resources Report, which the department typically updates every 5 years in coordination with the Anoka County Water Resources Management Task Force.

Click here to view the 2020 Anoka County Water Resources Report.

 

Brief History of the Report

Following the passage of the Minnesota Groundwater Protection Act of 1989, which emphasized the need for groundwater management planning and implementation by local government having land use authority, metropolitan counties were encouraged to develop groundwater protection plans through legislation (MN Statute 103B.255) and planning grants. As land use planning and zoning within Anoka County is a function of its municipalities, the County originally chose to write a groundwater report instead of a plan. This report has since evolved to encompass all water resources.

 

The report is planned to be updated again in 2025. Questions about the report can be referred to Abby Shea at Abby.Shea@co.anoka.mn.us.

July 2020 On Point Newsletter

July 31st, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on July 2020 On Point Newsletter

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has published a new issue of the On Point newsletter. MPCA’s On Point newsletter includes news and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders.

The following articles are included in the July 2020 newsletter:

  • Cities, Salt Symposium addressing role of water softeners in Minnesota’s chloride pollution problem
  • MPCA updating chloride variance application process
  • Clean Water Partnership loan program reducing water pollution, one project at a time
  • Rock River site-specific standard reflects current science, benefits city of Luverne
  • 311 wastewater facilities recognized for outstanding permit compliance
  • Compliance tip: Post steps for responding to unauthorized discharges
  • Wastewater operator training and certification
  • eDMR Tips: Electronic water quality submittals
  • Wastewater in the news

Click here to read the newsletter. For more information about MPCA wastewater programs, visit the On Point newsletter webpage. Also check out the MPCA’s Wastewater page.

North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Update

July 24th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Update

The North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) advisory team met through an online meeting on May 29th. The following were the agenda items discussed at the meeting:

  • An update on the implementation of the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area plan
  • A discussion on the Governor’s Executive Orders as they relate to the DNR’s water-related responsibilities
  • An update on the 3M settlement and drinking water supply planning
  • A discussion on 2040 projected water demands using the transient groundwater flow model
  • Summaries of water conversation reporting by public water suppliers in the GWMA
  • A presentation on the City of Woodbury’s irrigation efficiency project

Click here to read the full update from the DNR. The presentations and other materials from the meeting can be found here, on the GWMA’s webpage.

The next meeting date is to be announced, but is planned for November 2020. Meetings are open to the public and an announcement will be posted on both the GWMA’s site and Know the Flow when the date, time, and location have been determined. You can also sign up to receive email updates here.

 

The DNR has designated an area in the north and east portions of the metro region as the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA), which includes Washington and Ramsey counties, along with portions of Anoka and Hennepin counties. The Anoka County communities in this GWMA are Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Columbus, Fridley, Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, and Spring Lake Park. The designation as a GWMA “allows a more comprehensive and focused approach to ensuring that groundwater supplies remain adequate to meet human needs, while protecting lakes, streams and wetlands”. For more information on the GWMA, click here to view it’s website.

 

Minnesota Groundwater Contamination Atlas

July 9th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Minnesota Groundwater Contamination Atlas

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has published a new tool: the Minnesota Groundwater Contamination Atlas.

“A tool for learning about polluted groundwater at sites around the state”, the atlas allows users to scan the map or utilize a text-based search to find sites by address, zip code, county, municipality, or site name. As of June 2020, when the atlas went live, the tool only shows active state Superfund sites. Data from other sites will be added in future phases.

In addition to viewing mapped groundwater areas of concern, users can read the contamination story of a particular site and download data. The contamination story for each Superfund site contains a summary of the contamination and remediation or clean-up efforts. Specifically, each story addresses:

  • What is the source of the contamination?
  • What is the contaminant?
  • Where is the contaminated groundwater?
  • Are there drinking water impacts? Included in this section is a short narrative and a graphic that explains where drinking water comes from in the area.
  • Is soil or sediment contaminated?
  • Are their vapor concerns?
  • What cleanup work has been done?
  • What contamination remains at the site? A graphic is included for some areas, showing how deep the contamination extends underground.
  • Future actions.

Screenshot from the Minnesota Groundwater Contamination Atlas.

 

MPCA received funding in 2017 from the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund for the purpose of making groundwater data from Superfund sites more accessible to the public and more useful for technical users. This atlas is the result of their 3-year project, supported by technical assistance from the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

As stated above, this first phase of the atlas displays only areas of concern from Superfund sites. As additional funding becomes available, MPCA has plans to expand the atlas by integrating additional data from other remediation programs.

Click here to use the atlas and for more information on how the maps of areas of concerns are made.

Limited Re-Opening of Anoka County Well Water Testing

July 6th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Limited Re-Opening of Anoka County Well Water Testing

Anoka County Environmental Services is re-opening the well water testing program on a limited basis. Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates) will be accepted one Monday and Tuesday per month with limited hours. Water samples for other analyses (arsenic, manganese, etc.) will not be accepted at this time. An appointment and pre-payment over the phone will be required. Please see the full details below. The upcoming dates and times for water sample collection will be:

  • Monday, July 27th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, July 28th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, August 24th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, August 25th, 9-11:30 am

The drop-off table will be located on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Government Center near the main door.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

  1. Sample kits (sample collection bottle and blue sampling sheet with instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. No kits will be available on the drop-off days. Kit locations are listed below.
  2. A drop-off appointment must be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. No cash or checks allowed, and no credit cards will be accepted the day of drop-off. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
  3. The blue sampling sheet must be completed ahead of time. No pens will be available to use at the drop-off table.
  4. Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Abby Shea at (763) 324-4207.
  5. Only samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates) will be accepted at this time. If other testing is desired, it can be performed at a later date or a private laboratory can be recommended.
  6. Social distancing guidelines must be respected, and masks are required. Rules of the drop-off area must be followed.

Water test kits are currently available at the following locations:

  • Andover City Hall
  • Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
  • Centerville City Hall (in the vestibule)
  • East Bethel City Hall
  • Ham Lake City Hall (call and they will set one out for you: (763) 434-9555)
  • Linwood Township Hall
  • Ramsey City Hall
  • St. Francis City Hall

Feel free to call additional city halls to see if they can provide a water test kit.

Water Your Yard and Garden with the Help of a Rainbarrel

July 2nd, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Water Your Yard and Garden with the Help of a Rainbarrel

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) has put together a quick guide and how-to video for installing and using a rainbarrel in your yard. You can use rainbarrels to collect rainwater to water your lawn, gardens, plants, and more. Collecting and using rainwater reduces the amount of potable water used for watering. It also helps to reduce the amount of stormwater that runs off of your roof and into your stormdrain, which carries pollutants into our water resources.

 

Click here to read the MWMO’s quick guide on tips and considerations when installing and using a rainbarrel. And see the video below that they published on YouTube, which demonstrates the basics of rainbarrels and the installation process.

 

 

Photo: MWMO, via Clean Water Minnesota. 

Free Watering Wisdom Webinar Series

June 25th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Free Watering Wisdom Webinar Series

The University of Minnesota is hosting a free, 5-part webinar series this summer for homeowners called “Watering Wisdom: Growing a Healthy Lawn with Less Water”, focusing on turfgrass and irrigation topics. The goal of the series is to help homeowners have healthier lawns and more efficient irrigation systems. You can join in on as many or as few of the webinars as you’d like. The series will be held on various Tuesdays at 2 pm starting in July and going through September. Each webinar will be 30 minutes with additional time for questions at the end of each one.

Schedule:

  • Outdoor Water Use in the Twin Cities: Am I Using Too Much? – July 7, 2020 at 2 pm
  • Learning to Control Your Irrigation Controller – July 28, 2020 at 2 pm
  • Turfgrass Species for Low-Input Minnesota Lawns – August 18, 2020 at 2 pm
  • Lawn Care Best Management Practices – September 8, 2020 at 2 pm
  • Winterizing Your Lawn – September 29, 2020 at 2 pm

Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Pre-register by filling out this online form. The webinars will be offered through Zoom (link, ID, and password below). Please join each webinar at least 5 minutes before the start time.

Zoom link: Watering Wisdom Webinar Series

Webinar ID: 912 6833 0161

Password: 0fA?ez

 

More information:

For more information on the panelists hosting the webinar, how to use Zoom, and contact information, visit the webinar series event page here. A recording of each webinar will also be posted on this page a few days after the webinar occurs.

The webinar series is part of the Twin Cities Lawn Irrigation Efficiency Study funded by the Metropolitan Council and the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

Check out the University of Minnesota’s Irrigation Resources page to learn more about irrigation.

 

Photo: University of Minnesota

 

Online Salt Symposium August 4-5, 2020

June 18th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Online Salt Symposium August 4-5, 2020

The 2020 Salt Symposium, hosted by Fortin Consulting, will be live-streamed August 4th and 5th. The normally in-person event brings together practitioners, researchers, water resource managers, and educators interested in reducing chloride impacts on our waters from winter maintenance and other sources of chloride.

“Salt Symposium shapes the chloride conversation, presenting developments in salt use optimization for people and the environment. Presentations on Day 1 will focus on chloride use in water softening, fertilizer, and dust suppressants. Day 2 will be all about the latest developments in chloride reducing approaches for winter maintenance. Keynote addresses and award presentations will be given both days.”

Content will stream from 7:30 am to about 3 pm both days. Click here for the full agenda.

Additionally, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will be hosting two FREE smart salting certification training sessions online on August 6th.

Click here for more information and to register. Register before July 1st for a discounted rate. Contact Doug Klimbal for questions about the event or registration and contact carolyn@fortinconsulting.com (612-220-4999) for questions about billing.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get up to speed on the latest research and innovation in chloride at this year’s Salt Symposium!

New Video: Our Lakeshore Connection

June 16th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on New Video: Our Lakeshore Connection

Anoka County Water Resource Outreach Collaborative partners worked with several local lake associations to produce and fund a new video: Our Lakeshore Connection. The animated video is about lakeshore restoration and stewardship. The beginning of the video helps viewers to understand lakes and what makes a healthy lake and lakeshore. The rest of the video gives viewers steps they can take to become good stewards of their lakeshore. Watch the video below!

 

 

The video has also been broken down into two parts, depending on the interest of viewers and those using the video to educate others:

For more resources on how to restore your lakeshore, visit dnr.state.mn.us/lakescaping. For assistance, contact your lake association, local watershed management entity, or soil and water conservation district.

The following are the sponsors of the video:

Be sure to check out these other videos produced by the Anoka County Water Resource Outreach Collaborative:

Reminder: Anoka County Currently NOT Accepting Water Samples

June 11th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Reminder: Anoka County Currently NOT Accepting Water Samples

Reminder: Anoka County Environmental Services is currently NOT accepting water samples. Well Water Wise week 2020 was canceled. 

The Environmental Services Department is exploring options for the potential re-opening of the well water testing program in the near future. However, this is still in the works and no information is available at this time. As the public is currently not permitted beyond the 1st floor of the Government Center, the Department is looking into alternative options. Please check back on this website or the official website at www.anokacounty.us/water – information will be posted on both of these sites when a plan has been determined.

In the meantime, if you need to test your water immediately, see this list of private, state-certified labs that you can utilize. We appreciate your patience!

NPDES General Feedlot Permit Accepting Comments

June 11th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on NPDES General Feedlot Permit Accepting Comments

The MPCA is currently accepting written comments on the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Feedlot Permit until 4:30 pm on Thursday, July 23rd, 2020.

The proposed permit includes new measures to limit the leaching of nitrates from manure spread on farm fields by extending the required cover crop period for manure application to October (cover crops are required to mitigate the risk of nutrient pollution to groundwater and surface waters from manure) and restricting manure applications in September and October. The draft permit also includes streamlined record-keeping requirements, a revised permit format, and an online application process that will save feedlot owners time. The new permit will become effective February 21st, 2021.

More information on the permit, information on submitting comments, and links to the draft permit and other pages can be found at pca.state.mn.us/featured/mpca-proposes-new-feedlot-permit.

Photo from MPCA website. 

CANCELED – Webinar: Minnesota Stormwater Manual Updates

May 28th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on CANCELED – Webinar: Minnesota Stormwater Manual Updates

UPDATE 6/11/2020: Per the MPCA, this webinar has been canceled. “The Minnesota Stormwater Manual website is currently down and due to uncertainty about when it will be back up, we are taking the precaution of rescheduling this webinar. On Monday, June 22 we will send a cancellation reminder and a new date for the webinar. If you have questions, please contact Mike Trojan at mike.trojan@state.mn.us.”

*********************************************************

The MPCA Stormwater Section will host a live webinar on Wednesday, June 24th from 1-2 pm entitled “Minnesota Stormwater Manual updates: Navigation and content”.

Abstract: “As the Minnesota Stormwater Manual wiki has grown, organization and navigation have become challenging. Over the past few months we have begun incorporating some new features and done some reorganizing to improve navigation. This webinar will illustrate these features and provide a forum for you to suggest additional improvements in the wiki. We’ll demonstrate some of these new features using new content incorporated within the past several months.”

