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.

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