It’s the law: unused wells must be sealed. During this construction and demolition season, the Anoka County Municipal Wellhead Protection Group asks residents, property owners and developers to be on the lookout for old unsealed wells as you dig, demolish and develop. It is estimated that there are over 20,000 unused wells in Anoka County. […]
Archive for the ‘City of Blaine’ Category
Well Water Wise week (May 5-9, 2014)
Private (home and cabin) well owners must perform an annual test to ensure that their water supply remains safe to drink. The Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services Department, in cooperation with 13 communities, is sponsoring the 15th annual Well Water Wise Week (3W). Anoka County’s 3W promotion coincides with National Drinking Water Week in […]
Anoka County law enforcement provides a safe way to dispose of drugs and protect water resources
Don’t flush prescription drugs (or other dangerous chemicals) down the drain. Prescription drugs have the potential to pollute local water resources (groundwater and the Mississippi River) – the source of our drinking water. Proper disposal will not only keep dangerous drugs from being abused but also prevent harm to water and wildlife (e.g. fish and ducks). Safely […]
Plan ahead to celebrate Arbor Day
Each year, on the last Friday of April, and throughout the month of May, Minnesotans recognize the value of trees, forests and the natural resources they represent. Trees brighten the environment by moderating climate, improving air and water quality, conserving water and energy, and sheltering wildlife. Many community Arbor Day/Month events include tree sales that require […]
Groundwater Area includes Columbia Heights and Hilltop
Anoka County residents and businesses get their water from wells that draw from groundwater aquifers located directly below us. As Anoka County grows, so does our need for water. Is there enough groundwater? On January 2, 2014 the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had established the North & East Metro Pilot Groundwater Management Area “working […]
The Safe Drinking Water Act is turning 40 years old
On December 16, 1974, President Gerald Ford signed into law the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public. The SDWA applies to all public water supply systems including municipal water utilities and wells that serve mobile home parks, schools, churches and office buildings. A home or cabin well system […]
Water protection and management in your community
Anoka County communities have established water resource management programs with their watershed management organization or a watershed district. The City’s surface water management programs deal with broad land runoff (“nonpoint” source) and specific wastewater (“point” source) pollution. Point source pollution includes the discharge of treated wastewater effluent through a pipe. Nonpoint sources of pollution result from […]
Looking for water information?
The Anoka Conservation District and the seven (7) watershed management organizations are a terrific source of water information and protection activities in Anoka County. The Anoka Conservation District (ACD) is a non-regulatory county level subdivision of state government. ACD provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners to manage natural resources in a way that conserves […]
Drinking water protection map now includes the Mississippi River
UPDATE (1/13/2014) A chemical spill that polluted a Charleston, West Virginia river last week is an example of the importance in managing potential pollutants that can contaminate a drinking water supply. Minneapolis and St. Paul regional water systems get their water from the Mississippi River. For information on preventing pollution of the Mississippi River and protecting […]
N & E Metro Groundwater Management Area includes Anoka County
(UPDATE 12/18/2013) A list of the Ten Cities That Could Run Out of Water – Growing Populations, Stressed Water Supplies (The Weather Channel) indicates that water resource management and supply issues are found across the nation. “Securing access to plentiful, renewable sources of fresh water is among the biggest struggles large cities around the world face. Growing […]