Speaker: Mike Trojan, MPCA Hydrologist

Webinar Information: Meeting number (access code): 964 473 507; Meeting password: UPkTcYFG648; Join the meeting here.

The Minnesota Stormwater Manual can be found here.

Contact Mike Trojan at mike.trojan@state.mn.us with questions.

Event Changes Due to COVID-19

May 21st, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Event Changes Due to COVID-19

The following are event changes due to COVID-19 submitted by various partners of Know the Flow.

If you have additional relevant event changes you would like added to this post, please email Abby.Shea@co.anoka.mn.us.

  • Well Water Wise week has been canceled for 2020.
  • 23rd Annual Metro Area Children’s Water Festival has been moved to an online format. Check www.metrocwf.org for updates.
  • Anoka Riverfest has been postponed to September 26th, 2020.
  • 2020 Ramsey Business Expo has been canceled.
  • Many Spring Plant Sales have been postponed to the fall.
  • Spring Lake Tower Days (June 7), St. Francis Pioneer Days (June 12), Fridley 49er Days Festival (June 18), Columbia Heights Jamboree (June 26), and Columbus’ Fall Fest have all been canceled.
  • The August 13th Smart Salting for Roads Certification that was to be held in Ramsey has moved online. More information coming soon.

Many events and trainings have moved online. Be sure to check in with any events you were planning to attend for updates during this time.

Well Water Wise Week 2020 Canceled

May 19th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Well Water Wise Week 2020 Canceled

Due to the current situation, Anoka County Environmental Services has made the difficult decision to cancel Well Water Wise week for 2020. With the inability to predict what the coming weeks will bring, the department is unable to commit to a specific date and has decided to cancel rather than continually changing the date.

The department’s well water testing program is currently still not accepting water sample submissions, as the Government Center remains closed to the public, with the exception of minimal services on the first floor. Stay tuned to this website and/or www.anokacounty.us/water. Once an opening date is determined for the program, that date will be posted on these websites.

In the meantime, residents can utilize a private laboratory if they need well water testing done immediately. Click here for a list of state certified laboratories. Most of these are open and accepting samples at this time.

MPCA Smart Salting Assessment Tool Level 2 Certification

May 15th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on MPCA Smart Salting Assessment Tool Level 2 Certification

How well do you know your organization’s salt use and any likely savings from new practices?

There is an upcoming online MPCA Smart Salting Assessment tool Level 2 Certification on May 20, 2020 from 8 am to noon.

The MPCA Smart Salting Assessment tool (SSAt) is for anyone hoping to track their salt use and take steps to reduce it:

  • Public and private organizations engaged in winter maintenance
  • Winter maintenance leadership
  • Public works managers, supervisors, and lead staff
  • Local governments
  • Small business owners

The SSAt creates a personalized, detailed assessment of your winter maintenance practices. It examines bar and non-bare surfaces: level of service expectations; past, present, and future winter maintenance practices; and salt and cost savings. The certification training will allow attendees to learn to use the tool through the new online format to create current and future practices reports for internal training, budgeting, and communicating with those who fund maintenance work. The tool will help organizations reduce salt use and apply salt efficiently.

There is no fee for this online training, but registration is required. Email environ@co.dakota.mn.us or call 952-891-7000.

This post is based upon an MPCA bulletin. Click here to read the full bulletin for more information.

North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area Meeting: Friday, May 29

May 12th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area Meeting: Friday, May 29

The following is a message from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding the next meeting of the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) Advisory Team. The public are invited to attend.

“The North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area Advisory Team will be meeting on Friday, May 29, 2020 through the web-based meeting format WebEx. A link to join the online meeting is available on the N & E Metro Groundwater Management Area webpage. The meeting is scheduled from 9 am to 11 am.

DNR staff will be providing an update on recent activities related to the GWMA plan including a presentation from the city of Woodbury on their water conservation and efficiency efforts. As always, there will be an opportunity for you to provide feedback about the plan implementation.

Groundwater management advisory team meetings are open to all people interested in groundwater issues in Minnesota. We encourage new people to come, as well as those who have attended previous meetings.”

The North and East Metro GWMA includes the Anoka County communities of Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Columbus, Fridley, Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, and Spring Lake Park, along with portions of Hennepin County. The designation as a GWMA “allows a more comprehensive and focused approach to ensuring that groundwater supplies remain adequate to meet human needs, while protecting lakes, streams, and wetlands”. Learn more at the GWMA’s website.

Fishing Opener Reminders

May 8th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Fishing Opener Reminders

With the fishing opener this weekend, it is important for anglers to remember to “clean, drain, dispose every time” to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Every time a boat comes out of the water, take a few minutes for invasive species prevention. This is true whether or not their is an enforcement officer or watercraft inspector present at the launch. Remember that this is the law in Minnesota.  The required steps are to:

  • Clean aquatic plants and debris from the watercraft,
  • Drain lake or river water and keep drain plugs out during transportation, and
  • Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash – not in the water.

It is also recommended by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that anglers: spray boat and trailer with high-pressure water; rinse boat and trailer with very hot water (120 degrees for 2 min or 140 degrees for 10 sec); or dry boat and equipment for at least 10 days.

More information is available at mndnr.gov/AIS.

Although outdoor activities are allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, per Executive Order 20-38, the DNR urges outdoor enthusiasts to:

  • Stay close to home
  • Not congregate when outdoors
  • Follow social distancing guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health
  • Remain home if they are ill or exhibiting any symptoms consistent with COVID-19

What does social distancing mean while boating?

  • Only boat with people in your immediate household – do not invite guests or anyone outside your household onto your boat
  • Do not go boating if someone in your group is feeling sick or may have been exposed to someone who is sick
  • When launching your boat, keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others

Most state-managed public accesses are open, though the availability of amenities, such as docks, are contingent upon seasonal maintenance.

More information is available on the DNR COVID-19 Response webpage.

COVID-19 and Water Quality

May 4th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on COVID-19 and Water Quality

The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. You can continue to use and drink water from your tap as usual. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also encourages the public to help keep household plumbing and our water infrastructure operating properly by only flushing toilet paper. Disinfecting wipes and other items should be disposed of in the trash, not the toilet – even if they claim to be “flushable”.

Due to various shutdowns or reductions in business activities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many buildings are experiencing periods of little to no water usage. As water sits unused in building plumbing systems, water quality problems can arise. Below are the Minnesota Department of Health’s recommendations:

New information is also available for noncommunity public water systems restarting their systems following closure, non-use, or low use. If you did not depressurize your system, see the new COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Noncommunity Public Water Systems. If you depressurized your system over the winter, see the Start-Up Procedure for Seasonal Public Water Systems. This information will help you resume operations safely and avoid water quality problems.

Reminder: If the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires you to collect your own water samples, please continue to do so. It is critical that drinking water systems continue to be able to assure their users about water quality. If you have any questions about sampling requirements or sample delivery, please contact your compliance officer. 

Resources:

Summer 2020 Waterline Newsletter

May 1st, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Summer 2020 Waterline Newsletter

The Summer 2020 issue of Waterline is now available. “The Waterline is a quarterly newsletter for water operators, city officials, and others interested in news related to public water systems in Minnesota”, published by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Drinking Water Protection program.

Highlights in this issue include an article about how public water systems are continuing to supply drinking water while keeping their customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, news about a new program at St. Paul College for water environment technologies, an attempt to save the “happy” water tower in Freeport, and updates on schools and training for water operators that are being affected by COVID-19.

Articles included in this issue:

  • Coping and Continuing with COVID
    • An Easy, No-Costs Pandemic Drill for Utilities
  • Lead Service Lines: Where Are They?
  • Freeport: Have a Nice Day
  • WUTT Is Happening
  • Anna Schliep Is New Lead in Drinking Water Coordinator
  • Permanent Rules Governing Fluoridation of Municipal Water Supplies Adopted
  • School and Training Update
  • CREAT Is Coming
  • New Addresses for Minnesota Department of Health Water Websites
  • MDH to Reduce Printed Copies of Waterline
  • Reminder to All Water Operators
  • Calendar

Click here to read the issue.

Past issues of the Waterline can be found here.

Subscribe to the Waterline here. 

MnTAP Continues to IMPACT Minnesota Businesses

April 30th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on MnTAP Continues to IMPACT Minnesota Businesses

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)’s mission is “Strengthening Minnesota businesses by improving efficiency while saving money through energy, water, and waste reduction.” In MnTAP’s April newsletter, they highlight the release of their 2019 IMPACT annual report, along with other topics.

MnTAP has released their 2019 IMPACT annual report, summarizing the outreach activities and environmental outcomes achieved for the year. The year’s outcomes include 29.5 million gallons of water saved, waste reduction of over 500,000 pounds, 6.1 million kWh and 55,000 therms of energy saved, and over $1.1 million saved. Each year, MnTAP publishes these Environmental Benefits Reports, which highlight their activities and success and are submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Click here to learn more and to review the 2019 IMPACT report.

Other topics included in the April newsletter include:

  • MnTAP Contributes to Minnesota Business Bottom Line
  • Energy Efficiency Training for Wastewater Treatment Facilities
  • Industrial Water Efficiency Success
  • The MPCA Grant for Emission Reduction from Solvents and Coating
    • Apply now! New Deadline: May 29, 2020

Click here to read the newsletter!

 

Fridley Commons Park Well Field Superfund Site Update

April 28th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Fridley Commons Park Well Field Superfund Site Update

After many years of investigation, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) support the delisting of the Fridley Commons Park Well Field Superfund Site from the National Priorities List (NPL). 

The Fridley Commons Park Well Field site is an active well field with 8 municipal wells and the City of Fridley’s water treatment plant. Water from the wells is blended and treated onsite before it is distributed to the community.

The main contaminant at the site is trichloroethylene (TCE), which has the following risk-based values:

  • Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established in 1987 by the EPA: 5 micrograms per liter (μg/L) (equal to parts per billion)
    • MCLs are the highest level of a contaminant allowed for public water supplies
  • Health Risk Limit (HRL) established in 1994 by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): 30 μg/L
    • HRLs are the concentrations of a groundwater contaminant that can be consumed with little to no risk to health
  • Revised HRL in 2007: 5 μg/L
  • Revised HRL om 2015: 0.4 μg/L

The City of Fridley began sampling its wells for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 1980, and TCE was detected in 2 wells in 1983. However, TCE was not detected in the blended water distributed from the water treatment plant at that time. Subsequent testing revealed that a total of 4 wells were impacted by low levels of TCE. The City of Fridley managed the risk of exposure to contaminated water via a variety of methods including shutting off the well with the highest concentrations from 1989 to 2004, reducing water production from affected wells when demand allowed, and mixing water from impacted wells with water from non-impacted wells. It was ensured that any TCE concentrations in the finished water were below the MCL and HRL and therefore human exposure to TCE from the city’s water system has been below risk-based standards or non-existent.

Despite additional investigations from 2002-2005, the source of the contamination was not identified. In regard to other contaminants, no PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were detected in any of the wells or water treatment plant. 1,4-dioxane has been detected in 4 wells, however concentrations have been well below the HRL and many have been near detection limits.

Site history:

  • February 1991 – site placed on Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) inventory of potential hazardous waste sites
  • June 1992 – site added to Minnesota’s Permanent List of Priorities (PLP), which is also known as the state Superfund list
  • February 1999 – site listed on National Priorities List (NPL), which is also known as the federal Superfund list
  • December 2003 – Feasibility Study completed and evaluated several remedial alternatives for the site
  • 2005 – No Action Record of Decision (ROD) was proposed in July and signed in September
    • Additional monitoring of the 4 impacted wells has continued to monitor for TCE, as required by the ROD. Concentrations have been either undetectable or below the MCL and HRL and no breakdown products of TCE were being detected
  • April 2010 – site removed from state Superfund list by MPCA

Since contamination at the site is limited to TCE and 1,4-dioxane in the groundwater, exposure to contamination is limited, the water supply is regulated by MDH under the Safe Drinking Water Act (the City of Fridley provides enhanced monitoring and collects samples at least 2x/year), emerging contaminants are either not detected or are in concentrations substantially below the MCLs and HRLs, and TCE in the site wells has been below the MCL and HRL since 2004, the MPCA and the EPA support the delisting of the site from the National Priorities List (federal Superfund list).

This information was summarized from the MPCA document here. See the full document for more information.

Wells and Flooding

April 21st, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Wells and Flooding

Flooding seems to be happening more and more often in Minnesota, both in the spring as a result of snow melting and and runoff and after large rain events that cause flash flooding. Over the last few years, some places have been experiencing flooding that have not flooded in the past. Floodwater is not clean – it can contain contaminants such as raw sewage and petroleum or hazardous chemicals. For these reasons, it is important that well owners prepare for the possibility that their wells may flood.

