When the summer sun shines and temperatures climb, conditions are ripe for ponds and lakes to produce harmful algal blooms (HAB). Most algae are harmless, but under the right conditions, certain types of algae can pose health risks. People and animals may become sick if they come into contact with or ingest affected water. In […]
Archive for the ‘Announcements’ Category
Community water quality reports are available


Annual Water Report. Each year, community water suppliers prepare a report on the results of water quality tests of their water system in the previous year. The 2017 water quality reports summarize testing results for Jan 1 to December 31. The reports describe where the drinking water comes from and what’s in it. Groundwater, from wells, is […]
Floodplain maps go digital in Anoka County


No one can be certain where and when the next flood will happen. Floods can be devastating for Anoka County communities, homeowners and businesses. Determining and mapping the flood vulnerable areas is an important step in locating buildings, utilities, roads and flood controls to protect lives and property. Anoka County communities have teamed with state […]
Sprinkling restrictions are in effect


The average person uses 80 to 100 (90) gallons of water per day (USGS data). For Anoka County that adds up to 30.8 million gallons a day or over 11 billion gallons per year. The trick is to use water wisely so that our combined water demand doesn’t exceed our local water resources supply. During the summer months […]

Fish consumption guidelines


Anoka County is in the heart of the land of 10,000 lakes and some excellent fishing. But how much do you know about the fish? Most fish in Minnesota are safe to eat. All the fish in Anoka County lakes and rivers are safe to eat. But, too much fish may not be healthy. The Minnesota […]

Well water wise (3W) week (May 7-11, 2018)


The Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services (CHES) Department, in cooperation with 15 municipalities and county agencies, is sponsoring the 19th annual Well Water Wise (3W) week promotion May 7-11, 2018 to encourage residents to check the safety of their private well water. For information on private well testing go to the Anoka County […]
Circle Pines wellhead protection plan nears completion


A Public Information Meeting was held by the Centennial Utilities Board of Commissioners at Circle Pines City Hall (Wednesday, April 18, 2018) where the updated Part 2 of the Circle Pines Wellhead Protection Plan was presented for public review and discussion. Circle Pines is amending its Wellhead Protection Plan for its drinking water supply wells. The Minnesota […]

Safe drinking water through wellhead protection


Anoka County residents get their drinking water from either public (municipal) supply wells or private (home) wells. The exception is Columbia Heights and Hilltop communities that get their drinking water from the Mississippi River, supplied by the Minneapolis Water Works. Municipal public water suppliers in Anoka County have established a unique partnership to protect the source […]

Anoka Conservation District – Update


The Anoka Conservation District (ACD) provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners to manage natural resources in a way that conserves and improves soil and water resources. When established in 1946, ACD largely worked with agricultural producers but has since evolved to serve the changing demographics of the county. With very little agriculture remaining, ACD […]
Sign up for the Natural Resources Field Trip


Anoka County Extension Service invites all 4th & 5th grade classrooms to attend the Natural Resources Field Trip. FIELD TRIP OBJECTIVES Provides a fun environmental experience in a natural, outdoor setting. Includes information about Minnesota habitat and wildlife at different stations out in nature. Educational topics may include: birds, honey bees, animals, plants, trees, recycling, […]