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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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