The impact that flooding has on wells and water quality are often not as visible as other types of flood damage. It is important to take preventive action now that may save well users more trouble down the road.

If you think your well might become flooded, store a supply of clean water that will last for at least a few days. Shut off power to the well pump to avoid having floodwater pumped into your plumbing system or home. If you only have a little time before a flood, you can cover the well with a heavy plastic bag or sheeting and secure it with electrical tape. This won’t completely protect your well from contamination but will help reduce the amount of water and debris that could enter your well.

If a well is submerged by floodwater, or floodwater comes within 50 feet for a well, the power for the pumping system should be disconnected, and the well should not be used until flooding is over and floodwaters have receded. 

If floodwater reaches your well, assume your well is contaminated. Water from a contaminated well should not be used for drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth until the floodwater recedes and the following steps have been completed:

  • Avoid electrical shock. Do not approach a flooded well until it has been completely disconnected from its power source.
  • If floodwater covered your well or may have entered your well directly, have a licensed well contractor inspect the well, clean out sediment or debris, and disinfect it. Using your well pump to remove sediment or debris could ruin the pump.
  • If floodwater reached your well but you are confident that floodwater did not enter the well, have a licensed well contractor disinfect your well or complete the disinfection yourself. Detailed instructions are available on the MDH website here.
  • After you or the licensed well contractor disinfects your well and pumps out the chlorine solution, contact Anoka County Environmental Services or another certified water testing laboratory to get your well tested for coliform bacteria.
    • If you well water test comes back positive for coliform bacteria, repeat the disinfection and testing process. You may need to disinfect your well several times before your well is free of bacterial contamination.
    • Do not use the water from your well until you have been informed that it is safe and free of bacterial contamination.

If floodwater came within 50 feet of your well – but did not reach the well – consider having your well water tested for coliform bacteria as a precaution. You do not need to disinfect your well before having it tested. However, if the test comes back positive for bacteria, the well needs to be disinfected.

Wells that meet the standards of the Minnesota Well Code are the safest wells. The Minnesota Well Code (Minnesota Rules, chapter 4725) has many requirements that can protect wells from flooding, including well location, casing height, and approved well caps. The code requires that wells be located and maintained at a distance of 35 feet or more from the normal high-water mark of a lake, river, or stream. For wells completed in flood areas, the code allows several options:

  • The well casing must extend at least 5 feet above the 100-year flood elevation if the 100-year flood elevation is less than 5 feet above the ground surface at the location of the well; or
  • The well casing must extend at least 10 feet above the ground surface if the 100-year flood elevation is more than 5 feet above the surface at the location of the well and the well must have a watertight cap installed on it; or
  • The well casing must extend at least 2 feet above the ground surface and be surrounded by an outer, cement grouted, protective casing that is installed in compliance with the Minnesota Well Code. Both casing must have approved, waterproof caps installed; or
  • The well casing must extend at least 2 feet about the ground surface and a sealed pitless unit spool or flowing well pitless unit is installed. The casing should be covered with an approved, waterproof, non-vented, compression seal well cap.

See the Minnesota Well Code or consult with a licensed well contractor concerning these options. To determine if a well is, or will be, located in an area prone to flooding, you can check floodplain maps here.

For more information, see the Minnesota Department of Health’s Well Management Program’s website.

Click here for a list of licensed well contractors in and around Anoka County.

Minnesotans Invited to Adopt a Drain in Honor of 50th “Earth Day Birthday”

April 13th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Minnesotans Invited to Adopt a Drain in Honor of 50th “Earth Day Birthday”

Adopt-a-Drain invites Minnesotans to honor Earth Day’s 50th birthday by cleaning up their own street between April 17th and April 30th. Adopting a storm drain is an easy way to have a positive impact on our environment while maintaining a safe social distance.

Adopt-a-Drain is a program that asks residents to protect nearby lakes, rivers, and wetlands by “adopting” a storm drain near their home. Volunteers sweep leaves, trash, and other debris off the drain and nearby surfaces year-round.

By spending just fifteen minutes cleaning up twice each month, volunteers prevent trash and organic pollutants from flowing through storm drains and into waterways. Since its launch in 2014, Adopt-a-Drain’s 6,000 participants have prevented nearly 200,000 pounds of debris from washing down storm drains and into Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

Jana Larson, director of the Adopt-a-Drain program, says, “Even though many community cleanup events have been canceled, we can still honor Earth Day by taking joint action to protect Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Adopt-a-Drain invites everyone to participate in a safe way during social distancing.”

Adopting a drain is a family-friendly activity that can enrich learning at home. Parents and teachers navigating new COVID-19 homeschool arrangements are encouraged to participate in the Earth Day Birthday cleanup and use curricular resources available online at https://waterstothesea.org/AADmodule/. Waters to the Sea is a series of free lesson plans and multimedia activities created by Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education and aligned to Next Generation Science Standards for grades 5-8. Find out more by visiting https://waterstothesea.org/mississippi/.

New volunteers and existing Adopt-a-Drain members who report what they pick up between April 17th and 30th will receive a limited edition temporary tattoo in the mail. To participate, residents in the seven-county metro area, Rochester, and Saint Cloud can adopt a drain and report the amount of debris they collect at adopt-a-drain.org.

The Science Museum of Minnesota is partnering with the Adopt-a-Drain program to promote the Earth Day Birthday celebration; all adopters are encouraged to post photos and videos of their cleaning activities on social media by tagging @adoptadrain and using the hashtags #adoptadrain and #earthdaybirthday2020 to help increase participation in the program.

About Adopt-a-Drain

The Adopt-a-Drain program is a project of Hamline University, with support from the Metro Watershed Partners, a coalition of more than 70 public, private and non-profit organizations committed to water resource education in the Twin Cities metro.

For more information, contact:

Jana Larson

Adopt-a-Drain Program Director

651-523-2812 / jlarson25@hamline.edu

or visit www.Adopt-a-Drain.org

Message to Noncommunity Public Water Systems

April 13th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Message to Noncommunity Public Water Systems

The Minnesota Department of Health has issued another message to all noncommunity public water systems:

“The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Drinking Water Protection program recognizes that you face exceptional pressures in operating your facilities and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. Understanding the pressures that you face, we want to provide you pertinent information so you can continue providing essential supplies of safe drinking water to the public. In addition to this message, you can access further information for public water systems at Public Water Systems and COVID-19. You can also find general COVID-19 updates at Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19] where you can sign up for general COVID-19 updates.

Drinking Water Safety and COVID-19

According to the World Health Organization, no detections of the COVID-19 virus have occurred in drinking water supplies and, based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. You can find more information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at EPA: Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at CDC: Water Transmission and COVID-19.

MDH Drinking Water Protection is Here to Help

MDH Drinking Water Protection (DWP) staff are available to assist you. While we have acted to reduce exposure for staff and public water systems by curtailing most field activity, we remain dedicated to working with you in providing safe drinking water. All DWP staff are available via phone and email. We will respond to any questions, concerns, or contamination situations. If follow-up water sampling is needed, our staff will work with you to determine how to do this safely. Do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. Use the Noncommunity Public Water Supply Unit Contact List (PDF) to find the sanitarian and compliance officer for your part of the state, if you are unsure who to contact.

Closures Due to COVID-19

If your facility has experienced an unexpected closure due to COVID-19, or anticipates such a closure soon, please contact your compliance officer as soon as possible or send an email to  health.noncommunitycompliance@state.mn.us. This is especially important if you are required to collect water samples on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Required Water Sampling

If MDH requires you to collect your own water samples, please continue to do so. It is critical that drinking water systems continue to be able to assure their users about water quality. This includes facilities required to collect their own samples for bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead & copper, and other contaminants. Note that water system work and sample delivery are part of the critical sectors identified in the Governor’s Stay at Home order.

If you hand deliver samples to a laboratory, we recommend that you confirm they are open and receive direction on specific drop off procedures to maintain social distancing. Please also plan to have the paperwork for your samples completed before traveling to the lab to limit time on site. If you have any questions about sampling requirements or sample delivery, please contact your compliance officer.

Seasonal Public Water Systems

Seasonal public water systems are those that do not operate on a year-round basis, and start up and shut down at the beginning and end of each season. They are required to start up each year according to an approved procedure found at Start-up Procedure for Seasonal Public Water Systems (PDF), and notify MDH of its completion.

If you are the owner/operator of a seasonal water system that fully depressurizes in the off-season, you will receive a reminder notice in the next two weeks with information about the required start-up procedure. After starting up your water system, be sure to complete the notice indicating the date the procedure was completed, and return it to MDH.

If the COVID-19 outbreak has delayed your start-up date, please email compliance staff at health.noncommunitycompliance@state.mn.us or contact your sanitarian. If you are in a delegated local jurisdiction, please contact the local program office.

Although start-up procedure certification is required only for facilities that fully depressurize all their water system(s) in the off-season, those that depressurize only a portion of their system should also follow the approved start-up procedure. This helps ensure these systems are maintained in a sanitary condition. Additional information relating to the start-up procedure is available at Restaurants, Resorts, Campgrounds (Transient).

Safety Precautions When Disinfecting Your Well and Water Sytem

As part of seasonal re-opening or in response to contamination, a well and water system may be disinfected. During this process, high levels of chlorine are circulated throughout your water system, making it dangerous for any contact or consumption. It is important that precautions be taken to minimize the chance for any unintended exposure as follows:

  • Keep children and animals away from the well area while disinfecting;
  • Do not allow anyone to use the water system until the disinfection process is complete;
  • Post a warning notice at each tap such as High Chlorine Warning Notice; and
  • After the disinfection process is complete, thoroughly flush the water system until chlorinated water is entirely removed.

For further guidance on the well and water system disinfection process, please refer to Well Disinfection instructions.

Information for Nontransient Noncommunity Public Water Systems

Certified Operators: During the COVID-19 outbreak, MDH will work with operators and systems having difficulties with operator certification. MDH will not take enforcement against any system because their operator was not able to obtain their training hours as a direct result of COVID-19. Operators are encouraged to maintain training hours to the greatest extent possible using online training options as found on the Minnesota Water Operator Training web page. Once in-person training sessions and operator schools are back in operation, MDH expects any operator who did not have the required renewal hours to complete those hours within 12 months.

Source Water Protection Grants: The “competitive” round of Source Water Protection grants is open for nontransient noncommunity and community public water systems as usual in April. See Source Water Protection Grants page for more details.

Thanks for all your efforts in these difficult circumstances as we work together to keep safe water available all across Minnesota. 

Dave Hokanson, Supervisor, Noncommunity Public Water Supply Unit“

New Dates for Well Water Wise Week

April 10th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on New Dates for Well Water Wise Week

Due to the current situation, Well Water Wise week will be postponed this year to June 8-12th, 2020. 

Each year, the Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services Department, in cooperation with many municipalities and County agencies, puts on the annual Well Water Wise week promotion to encourage residents to check the safety of their private well water. This year will be the 21st annual Well Water Wise week, which is usually held the first full week of May.

County residents may pick up a well water test kit at the participating locations listed below or at the Anoka County Government Center (2100 3rd Ave, Suite 600, Anoka, MN 55303).

Water samples can normally be submitted to Environmental Services for sanitary analysis (coliform bacteria and nitrate) every Monday from 8 am to 4:15 pm and Tuesday from 8 to 11:45 am (excluding holidays).

During Well Water Wise week, however, samples can be submitted Monday through Thursday 8 am to 4:15 pm and Friday 8 to 11:45 am. 

The well water testing kit includes details about water collection and submission. A laboratory fee of $30 will be charged for the sanitary analysis. Results will be mailed to residents approximately 2-3 weeks after sample submission.

If you would like to test your well for other components besides or in addition to the sanitary analysis (coliform bacteria and nitrate), please stop by Anoka County Environmental Services or call 763-324-4260.

Participating Pick-Up Locations:

  • Andover City Hall
  • Anoka Conservation District (Ham Lake)
  • Blaine City Hall
  • Bunker Hills Activity Center (Andover)
  • Centerville City Hall
  • Columbus City Hall
  • East Bethel City Hall
  • Ham Lake City Hall
  • Lino Lakes City Hall
  • Linwood Town Hall
  • Nowthen City Hall
  • Oak Grove City Hall
  • Ramsey City Hall
  • St. Francis City Hall

Late Ice and Open Water Safety

April 3rd, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Late Ice and Open Water Safety

The following DNR news release highlights the need to take lots of precaution with ice conditions this time of year. Stay safe!

“As the winter-to-spring transition unfolds, the way people experience the change in seasons will be a little different this year. But while we stay close to home for our outdoors time and practice social distancing, one thing remains the same. People must put their safety first, especially around lakes and rivers where the ice conditions vary around the state. With many lakes and rivers now ice-free, and the ice where it remains getting weaker by the day, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers remind people to be especially vigilant.

‘Ice conditions can be dangerously deceptive this time of year, and people should either stay off altogether or check its thickness frequently with a chisel as they’re walking out,’ said Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. ‘If they’re around open water, people need to know the consequences of a fall into cold water can be tragic.’

Falling into cold water causes people to gasp involuntarily and inhale water. Even strong swimmers can be incapacitated quickly. Wearing a life jacket – whether on late-season ice or near open water – gives people a fighting chance to survive a fall into cold water. Anyone on the ice should have ice picks and a whistle with them, and all people who recreate near water should tell someone where they’re going and when they plan to return.

Given their innate curiosity about ice and water, children are especially vulnerable. Adults should ensure kids stay away from ice or open water unless they’re accompanied by a responsible adult.

People who go fishing, which is one of the outdoors activities Gov. Tim Walz highlighted in his “Stay at Home” executive order, should fish waters close to their home. Anglers should share a boat only with people in their immediate household, and maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet between them and other anglers whenever launching their boat or while on the water.

For additional information about ice safety, visit mndnr.gov/icesafety. See mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater/cold-water.html for tips about staying safe in cold water.”

Anoka County Not Accepting Water Samples

March 27th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Anoka County Not Accepting Water Samples

With the health and safety of county residents being of utmost concern, the Anoka County Board has decided to close all public-facing services until further notice. This will include the acceptance of water samples. It is not known at this time when sample acceptance is expected to resume. Please stay tuned to this website for updates. 

For information on COVID-19, please use www.anokacounty.us/554/Environmental-Health-Services and www.anokacounty.us/covid19 as resources.

Noncommunity Public Water System COVID-19 Information

March 20th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Noncommunity Public Water System COVID-19 Information

The following is a message from the Minnesota Department of Health to all Noncommunity Public Water Systems:

“Owners and Operators of Noncommunity Public Water Systems:

The COVID-19 outbreak has presented many challenges across the state. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Drinking Water Protection program recognizes that you face many pressures in running your facilities and businesses at this time. Understanding that you have many things on your mind, we do want to provide you with some pertinent information regarding COVID-19 and noncommunity public water systems. You can also find general updates at: Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19].

 

Is drinking water safe

You may be wondering if COVID-19 is transmitted via drinking water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies and the risk to water supplies is low. You can find more information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the following web pages:

 

MDH Drinking Water Protection’s role

MDH Drinking Water Protection staff remain available to assist you. While we have taken steps to reduce exposure for staff and public water systems by curtailing field activity and moving staff to telework, we remain dedicated to working with you in providing safe drinking water. All staff are available via phone and email, and will respond to any questions, concerns or contamination situations.

So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. See the Noncommunity Public Water Supply Unit Contact List (PDF) where you can find the sanitarian and compliance officer for your part of the state. Also, look for periodic updates from MDH as new information becomes available.

 

Sampling and laboratories

If you are required by MDH to collect your own water samples, please continue to do so at this time. It is critical that drinking water systems continue to be able to assure their users about water quality.

The laboratories that analyze your water samples are doing their part to maintain operations while protecting their employees. Note that if you hand deliver samples to a laboratory, we recommended that you first check their website, confirm that they are open and receive additional direction on how to drop off samples; some laboratories are changing their drop off procedure to maintain social distancing. If you have any questions, please contact your compliance officer.

 

Thanks for all your efforts in these difficult circumstances as we work together to keep safe water available all across Minnesota.”

Online Turfgrass Maintenance Certification Training April 9th

March 18th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Online Turfgrass Maintenance Certification Training April 9th

This 6 hour training from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will help you improve your turfgrass maintenance through presentations and class exercises. The practices taught will help you SAVE money, time, and the environment. The course is FREE and will be taught online – register (see below) for a link.

Training Topics:

  • How turfgrass maintenance affects surface and groundwater
  • Understanding the life cycle of turf and weeds and how this affects maintenance
  • Soil testing, selection and application of fertilizers
  • Equipment calibration & maintenance
  • Mowing techniques
  • Efficient and effective irrigation
  • Weed control practices
  • … and more

Optional Certification

An optional test is offered at the end of the training to earn Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Level I Certification in Turfgrass Maintenance Best Practices. Certified individuals are listed on the MPCA website.

Who Should Attend?

City park departments, schools, property managers and private maintenance companies. This class does not cover golf course or athletic field maintenance. 

Register by contacting Britta Dornfeld at Coon Creek Watershed District: bdornfeld@cooncreekwd.org or 763-258-7305.

Funding for this training is provided by MPCA through a grant from US EPA, Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Fund, Anoka County Parks, and the Coon Creek Watershed District. The course and materials were originally developed for the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization by Fortin Consulting, Inc. Content was created and reviewed through extensive collaboration with local experts.

One More Week to Register for the 2020 Children’s Water Festival

March 13th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on One More Week to Register for the 2020 Children’s Water Festival

There is still time to sign up your 4th grade classes for the 2020 Metro Area Children’s Water Festival! Registration closes ONE WEEK from today – March 20th, so sign up today!

The Metro Area Children’s Water Festival is open to all metro area 4th grade classes and homeschool students. The festival teaches children about the water cycle and other water-related topics that help children appreciate their natural environment and our water resources.

This year’s festival will have more than 45 interactive learning stations, including the Science Museum of Minnesota. The festival is Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Festival organizers wish every class could come, but the festival is very popular, and the number of students that can be accommodated is limited, so sign up today! Classes selected to attend will be contacted in mid-April.

For more information, head to the festival website at www.metrocwf.org. Register online at www.metrocwf.org/registration.

If you have any questions regarding festival registration and selection, please contact Abby Shea at 763-324-4207 or Abby.Shea@co.anoka.mn.us.

New Video – Our Groundwater Connection: Contamination

March 4th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on New Video – Our Groundwater Connection: Contamination

This past summer, the video “Our Groundwater Connection” was posted by the Anoka County Water Resource Outreach Collaborative.

Yesterday, a second video was released, called “Our Groundwater Connection: Contamination”. This video builds on the information viewers learned from the first video, focusing on contamination. The video explains different sources of pollution, how pollutants travel and build up over time, and what happens when wells become contaminated. It also explains how to prevent pollution, since we all have a role to play. As the video states, “Everyone has the responsibility to stop contamination from getting into our groundwater. When we work together to prevent pollution, we can ensure clean drinking water now, and for many generations to come.”

The project was only possible due to the members of the Water Resource Outreach Collaborative pooling their resources. The Collaborative would like to say thank you to our partners from Washington County Public Health and Environment and the Minnesota Department of Health for their input.

Check out the video below!

Source Water Protection Grants Available

February 28th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Source Water Protection Grants Available

Two separate grant programs will be accepting applications between Monday, March 2, 2020 at 8 am and Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 4:30 pm. The two grant programs, both supporting source water protection, are:

  • Plan Implementation Grant for community and nontransient noncommunity public water supply systems who have an MDH-approved Wellhead Protection Plan or an MDH-endorsed surface water intake protection plan
  • Noncommunity Transient Grant for transient noncommunity public water supply systems.

The purpose of the Plan Implementation Grant is to help public water suppliers implement source water protection measures included in their MDH approved or endorsed plan. These grants do not require a cost share. The minimum grant amount is $1,000 and the maximum grant amount is $10,000. Click here for more information, including frequently asked questions, and to download an application.

 

The purpose of the Noncommunity Transient Grant is to support measures that address a potential contamination source that presents a high risk to a source of drinking water as determined by the Minnesota Department of Health. An equal cost share is required for receiving this grant. The minimum amount for any grant is $250 and the maximum amount is $10,000. Click here for more information, including frequently asked questions, and to download an application.

We Are Water Exhibit at Science Museum

February 28th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on We Are Water Exhibit at Science Museum

Now through March 22nd at the Science Museum of Minnesota, check out the We Are Water MN exhibit!

The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.

The exhibit is located in the lobby of the museum and no admission fee is required in the lobby.

Learn more about the We Are Water exhibit here.

2020 MnTAP Program Available

February 24th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on 2020 MnTAP Program Available

Business seeking to save money by conserving water and reducing wastewater discharges, energy use, or industrial waste are invited to apply to the University of Minnesota’s Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) Intern Program. Applications are being accepted now for 2020.

The internship program is supported by the Met Council’s water supply planning department, using Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds. The Met Council is making $315,000 available over three years to support 15 interns.

The University handles recruitment, hiring, and intern coaching. Student internships are competitive.

Businesses: Learn more and apply here.

Students: Information about MnTAP internships.

This information was summarized from an article published on 2/14/2020 by the Met Council.

2020 Children’s Water Festival Registration Now Open

February 20th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on 2020 Children’s Water Festival Registration Now Open

Attention 4th grade teachers! Sign up your 4th grade classes NOW for the 2020 Metro Area Children’s Water Festival! 

4th grade teachers can sign up their classes for the 2020 Metro Area Children’s Water Festival starting now. The deadline to sign up is Friday, March 20th, 2020.

The Metro Area Children’s Water Festival is open to all metro area 4th grade classes and homeschool students. The festival teaches children about the water cycle and other water-related topics that help children appreciate their natural environment and our water resources.

This year’s festival will have more than 45 interactive learning stations, including the Science Museum of Minnesota. The festival is Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Festival organizers wish every class could come, but the festival is very popular, and the number of students that can be accommodated is limited, so sign up today! Classes selected to attend will be contacted in mid-April.

For more information, head to the festival website at www.metrocwf.org. Register online at www.metrocwf.org/registration.

If you have any questions regarding festival registration and selection, please contact Abby Shea at 763-324-4207 or Abby.Shea@co.anoka.mn.us.

New MDA Groundwater Protection Rule – Restriction Areas Map Available

February 11th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on New MDA Groundwater Protection Rule – Restriction Areas Map Available

Areas where the application of nitrogen fertilizer in the fall or on frozen soils will be restricted have been determined. These areas include much of Anoka County (see the image below).

This restriction is part of the new Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Groundwater Protection rule (Minnesota Rules Chapter 1573). The rule minimizes potential sources of nitrate pollution to our groundwater and thus protects drinking water. With two parts, the rule creates restrictions on the application of nitrogen fertilizer in the fall in areas that are vulnerable to contamination and outlines steps to address and reduce the severity of elevated nitrate levels when they already exist in public water supply wells.

The intention of the rule is “to promote appropriate nitrogen fertilizer best management practices (BMPs) and to involve local farmers and agronomists in adopting the most current science-based and economically viable practices that can reduce nitrate in groundwater”. Click here to learn more about Alternative Management Tools (AMTs). MDA says that “the goal is to involve local farmers and agronomists in problem-solving to address increased levels of nitrate in groundwater”.

Part 1

Notification of areas subject to the restrictions established in Part 1 is happening now and the restrictions will take effect this fall in September 2020. Part 1 of the rule establishes restrictions on application of nitrogen fertilizer if you farm in:

  1. An area with vulnerable groundwater (much of Anoka County)
  2. Protection areas around a public well, known as drinking water supply management areas (DWSMAs), with already high nitrate levels (none in Anoka County at this time)
    • “High” nitrate is determined as 5.4 mg/L or greater nitrate-nitrogen

The “Vulnerable Groundwater Areas” are designated by quarter sections and are determined by one of the following criteria:

If 50% or more of a quarter section is considered vulnerable, the entire quarter section is included. Click here to see an interactive map of these areas across the state. In these Vulnerable Groundwater Areas, nitrate can move easily through soil and into groundwater, which can contaminate groundwater resources.

Part 2

Regulation of Part 2 of the rule, which responds to DWSMAs that already have elevated nitrate levels, could be three years after the rule takes place, at the earliest, and after a DWSMA is determined to meet certain criteria. The goal of this part of the rule is to take action to reduce nitrate levels in groundwater before a public well exceeds the health standard for nitrate of 10 mg/L.

More information

For more information on the rule, check out the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website on the topic at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/nfr.

 

MPCA Smart Salting Program News

February 11th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on MPCA Smart Salting Program News

The MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) Smart Salting Program is “for winter maintenance and property management professionals seeking to maintain safe surfaces using less salt”.

Topics in the 2/10/2020 bulletin include:

  • Several Smart Salting trainings coming up in February (see below)
  • The 20th Annual Salt Symposium will be on August 5th, 2020 – topics: the latest chloride research and innovations, water softening, dust control, fertilizers, and more. Registration opens in March.
  • Salt success in the news – Wright County Highway Dept
  • Free resources to manage public awareness of chloride reduction

Click here to read the bulletin.

Upcoming Smart Salting Trainings:

  • Smart Salting for Property Management: 2/11/2020, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Host: City of Edina
  • Parking Lots and Sidewalks Smart Salting Training: 2/12/2020, 9:00 am-1:30 pm, Host: Ceres Environmental
  • Parking Lots and Sidewalks Smart Salting Training: 2/18/2020, 9:00 am-1:30 pm, Host: Nine Mile Creek Watershed District
  • Parking Lots and Sidewalks Smart Salting Training: 2/26/2020, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Host: Damel Corporation, Inc.
  • Parking Lots and Sidewalks Smart Salting Training: 2/28/2020, 8:00 am-1:00 pm, Host: YMCA-Twin Cities

For registration information and locations, see the bulletin.

Spring 2020 Waterline Out Now

February 10th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Spring 2020 Waterline Out Now

The Spring 2020 issue of Waterline is out now! “The Waterline is a quarterly newsletter for water operators, city officials, and others interested in news related to public water systems in Minnesota”, published by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Drinking Water Protection program.

Highlights in this issue include a special story on how the Xcel Energy Center uses St. Paul water to make the ice rink for the Minnesota Wild, a Star Tribune article on water towers (“Why Do We Have Water Towers and What Do They Do?”), a story on a new canine employee at Central Arkansas Water, and the introduction of “Patty Potty” – a creation of the San Jacinto River Authority in Texas to promote its “No Wipes in the Pipes” campaign.

Articles included in the issue:

  • Help Possible for Lead Service Line Replacements
  • What Are Those Spaceship-Looking Things?
  • Water-Wastewater Utilities Treatment and Technology Program Update
  • Community Water Supply Additions
  • Service Connection Fee Increase Takes Effect
  • Sniff This
  • Metro School to Have Special Day for Superintendents and Supervisors
  • Surface-Water Optimization Training in Minnesota
  • Crookston Honored with People’s Choice Award
  • Wild Rink Starts with St. Paul Water
  • Randall Gets Award from the Environmental Protection Agency
  • Grants Awarded for Bottle-Filling Stations
  • Lake Harriet Pump
  • Lewis & Clark Project to Benefit from Increase in Rural Water Funding
  • EPA Turns 50
  • Check out Patty Potty and Other Worthy Sites
  • New Addresses for Minnesota Department of Health Water Websites

Click here to read the issue.

Past issues of the Waterline can be found here.

Subscribe to the Waterline here. 

Reminder: Upcoming Well and Septic Maintenance Training

February 5th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Reminder: Upcoming Well and Septic Maintenance Training

Have you signed up for the upcoming well and septic maintenance training? If not, sign up today!

Below is the original post from this past October:

“Do you own your own well? How about a septic system? Do you wish you had a better idea of how to take care of them? Then you should plan on attending this upcoming class! Attendees will be provided with a maintenance manual to keep. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

In partnership with the City of Ramsey and the UMN Onsite Sewage Treatment Program, the Anoka Conservation District invites you to a free septic system and private well homeowner education class on Thursday, March 12th from 5-7 pm in the Ramsey City Hall’s Alexander Ramsey Room (7550 Sunwood Dr NW, Ramsey, 55303). Space is limited, so reserve your seat early. Register online here!

Learn about:

  • Potential contaminants in your drinking water well
  • How and when to inspect and maintain your septic system
  • Impacts of faulty or damaged wells and septic systems

Please email Emily Johnson at Emily.Johnson@AnokaSWCD.org or call her at 763-434-2030 x17 with any questions.”

‘Relief’ Art Exhibit Open House

January 28th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on ‘Relief’ Art Exhibit Open House

Check out a new art exhibit – Relief – Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10 am to noon at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Stormwater Park and Learning Center.

“Relief explores how technological experiences influence the way we understand the outdoors. Artist Alyssa Baguss creates tactile cartographic experiences of Minnesota’s natural water features through experimental processes and materials. (Guests are encouraged to touch the artwork!)

Socialize over coffee, stream tables and art-making. Alyssa Baguss will host a morning of water-related activities paired with beverages and fantastic views of the Mississippi River.

This exhibition was made possible through a Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant.”

The MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center is located at 2522 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.

How to Test Your Well Water Video

January 27th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on How to Test Your Well Water Video

Have you seen the Minnesota Department of Health’s new well water testing video? Click here to watch it.

The video explains what contaminants should be tested for and when to test your well water. The image below shows the most significant contaminants to test for:

Anoka County Environmental Services offers a well water testing program. Call 763-324-4260 for more information. You can also search for an accredited lab here. Learn more at www.health.state.mn.us/wellwater.

Workshop: Fight Snow and Ice, Pollution Free

January 25th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Workshop: Fight Snow and Ice, Pollution Free

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is hosting a workshop called “Fight Snow and Ice, Pollution Free” on Wednesday, February 5th, 2020 from 1 to 2:30 pm at the Columbia Heights Library (3939 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421). Below is the event description:

“Warm up with hot cocoa and treats while you learn ways to prevent slippery sidewalks using methods that prevent pollution in local waterbodies. Tour the Columbia Heights Library and learn how features built into its landscape reduce the need to use deicers, add winter beauty, and filter out water pollutants in the spring. Participate in a fun, hands-on demonstration and take home your own copy of the MWMO’s Good Neighbor Guide.”

The workshop is free, but registration is required. Click here to register.

MWMO’s New “Path to the River” Tool

January 24th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on MWMO’s New “Path to the River” Tool

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) recently published a blog post about their new Path to the River tool, which is also embedded into their new stormwater Story Map.

The tool allows residents to see exactly how water flows from their street into the river, including the path it takes, how fast it moves, and the amount of pollution it carries, by simply clicking on a point on a map of the watershed. If runoff is being captured and treated by a known stormwater best management practice, the tool will also show that.

[Click on the photo to enlarge]

The Path to the River tool is also embedded into a new Story Map, which “highlights how our changing landscapes impact water quality, and showcases the MWMO’s water quality monitoring program and green infrastructure projects”. It should be noted that the Path to the River tool included in the Story Map is slightly different than the main tool.

For more information on the tool and its background, see the full MWMO blog post by Nick Busse, Communications Principal. The post also includes a YouTube video introducing the tool and demonstrating how to use it.

Click here to go to the Path to the River tool.

Click here to go to the Story Map.

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Upcoming Events

January 21st, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Upcoming Events

There are a number of upcoming events hosted by the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, including:

  • 1/22/2020, 6:30-8 pm – Ecology Book Club at Cedar Creek
  • 2/11/2020, 11:30 am-1 pm – Lunch with a Scientist: Nutrient Alteration
  • 2/18/2020, 12-1 pm – Monthly Forestry Webinar
  • 2/22/2020, 11 am-12 pm – Animals in Winter at the Johnsville Library
  • 2/26/2020, 6:30-8 pm – Ecology Book Club at Cedar Creek
  • 3/10/2020, 11:30 am-1 pm – Lunch with a Scientist: Climate Change
  • 3/17/2020, 12-1 pm – Monthly Forestry Webinar
  • 3/19/2020, 11 am-12:30 pm – Spring Equinox Hike
  • 3/25/2020, 6:30-8 pm – Ecology Book Club at Cedar Creek
  • 3/28/2020, 7:30-10 pm – Spring Star Party

More information can be found in the Winter 2020 issue of the Field Notes newsletter. Newsletters can be found here.

Chloride Salt Learning Tool

January 21st, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Chloride Salt Learning Tool

“What happens when salt gets in our water sources?”

Check out this new learning tool developed by graduate students! The tool illustrates how chloride salts from water softeners and winter application can affect infrastructure and vehicles, health, the environment, and pets and how you can reduce the salt in our water.

Save Your Bait, Save Our Lakes

January 13th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on Save Your Bait, Save Our Lakes

As the weather gets colder, ice anglers are gearing up for the winter fishing action. While you are packing up all the equipment you will need for the fishing trip, don’t forget your bait. While there are many types of bait on the market now, many anglers still prefer live bait over many others. The question is, what do you do with your bait after your fishing trip is over? Do you dump it in the trash, dump it in the lake, or let it freeze on the ice? There are many ways to dispose of live bait after the fishing trip is over. Some humane, some help others, and some are illegal. Did you know it is illegal to release live bait into Minnesota waters? There is a hefty fine attached, so instead of releasing live bait into the fishing hole, consider some other options: take bait home to reuse for a future trip, give it to another angler to use, or throw them away in the trash. By releasing live bait into Minnesota waters, you could be spreading aquatic invasive species into the environment. Invasive carp can often be used for common fishing bait and can be spread by anglers when they release their minnows into the water. Crayfish is another fishing bait that can also be invasive and cause problems with our lakes. There are a couple species of Crayfish that are invasive and causing fish habitat problems here in Minnesota. Join many others by helping save our lakes from invasive species by not releasing your live bait into our valued Minnesota waters.

 

— This article was submitted by Jessica Abarca, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Anoka County Parks

North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Update

January 8th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Update

The DNR has designated an area in the north and east portions of the metro region as the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA), which includes Washington and Ramsey counties, along with portions of Anoka and Hennepin counties. The Anoka County communities in this GWMA are Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Columbus, Fridley, Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, and Spring Lake Park. The designation as a GWMA “allows a more comprehensive and focused approach to ensuring that groundwater supplies remain adequate to meet human needs, while protecting lakes, streams and wetlands”.

The DNR and an Advisory Team created a 5-year management plan in 2015 and continue to meet semi-annually to update each other on the various projects going on within the GWMA. The group last met on December 13, 2019 and discussed a variety of information, including:

  • A recently launched study that will assess the feasibility of enhancing groundwater recharge
  • An update on the White Bear Lake court case
  • An update on the transient groundwater flow model developed for the White Bear Lake area
  • An update on the 3M settlement project.

Click here to read the full update from the DNR. Previous updates from the DNR can be found here.

For more information on the GWMA, click here to view it’s website. The group will meet next in the Spring of 2020. Meetings are open to the public and an announcement will be posted on both the GWMA’s site and Know the Flow when the date, time, and location have been determined.

UMN Extension Hiring Watershed Extension Educator

January 8th, 2020 knowtheflow Comments Off on UMN Extension Hiring Watershed Extension Educator

The University of Minnesota Extension is hiring a Watershed Extension Educator! Please see the message below:

“We are hiring an Extension educator with faculty rank to focus on helping communities and watershed address their water management challenges. The educator will collaborate with diverse organizations to identify, develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs that will have a measurable impact on water resources by engaging with water professionals, policy-makers, farmers, land managers, and others across the state.

 

Required qualifications include:

  • A master’s degree in natural or water resources sciences, hydrology, lakes management, limnology, watershed science and management, or closely related field.
  • Experience and education in watershed management, lakes and aquatic ecosystems systems, hydrology, limnology, natural resources management, or related disciplines.
  • A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds (e.g., regional water managers, community officials, legislators, program participants, and industry groups).
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • A demonstrated ability using technology to enhance learning.
  • A valid driver’s license and own means of transportation, and applicable vehicle insurance.
  • Use of personal cell phone.

The position will be based in one of the UMN Extension regional offices outside of the metro area, based on candidate preference and available space.

 

More information and instructions for applying can be found at the job posting or by visiting https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job and searching for Job ID 334924.

 

The initial application deadline is February 3, 2020.

For questions about this position, contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Extension Educator – Water Resources, dejon003@umn.edu

For questions about applying online, contact Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu“

NO Well Water Samples Accepted Week of 12/23

December 12th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on NO Well Water Samples Accepted Week of 12/23

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: 

Due to laboratory closure, Anoka County Environmental Services will NOT be accepting well water samples 12/23 or 12/24. Starting 12/30, samples will again be accepted as usual (Mondays 8 am to 4:15 pm and Tuesdays 8 to 11:45 am). You will still be able to pick up test kits (empty bottles and collection instructions).

Please call 763-324-4260 will any questions or concerns regarding Anoka County’s Well Water Testing Program.

EPA Considers Regulating Perchlorate

December 11th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on EPA Considers Regulating Perchlorate

Minnesota systems are unlikely to be affected.

The following article was posted in the Winter 2019-2020 edition of Waterline, a quarterly newsletter related to public water systems in Minnesota published by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Drinking Water Protection Program.

“The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a maximum contaminant level (MCL) and MCL goal (MCLG) for perchlorate of 0.056 parts per million (ppm). Perchlorate is a chemical compound from commercially produced sales. The EPA has been studying perchlorate because of potential contamination to water, which can reduce hormone production in the thyroid gland.

The EPA is proposing requirements for water systems to conduct monitoring and reporting for perchlorate and to provide information about perchlorate to their consumers through public notification and consumer confidence reports. It includes a list of treatment technologies that would enable water systems to comply with the MCL, including affordable compliance technologies for small systems serving 10,000 persons or fewer.

The EPA is also considering and has sought public comments on instead setting the MCL and MCLG at 0.018 ppm or at 0.090 ppm.

Another alternative is to not regulate perchlorate in drinking water based on new information that perchlorate does not occur in public water systems with a frequency and at levels of public-health concern.

The Minnesota Department of Health tested some community water systems in the state under the first Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule in the early 2000s; it found no detections over 0.018 ppm. As a result, the department does not anticipate many, if any, MCL violations among public water systems in the state, even if a standard is adopted.”

You can view the whole newsletter and/or subscribe to The Waterline here.

New Impaired Waters List

December 2nd, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on New Impaired Waters List

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is required to publish a list of impaired waters in the state every two years. The draft 2020 list is available here and public comments will be accepted until January 20th, 2020. Public meetings have been scheduled, with one in St. Paul (520 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155) on December 19th, 2019 at 1 pm. The impaired waters can also be viewed with the impaired waters viewer (IWAV) interactive map. This year’s list includes 581 new impairments.

Anoka County water bodies listed in the 2020 impaired waters inventory include:

  • Coon Lake
  • Linwood Lake
  • Martin Lake
  • Sunrise River, West Branch
  • Typo Lake
  • Bald Eagle Lake
  • Baldwin Lake
  • Cedar Creek
  • Centerville Lake
  • Clearwater Creek
  • Coon Creek
  • County Ditch 17
  • Crooked Lake
  • Crooked Brook
  • East Moore Lake
  • East Twin Lake
  • Lake George
  • George Watch Lake
  • Golden Lake
  • Ham Lake
  • Mahoney Brook
  • Marshan Lake
  • Mississippi River
  • Otter Lake
  • Peltier Lake
  • Reshanau Lake
  • Rice Lake
  • Rice Creek
  • Rum River
  • Sand Creek
  • Sandy Lake
  • Seelye Brook
  • Silver Lake
  • Trott Brook

For more information on defining impaired waters, click here.

WDE Landfill Update – Drum Layer Removal Complete

November 25th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on WDE Landfill Update – Drum Layer Removal Complete

The WDE Landfill is a closed hazardous waste pit in Andover that is managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

For background information and the history of the WDE landfill, click here.

Site clean-up began this past summer of 2019. Below is the most recent update on the project from the MPCA:

“On October 10, 2019 the WDE Landfill reached a significant milestone when crews completed removal of the drum layer in the hazardous waste pit. The drum layer excavation is the most complex portion of the project and presented the highest risk. We are pleased this task was completed safely and without incident. The following was removed:

  • 1,425 empty or non-intact drums
  • 397 drums with recoverable contents
  • 225 cubic yards of empty drums
  • 4,270 tons of non-hazardous soil
  • 1,080 tons of hazardous waste soil

This project is on track to excavate the pit and fill with clean soil as well as remove the temporary enclosure by Thanksgiving. Final transport of the removed soils will likely continue through the end of the calendar year.”

For more information, click here to reach the project website.

Reminder: AIS Prevention Aid Program Stakeholder Meeting This Week

November 18th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Reminder: AIS Prevention Aid Program Stakeholder Meeting This Week

The Anoka County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) team will be leading a stakeholder meeting to discuss the AIS Prevention Aid Program. They will summarize this year’s activities and discuss what the program may look like moving forward. Please join them to share your constructive insights and comments.

The meeting will be held this Thursday, November 21st from 2-3:30 pm at the Bunker Hills Activities Center (Maple Room).

Agenda Items:

  1. Welcome and Summary of County AIS Program for 2019
  2. Review Draft for 2020 AIS Prevention Aid Guidelines
  3. Identify Gaps in the Guidelines and Explore Additional Needs and Ideas to Improve the AIS Prevention Aid Program
  4. Wrap-Up and Adjourn

Let Jessica Abarca (Anoka County Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator) know if you have any questions about the meeting or the program. She can be reached at Jessica.Abarca@co.anoka.mn.us or 763-324-3333.

Clean Drinking Water Poster Contest

November 15th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Clean Drinking Water Poster Contest

Calling all Minnesota students! Design a poster about how or why all Minnesotans should conserve and protect our drinking water – you will learn about drinking water and help be an advocate… you could even win a water bottle filling system for your school! Safe drinking water is everyone’s responsibility. It’s up to all of us to keep it clean and safe, now and for the future.

ENTRY DEADLINE: March 6th, 2020

First place winners in each grade category will receive an Elkay Water Bottle Filling System for their school/community and a $50 prize. Second and third place category winners will receive gift certificates. Winners will be announced on March 23, 2020.

Categories: Elementary (grades K-5), Middle school (grades 6-8), and High school (grades 9-12).

Click here for the Contest Rules – be sure to read them carefully to ensure you are eligible for the contest.

The Contest Website also has links to learn more about the issue to help you create an informative poster.

Waterline: Winter 2019-2020 Out Now

November 12th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Waterline: Winter 2019-2020 Out Now

The latest issue of Waterline, the official newsletter of the Drinking Water Protection Section of the Minnesota Department of Health, is now available online.

Click here to read the latest issue.

This issue has news about training and regulatory information, a feature story about innovative water plants in south-central Minnesota, and more.

You can find past issues of Waterline here.

You can also subscribe to get new issues of Waterline delivered right to your email inbox. There is a link on both of the webpages linked above to subscribe.

Lower Rum River WMO Plan Update – Resident Survey Open

November 5th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Lower Rum River WMO Plan Update – Resident Survey Open

If you live in Ramsey, Anoka, or the North/West part of Andover (see map below), you live in the Lower Rum River Watershed. The Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (WMO) is starting the update to their Water Management Plan and they want to hear from you!

Take a few minutes to thoughtfully answer a couple short questions at the link below:

Click here to go to the resident survey.

Your responses are appreciated! For more information, click here to visit their website.

Below is a close-up of the Lower Rum River Watershed:

Agenda for North & East Metro GWMA

November 4th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Agenda for North & East Metro GWMA

The next Advisory Team meeting for the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area will be this Friday, November 8th at the Vadnais Heights Commons (655 County Road F East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127) from 9 am – 12 noon. The meeting is open to the public.

Topics to be presented:

  • A presentation from Freshwater on a groundwater recharge project
  • An update on the 3M settlement workgroups and activities
  • An update on the Transient Groundwater Flow Model
  • A White Bear Lake Court Case update

There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and provide comments.

Click here for more information about the North and East Metro GWMA.

The North and East Metro GWMA includes the Anoka County cities of Columbia Heights, Hilltop, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Centerville, and Columbus.

Mississippi Watershed Survey

October 28th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Mississippi Watershed Survey

Do you live in the Mississippi Watershed? The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) wants to hear from you! The MWMO is beginning the process of updating its 10-year Watershed Management Plan and they need your input.

You can help the MWMO to better understand your concerns, priorities, and goals for the health of the watershed by answering just a few short questions.

Click this link to learn more and to take the survey!

New 4-H Environmental Clubs!

October 28th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on New 4-H Environmental Clubs!

Minnesota Greencorps member Alyssa Armstrong has initiated Environmental Clubs at 3 Anoka County locations: Rum River Library, Springbrook Nature Center, and Wargo Nature Center.

“E-Clubs focus on environmental education and provide hands-on learning experiences that will engage youth in environmental activities. This will both connect them to nature and give them tools to make meaningful impacts in their community and the world.”

Topics will be shaped by the club’s interest, but may include recycling and composting, hiking/snowshoeing, nature writing and photography.

The Rum River Library club meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday from 6-7:30 pm and one goal of this particular club is to create a rain garden in partnership with the Anoka Conservation District.

Contact Alyssa Armstrong or the meeting location you are interested in attending for more information!

Alyssa Armstrong, armst533@umn.edu, 763-324-3495

Rum River Library, 763-324-1520, 4201 6th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303

Springbrook Nature Center, 763-572-3588, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432

Wargo Nature Center, 763-324-3350, 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038

Lakeshore Stewardship Vital to Keeping Lakes Healthy

October 23rd, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Lakeshore Stewardship Vital to Keeping Lakes Healthy

Submitted by Emily Johnson, Anoka Conservation District

Lakes are the pride and joy of Minnesotans, but the loss of their native aquatic and near shore lake vegetation as a result of increased lakeshore development is a grave threat. Both shoreline and aquatic plants are critical in maintaining a clean and healthy lake. Their loss results in severe negative consequences.

When aquatic vegetation is removed from a lake, it causes a chain reaction, resulting in murky water and loss of critical habitat for waterfowl and native fishes. Zooplankton rely on aquatic plants for food and safety. Without the refuge provided by these plants, they become easy prey for fish and their numbers dwindle. As a result, the algae normally eaten by zooplankton flourish. Algae get an extra boost from nutrients in loose sediment stirred up from the bottom of the lake. Since there’s no more roots to stabilize this sediment, it can easily be stirred up by waves and wind, creating cloudy water conditions. Native walleye and bass are driven out by undesirable fish such as carp that thrive in these dirty water conditions.

Native plant removal from lakeshores can have an equally negative impact. Native shoreline vegetation acts as a buffer, filtering polluted runoff and trapping excess nutrients before they enter the lake. Their roots hold the soil in place and prevent erosion and property loss. In addition to these water quality benefits, native plant buffers provide critical habitat for pollinators and other native wildlife, deter nuisance wildlife such as geese, and create an attractive privacy screen while leaving plenty of room for water access from a dock or beach.

Retaining or replacing natural shoreline and aquatic vegetation is critical to a lake’s health. Lakeshore owners have the power to make a difference on their shore through proper lakeshore restoration and stewardship. Doing this will improve lake water quality, which has a direct impact on property value, recreation opportunities, fisheries, and more.

To learn how to install your own lakeshore restoration project, visit: dnr.state.mn.us/lakescaping

UPDATE on Upcoming Well and Septic Class

October 21st, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on UPDATE on Upcoming Well and Septic Class

Due to scheduling conflicts, the previously announced Well and Septic Class has been moved from Tuesday, March 10th to Thursday, March 12th. It has been updated on our original post and our calendar. Hope you can make it!

Referenced post: https://www.knowtheflow.us/2019/10/march-well-and-septic-maintenance-training/

March Well and Septic Maintenance Training

October 18th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on March Well and Septic Maintenance Training

Save the date! Another opportunity for a well and septic maintenance training is coming up in March 2020!

Do you own your own well? How about a septic system? Do you wish you had a better idea of how to take care of them? Then you should plan on attending this upcoming class! Attendees with be provided a maintenance manual to keep. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

In partnership with the City of Ramsey and the UMN Onsite Sewage Treatment Program, the Anoka Conservation District invites you to a free septic system and private well homeowner education class on Thursday, March 12th from 5 – 7 pm in the Ramsey City Hall’s Alexander Ramsey Room (7550 Sunwood Dr. NW, Ramsey, 55303). Space is limited, so reserve your seat early. Register online here!

Learn about:

  • Potential contaminants in your drinking water well
  • How and when to inspect and maintain your septic system
  • Impacts of faulty or damaged wells and septic systems

Please email Emily Johnson at Emily.Johnson@AnokaSWCD.org or call her at 763-434-2030 x17 with any questions.

Climate Change in Minnesota

October 17th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Climate Change in Minnesota

Have you noticed the more frequent and intense rainfalls we’ve had in Anoka County this year? Well that can be attributed to climate change.

Climate change is a widespread, complex scientific problem and area of research. Jaron Cook, with the Anoka Conservation District, recently published an article on their blog about the specific impacts climate change is having and will continue to have on Minnesota’s water resources.

“Minnesota is one of the states most impacted by climate change. Official precipitation and temperature data has been collected in Minnesota from 1895 through today, showing some striking statistics about our changing climate:

13% increase in the size of the heaviest annual rainfall

Since 2000, rains of more than 6″ are four times more frequent than the previous 30 years prior

65% increase in the number of 3″ rains

Average temperatures in Minnesota have warmed by 3˚F since 1895

Overall, Minnesota’s climate is warmer and wetter. “

30-Year Average Annual Precipitation GIF via MN DNR.

30-Year Average Annual Temperature GIF via MN DNR.

So, what are some examples of the impact that this extremely wet climate can have? We can think back to 2012 up in Duluth, MN.

“We witnessed the impact of elevated precipitation in 2012 when the most damaging flood in Duluth’s recorded history began when heavy rains fell over already saturated ground on June 19th and 20th. At the Duluth National Weather Service (NWS) the rainfall total for those two days was 7.24 inches. A NWS volunteer observer in Two Harbors recorded the storm’s largest value of 10.45 inches in 24 hours.

The aftermath included millions of dollars of insurance losses to repair roads, bridges, homes and businesses. Many homes foundations were damaged extensively and the houses were razed. One state highway (MN 23) was closed for 3 years while it was repaired. The City of Duluth has had to adapt their stormwater infrastructure to withstand events that 30 years ago were considered 500-year events, but now happen regularly. In June 2018, just southeast of Duluth, the area received up to 10″ of rain and once again damaged Highway 23.”

Duluth is pretty far north – what about Anoka County?

“Here in Anoka County, we’ve witnessed a similar story in 2019, with all of the monitored lakes, rivers, and streams in the County reaching historic water level averages for the year. This increase in precipitation only solidifies the need for comprehensive watershed management to make sure that our infrastructure and waterways can handle the increased erosion and flow produced by this additional rain.”

What are people doing about this? Well, climate change is a global problem and people around the world are taking action! Check out this site from the United Nations. You can always express your concern to your local legislators as well.

The image included with this post is a flooded farm near Cologne, MN and belongs to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

More information: MPCA’s Climate Change in Minnesota; MN DNR Climate Data.

Check out Jaron’s original article here.

Upcoming Meeting Regarding Aquatic Invasive Species

October 16th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Upcoming Meeting Regarding Aquatic Invasive Species

The Anoka County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) team will be leading a stakeholder meeting to discuss the AIS Prevention Aid Program. They will summarize this year’s activities and discuss what the program may look like moving forward. Please join them to share your constructive insights and comments.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 21st from 2-3:30 pm at the Bunker Hills Activities Center (Maple Room).

Agenda Items:

  1. Welcome and Summary of County AIS Program for 2019
  2. Review Draft for 2020 AIS Prevention Aid Guidelines
  3. Identify Gaps in the Guidelines and Explore Additional Needs and Ideas to Improve the AIS Prevention Aid Program
  4. Wrap-Up and Adjourn

Let Jessica Abarca (Anoka County Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator) know if you have any questions about the meeting or the program. She can be reached at Jessica.Abarca@co.anoka.mn.us or 763-324-3333.

ICYMI: Update on Manganese Levels in Ramsey Municipal Water Supply

October 16th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on ICYMI: Update on Manganese Levels in Ramsey Municipal Water Supply

In case you missed it, the City of Ramsey shared an update on manganese levels in the municipal water supply in the September/October 2019 issue of the City of Ramsey’s Resident newsletter.

“The City of Ramsey Utilities Department has been collecting and testing 15 water samples each month for manganese concentrations. To date, all samples have fallen below the 100 parts per billion (ppb) set by the Minnesota Department of Health for bottle-fed infants 12 months or younger. This info may be viewed at www.cityoframsey.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=180. The City continues to utilize only City wells with the lowest concentration of manganese. Timely rains have helped lower daily demands for water and our odd/even sprinkling ban also contributes to lower demand. If you have any questions about manganese levels or our municipal water supply, please contact our Utilities Supervisor John Nelson 763-433-9861. “

The newsletter can be accessed here, with this article on page 11.

St. Cloud Phosphorous Recovery

October 15th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on St. Cloud Phosphorous Recovery

Check out this cool video the City of St. Cloud recently produced to illustrate the process of recovering phosphorous from their wastewater!

“In 2017, the Clean Water Fund provided partial support to the City of St. Cloud through the Public Facilities Authority’s Point Source Implementation Grant (PSIG) program. The grant supported upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant to meet more stringent standards for discharge into the Mississippi River. These upgrades also included technology to remove phosphorus from the wastewater and create a fertilizer product.”

St. Cloud may seem far away, but the Mighty Mississippi connects us, and this project benefits the entire watershed! You can learn more here.

EPA Risk Assessment & Emergency Response Planning

October 15th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on EPA Risk Assessment & Emergency Response Planning

Calling all community water systems – do you have questions about the ERP (Emergency Response Plan) required by the EPA?

There is a free training coming up on October 29th, 2019. The training will be held in Chicago, but you can attend via webinar. You must register by October 22nd, 2019.

” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be holding a training session Tuesday, October 29 to provide drinking water utilities with detailed information on America’s Water Infrastructure Act, Sections 2013 and 2018. The training will cover the new risk assessment and emergency response plan requirements. Participants will learn how to use the updated Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool to conduct the risk assessment and the new Emergency Response Plan Guidance and Template to develop and/or update an emergency response plan. They will also be informed on the final certification process as well as new emergency spill notification requirements and chemical inventory data availability. All water system managers and key personnel representing water systems with populations greater than 3,300 are strongly encouraged to register for this important training event. “

See this EPA flier for more information, as well has this template and guide for completing your assessment and plan.

Image belongs to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

No longer ‘out of sight, out of mind’: Making Groundwater Science Visible to Citizens and Clients

October 11th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on No longer ‘out of sight, out of mind’: Making Groundwater Science Visible to Citizens and Clients

“No longer ‘out of sight, out of mind’: Making Groundwater Science Visible to Citizens and Clients” is the theme of the 2019 Minnesota Ground Water Association Fall Conference.

Description: “As the complexities of managing and legislating groundwater access, quality and use in Minnesota grow, the need to effectively communicate groundwater science has never been greater. Presentations at this meeting will showcase approaches to effective communication of groundwater science to the general public, as well as ways to effectively communicate research results with fellow professionals and clients – including ‘how do we communicate uncertainty?’ Effective management of groundwater also requires communication with legislators and legal professionals – we will hear about what legislators want to know, as well as the challenges of being an expert witness in groundwater science.”

Details can be found here.

Exhibitor opportunities available.

Image belongs to MGWA.

Fire Prevention Week 2019

October 8th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Fire Prevention Week 2019

This week (October 6th – 12th, 2019) is Fire Prevention Week – is your household prepared?

Did you know that you only have about 1-2 minutes to evacuate your home after the alarm sounds? The timeline in a fire moves much more quickly than you might think – click here for a descriptive explanation of the timeline.

For this reason it is crucial that your household is prepared for a possible fire. There are many resources available to help you create and practice a plan, including at the end of the previously mentioned timeline. The National Fire Prevention Association also has a worksheet you can use, along with a lighthearted video to help you out.

Safety.com has even more helpful tips and information to help keep you safe.

Image courtesy of Safety.com.

Lakeshore Restoration/Management Video

October 5th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Lakeshore Restoration/Management Video

Are you a part of a lake association?

Are you interested in learning more about lakeshore restoration and management?

An animated, informative video (similar to the groundwater one recently published) on lakeshore restoration and management is in the works! The video will help explain the benefits of a restored shoreline, go over the various potential restoration techniques, and explain the next steps for those who want a restored lakeshore.

The Anoka County Water Resources Outreach Collaborative is developing the content for the video and is still looking for any lake associations that would like to collaborate with a financial contribution. This is a great way to celebrate 50 Years of Shoreland Management in Anoka County!

The Anoka Conservation District will also be matching any amount your lake association contributes! So, a $100 contribution becomes $200!

If you are at all interested – amount helps – or have any questions, please contact Emily Johnson with the Anoka Conservation Department by phone or email: emily.johnson@anokaswcd.org; 763-434-2030 ext. 17.

Saving Our Groundwater

October 5th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Saving Our Groundwater

Recently, the Anoka County Water Resources Collaborative (WROC) published an animated, informative video on groundwater called “Our Groundwater Connection”.

Staff from the Anoka Conservation District, MN Green Corps, and Anoka County Environmental Services were interviewed about the video by QCTV. We answered questions related to the video, as well as groundwater in general.

Check out the interview here!

The video is included in the interview segment, but the animated video by itself can be found here.

Please help us spread this video and join us in working to protect our precious water resources for generations to come!

Save the date! Well and Septic Maintenance Training This Spring

October 4th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Save the date! Well and Septic Maintenance Training This Spring

We are excited to announce that the Anoka County Water Resource Outreach Collaborative has scheduled another Well and Septic Maintenance Training!

The training is through the University of Minnesota’s Onsite Sewage Treatment Program and will be held in Ramsey, MN on March 10th, 2020.

A flyer and registration link will be developed in the near future, so stay tuned for updates!

Upcoming Smart Salting for Roads – Level 1 Class

October 4th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Upcoming Smart Salting for Roads – Level 1 Class

Do any of the following describe you?

  • State, city, and county road maintenance staff
  • Contractors or private maintenance company
  • Staff or volunteer who manages snow and ice at a facility
  • Property manager
  • Distributors of anti-icing/de-icing products
  • An association who hires contractors

If so, this FREE upcoming smart salting training may be for you! Learn practical winter maintenance while saving money and time and minimizing impacts on the environment. Plus, there will be FREE coffee and breakfast!

The Smart Salting Level 1 Roads Certification Training on Wednesday, October 9th from 7:30 am to noon will help you learn how to integrate science with practical winter maintenance through presentations and class exercises. The practices you learn will help you save money, time, and the environment. You will be given a manual to keep as a reference.

What exactly will be covered in the class?

  • Application rates of materials (e.g. salt)
  • How to calibrate equipment
  • Weather conditions
  • Storing your materials
  • New maintenance methods
  • De-icing and anti-icing
  • Environmental effects
  • And more!

You can also GET CERTIFIED! An optional test is offered at the end of the workshop to earn a certification from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

Why is this training needed??

The salt applied to parking lots, sidewalks, and roads each year can have detrimental impacts to local waterways, plants, and wildlife. When snow and ice melts, salt runs into lakes and rivers, polluting water and harming aquatic life. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) estimates that 365,000 tons of road salt are used annually in the Twin Cities, and a single teaspoon of this salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water. At the same time, salt application is an important part of keeping Minnesotans safe in the winter, and correct application of de-icers and anti-icers can make the difference between a treacherous path and a safe walkway.

The class will be held at the Blaine Public Works Facility (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449). Please register here.

Questions? Contact Emily Johnson (emily.johnson@anokaswcd.org, 763-434-2030 x17)

Funding for this workshop is provided by MPCA through a grant from US EPA, Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Fund. The course and materials were originally developed for the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization by Fortin Consulting, Inc. Content was created and reviewed through extensive collaboration with local experts.

Climate Week 2019

September 23rd, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Climate Week 2019

Climate week is September 23rd through 28th this year, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is one of many entities nationwide taking action this week! Check out this article from their news release earlier today.

Climate change and our water resources are intimately connected, so it is important for us to be aware of the impacts of climate change to protect these valuable resources. What will you do this week in recognition of climate week?

Upcoming Conversation on Drinking Water Protection with Environmental Initiative

September 10th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Upcoming Conversation on Drinking Water Protection with Environmental Initiative

Environmental Initiative, “a non-profit that helps develop partnerships and collaborative solutions to Minnesota’s environmental challenges” is hosting conversations around the state in regard to drinking water protection, in hopes of developing a statewide collaborative effort to protect drinking water at its source.

There will be a conversation for the NW metro on Thursday, September 26th from 5:30-8 pm at the Coon Rapids Civic Center (11155 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55433) in the Riverwind 2 room. Dinner will be provided from 5:30-6 pm, so please RSVP here or contact Erin Niehoff at eniehoff@en-in.org.

“The aim of the these conversations is to hear about community successes, challenges, and needs surrounding drinking water protection. The conversation will cover topics related to drinking water and land uses, such as landfills, storage tanks, septic systems, storm water runoff from road and land surfaces, agriculture, mining, forestry, industry and more… The conversation will also guide what the collaborative might look like, what it could accomplish, and who might be involved.” 

Learn more about Environmental Initiative here.

Image belongs to Environmental Initiative.

Upcoming Smart Salting Trainings

September 9th, 2019 knowtheflow Comments Off on Upcoming Smart Salting Trainings

Whether we like it or not, winter is coming! There are several Smart Salting Certification Trainings coming up in September. For more information on any of these events, head over to the Events page and click on the training you want to learn more about or register for.

September 11th – Smart Salting for Parking Lots and Sidewalks Training

  • Host: Rice Creek Watershed District
  • Location: Blaine City Hall
  • Cost: Free

September 19th – Smart Salting for Parking Lots and Sidewalks Training

  • Host: Coon Creek Watershed District
  • Location: Springbrook Nature Center
  • Cost: $10 – includes a free pavement sensor!

September 26th – Smart Salting for Property Managers Training (NEW!)

  • Host: Rice Creek Watershed District
  • Location: St. Anthony Village City Hall
  • Cost: Free

September 27th – Smart Salting for Property Managers Training (NEW!)

  • Host: Anoka Conservation District and Coon Creek Watershed District
  • Location: SBM Fire Station 3 (11920 Ulysses St NE, Blaine)
  • Cost: $5

Well Water Testing Pledge

March 7th, 2024 Wagner Michael Comments Off on Well Water Testing Pledge
In a survey of over 1,700 well owners, 67% believed their well water was safe without any evidence to support it. You can protect your health (and your family’s) by getting your well water tested. The Private Well Class, in conjunction with 2024 National Groundwater Awareness Week, held March 10-16, 2024, is excited to announce the 9th annual Pledge to Test Campaign!

This year, we are partnering again with TAP SCORE to offer one free “essential” water test for well owners who pledge to test through our campaign. 

Additionally, everyone who pledges to test their well water this year will receive $10 off any well water test kit from TAP SCORE. Well owners are invited to pledge to test their water by 11:59 p.m. CDT March 16, 2024. We want to remind everyone that you are agreeing to test your well water before April 30, 2024, whether you win the free testing or not. One Pledge to Test Campaign participants will be randomly selected to be receive a free “essential” well test from TAP SCORE.

2018’s Pledge to Test winner, Chad H. from Washington says, “I was concerned about family health and safety. I grew up on farms in the Midwest and had well water. With all the chemicals used on the farm ground, testing was something that was done, but not routinely, due to access to sample testing locations.”

Click here to pledge to test your well water by March 16.

Bonus entry: For an extra entry in the Pledge to Test campaign, email us a photo of your private well to: info@privatewellclass.org

The Private Well Class Team
Copyright © 2024 PrivateWellClass.org, All rights reserved.

Well Water Wise (3W) Week | May 1-5, 2023

April 7th, 2023 Wagner Michael Comments Off on Well Water Wise (3W) Week | May 1-5, 2023
The Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services (PHES) Department, in cooperation with 15 municipalities and county agencies, is sponsoring the 21st annual Well Water Wise (3W) week promotion May 1-5, 2023 to encourage residents to check the safety of their private well water. For information on private well testing go to the Anoka County Environmental Services Well Water Testing webpage or call 763-324-4260. County residents may pick up a well water test kit at participating city and township offices (listed below) or from Environmental Services, Suite 600 of the Anoka County Government Center, 2100 3rd Avenue in Anoka. Samples are collected by the residents and then dropped off at the Environmental Services desk in Anoka County Government Center. Water samples can be submitted to the county’s Environmental Services Unit for analysis every Monday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon. However we will be accepting submissions every day of the week for Well Water Wise Week!

DURING 3W WEEK, samples can be submitted Monday through Thursday (8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.) and Friday (before 11:30 AM). The well water testing kit includes details about water collection and submission. A laboratory fee of $35.00 will be charged for coliform bacteria and nitrate-nitrogen analysis.

Unlike public water utilities, private well water is not treated with chlorine to prevent bacteria growth. Simply looking at the appearance of drinking water is not a reliable indicator of whether it is safe to drink. An annual coliform bacteria test is a good way to ensure that your drinking water continues to be free of bacteria. Nitrate-nitrogen occurs naturally in groundwater and wells at concentrations below one milligram per liter (mg/L). Nitrogen can seep into private wells from a variety of sources including septic systems, nitrogen fertilizers, animal feedlots, and landfills. The Minnesota Department of Health has established a Health Risk Limit (HRL) for nitrate-nitrogen at 10 mg/L. Levels above that point may pose an immediate risk to infants and pregnant women. The testing of private wells used for drinking water is the responsibility of individual owners. There are an estimated 25,000 private wells in service throughout Anoka County. Only a small percentage of them are tested annually. For more information about well water testing, call the Environmental Services Unit at 763-324-4260. Pick up a well water testing kit at participating agencies during their standard business hours:
  • Anoka County Government Center Environmental Services Desk (2100 3rd Ave. Suite 600 in Anoka) 
  • City of Andover, City Hall (1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW)
  • City of Bethel, City Hall (23820 Dewey Street)
  • City of Blaine, City Hall (10801 Town Square Drive)
  • City of Centerville, City Hall (1880 Main Street)
  • City of Columbus, City Hall (16319 Kettle River Blvd. NE)
  • City of East Bethel, City Hall (2241 221st Avenue NE)
  • City of Ham Lake, City Hall (15544 Central Avenue NE)
  • City of Lino Lakes, City Hall (600 Town Center Parkway)
  • Township of Linwood, Township Hall (22817 Typo Creek Drive NE)
  • City of Nowthen, City Hall (8188 199th Ave. NW)
  • City of Oak Grove, City Hall (19900 Nightingale St. NW)
  • City of Ramsey, City Hall (7550 Sunwood Drive NW)
  • City of St. Francis, City Hall (23340 Cree St NW)

Blaine Well Pumping May Impact Ham Lake Private Wells

September 1st, 2022 Wagner Michael Comments Off on Blaine Well Pumping May Impact Ham Lake Private Wells

New Situation

The City of Blaine finished their fourth water treatment plant at the end of 2021. They have four new wells providing water to this plant. This is the first summer that it is fully operational.

As anticipated in the Blaine Well Interference Plan, the heavy pumping during this summer’s drought is causing nearby private well owners to have issues with their water supply.

We know from well drillers, this is also impacting some residents with private wells in Ham Lake.


Blaine’s Response

Blaine is prepared to pay for private wells to be repaired or replaced, even if they are outside the city limits (this area borders on Ham Lake).

Last week Blaine city staff sent postcards to all Blaine residents in the area explaining the procedures. We don’t know if or how they will be contacting Ham Lake residents with private wells.

Blaine has said: The modeling figures 1 and 2 are what the City of Blaine will be basing the decisions on how to respond to complaints.

If the drawdown in a complainant’s well matches or is close to the model, the homeowner will be reimbursed by the City of Blaine once they provide a paid invoice or receipt.

If the drawdown is significantly different than the model, the City will direct them to use the DNR Well Interference Process.

Important Information for Ham Lake and Blaine Residents

If your property is located south of Bunker Lake Boulevard you can contact the City of Blaine to see if you are eligible for reimbursement from the City of Blaine or if you will be directed to file with the DNR well interference program.

The primary contact for the Blaine Well Reimbursement program is Stefan Higgins at 763-717-2722 or shiggins@blainemn.gov.

According to Stefan: The homeowner can pay the well driller, then submit the paid invoice to the City for reimbursement.

If your property is located north of Bunker Lake Boulevard you need to file with the DNR well interference program (call the number below).

If you, or someone you know, have experienced private well water supply issues recently and would like to be considered for reimbursement for repairs, fill out the DNR Water Well Information and Complaint Form. The forms may be printed, completed and then mailed or emailed back to the DNR.

We encourage all residents of Blaine and Ham Lake to conserve water as much as possible, especially by reducing or temporarily stopping lawn watering.

For additional water conservation ideas, visit the DNR Water Conservation webpage.

IMPORTANT: If a new well is drilled, the old well should not be sealed until the investigation is complete. DNR will not be able to investigate if a well is sealed.

Carmelita Nelson

Water Conservation Consultant
Ecological & Water Resources


Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Phone: 651-259-5034 • www.mndnr.gov
Email: Carmelita.nelson@state.mn.us

New Grant Opportunity

August 23rd, 2022 Wagner Michael Comments Off on New Grant Opportunity

Minnesota Department of Health

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has a new grant opportunity that will be available on September 1, 2022 to all community and nontransient noncommunity public water supply systems who have a Source Water Protection Plan. Source water protection plans are either, 1) wellhead protection plans that have been approved by MDH under requirements of Minnesota Rules Parts 4720. 5100 to 4720.5590, or 2) MDH approved wellhead protection action plans, or 3) surface water intake protection plans that have been endorsed by MDH.

The purpose of this funding is to help public water suppliers implement source water protection measures included in their MDH approved or endorsed plan.

These grants do not require a cost share. The minimum grant amount is $1,000 and the maximum grant amount is $10,000.

Deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. September 30, 2022. To download an application form and to review more detailed information about this grant program, please go to our website:

Plan Implementation Grant

Fall/Winter 2022 Well Water Testing

August 23rd, 2022 Wagner Michael Comments Off on Fall/Winter 2022 Well Water Testing

The Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services Department helps Anoka County residents protect their drinking water. One way to assure safe, quality drinking water is by having it tested. It is recommended to test for bacteria and nitrate on an annual basis.

Anoka County Environmental Services has expanded the well water testing program’s capacity by increasing the collection hours and offering more analyses. On September 12, 2022 our collection dates will be every Monday (9:00am -4:00pm) and Tuesday (9:00am -11:30am) excluding holidays. Additionally, we will now accept tests for the following contaminants:

▪ Sanitary Analysis (Bacteria and Nitrates)
▪ Arsenic
▪ Chloride
▪ Copper
▪ Fluoride
▪ Total hardness
▪ Iron & Iron bacteria
▪ Lead
▪ Manganese
▪ Mercury
▪ Conductivity
▪ Sulfate
▪ Phosphorus

The 6th floor of the Anoka County Government Center is now accessible to the public. Please come up the elevator to floor 6 and enter the lobby to the left of the elevators at your appointment time.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

  1. Sample kits (sample collection bottle and blue (for sanitary analysis) or yellow (for metals) sampling sheets with collection instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. See below for test kit pick-up locations.
  2. A drop-off appointment can be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
  3. Although payment over the phone and a scheduled appointment is appreciated; We will now also be accepting drop-offs and payment without calling ahead during the collection dates and times.
  4. Social distancing guidelines and rules of the drop-off area must be respected.
  5. Samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) must be collected as close to the drop-off time as possible to avoid exceeding the holding time of the sample, which can result in inaccurate results.
  6. Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Michael Wagner at (763) 324-4207.

Water test kits for metals analysis are currently available at the 6th floor of Anoka County Government Center in the Public Health and Environmental Services Office (2100 3rd Ave, Suite 600 Anoka MN, 55303

Water test kits for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) are currently available at the following locations:

  • Andover City Hall
  • Bethel City Hall (23860 Dewey St NW)
  • Blaine City Hall
  • Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
  • Centerville City Hall
  • Columbus City Hall
  • East Bethel City Hall
  • Ham Lake City Hall
  • Lino Lakes City Hall
  • Linwood Township Hall
  • Nowthen City Hall
  • Oak Grove City Hall
  • Ramsey City Hall
  • St. Francis City Hall

This information is also available on the official Anoka County website (www.anokacounty.us/water).

MPCA Updates

March 24th, 2022 knowtheflow Comments Off on MPCA Updates

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has released a variety of newsletters, reports, and plans so far this month. We’ll highlight just some of this important information – be sure to subscribe to any updates you are interested in from the MPCA by clicking here.

This post will include the Waterfront Bulletin, the Brownfield Program 2021 Annual Report, the On Point Newsletter, and the release of the Final PFAS Monitoring Plan. Additionally, Industrial Stormwater Multi-Sector General General Permit Holders were reminded today that the Annual Report service is now available in e-Services. Didn’t get the memo? Click here to read the notification from MPCA.

Waterfront Bulletin

On March 8th, the MPCA released the March 2022 edition of their Waterfront Bulletin. This newsletter “is a semi-annual e-newsletter featuring timely updates on impaired waters, watershed project funding, and activities related to water restoration and protection throughout Minnesota.” There are many interesting and important topics discussed in the latest edition, but notably, it links to the MPCA’s proposed impaired waters list for 2022. In this list, 305 streams and lakes were added from the previous listing.

Click here to read the March 2022 bulletin. Below are the articles included in this issue of the newsletter:

  • Climate impacts on lakes
  • 305 streams/lakes added to impaired list
  • Red Basin Phosphorous reduction plan bringing together regulated, unregulated sources
  • MPCA, cities seek support for helping communities prepare for extreme weather events
  • We Are Water exhibit moving to Winona
  • GreenCorps training helps balance salt use, water quality in Twin Cities
  • Former MPCA manager Ziegler recognized for work in Red River Basin
  • Status of TMDL studies/WRAPS reports

Brownfield Program 2021 Annual Report

The MPCA Brownfield Program 2021 Annual Report became available on March 9th. From the report, “a ‘brownfield’ is any property that is abandoned or under-used due to the known or likely presence of contamination” and are located all across the state. Aligning with MPCA’s mission to “protect and improve the environment and enhance public health”, the Brownfield Program provides technical and other assistance to “promote the investigation, cleanup, and redevelopment of property that is contaminated with petroleum and/or hazardous substances”.

This report highlights new brownfield applications across the state and case studies. Additionally, in the 2021 report, their are special features regarding Brownfields and PFAS and Brownfields and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Click here to read the 17-page report. There are many helpful images and graphics throughout the report, along with some announcements and reminders.

On Point Newsletter

On March 14th, the latest edition of the On Point newsletter was sent out and published online. On Point consists of news and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders. The primary focus in this edition of the newsletter is cybersecurity.

Read the full newsletter here. The following are the articles included in the March 2022 edition:

  • Increased threat of cyber attacks calls for increased vigilance, security awareness/actions
  • 2022 wastewater conferences will be virtual; enrollment open now
  • We heard you: Quarterly municipal wastewater webinars will begin April 1
  • Spring is in the air (so is preparing for flooding)
  • Funding available for renewable energy at wastewater treatment facilities
  • New search tool shows facility proximity to special, impaired waters
  • MPCA recognizes 272 facilities for outstanding operations, maintenance
  • Free EPA virtual “water specific” ICS/NIMS training available March 29
  • U of M offering two self-paced online Industrial Stormwater courses
  • Compliance tip: Composite sampler

Final PFAS Monitoring Plan Released

We have previously posted about the MPCA’s draft PFAS Monitoring Plan, but the final plan is now available on the MPCA website. From the news release, “the plan includes more than 300 facilities, ranging from regional airports, manufacturing and industrial facilities, operating landfills and local municipal wastewater treatment plants… (these facilities) are identified for monitoring to better understand whether PFAS is being or has been released into surface water, groundwater, and air”.

In addition to the plan, you can find a factsheet on how input from various audiences led to changes to the plan, as well as some FAQs, on the PFAS Monitoring Plan webpage. The MPCA thanks all who provided their important input throughout the process of establishing and drafting this plan!

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