Fix-A-Leak Week (March 20-26, 2017)

March 17th, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Fix-A-Leak Week (March 20-26, 2017)

Get into Fix-A-Leak Week. Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, so each year we hunt down the drips during Fix a Leak Week. But remember that you can check your plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems, fix the leaks, and save valuable water and money all year long.

Water efficiency is the smart use of our water resources through water-saving technologies and simple steps we can all take around the house. Using water efficiently will help ensure reliable water supplies today and for future generations.

“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water” (Benjamin Franklin).

From family fun runs to leak detection contests to WaterSense demonstrations, Fix a Leak Week events happen from coast to coast and are all geared to teach you how to find and fix household leaks.

Order your rain barrel & compost bin to recycle rainwater and reduce waste

March 15th, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Order your rain barrel & compost bin to recycle rainwater and reduce waste

Have you noticed a river of rainwater run down your driveway into the gutter, ditch, or storm sewer? Collecting rain-soft roof runoff in a barrel is a good way to reuse/conserve high quality water. Rain barrels have been around for thousands of years, but today people are re-discovering that they also protect our local water while saving money on water bills and having a ready source of natural rainwater to nurture plants and gardens (instead of hard groundwater from wells, chlorine from treated public water or sodium salt-softener water).

The Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) is holding a series of events to distribute rain barrels and compost bins. Pre-order a rain barrel, compost bin, or both on the RAM website and then pick up your order at the event of your choice. Some local distribution events include:

  • Sat. 9am-2pm on April 22nd at the Green Expo at National Sports Center [order]*
  • Fri. 8am-5pm on April 28th at City of Hugo Public Works [order]
  • Sat. 8am-Noon on April 29th at City of Anoka Public Works [order]*

*Anoka County residents are eligible for $20 reduction in the cost of the compost bin at the Green Expo and City of Anoka Public Works events.

For more information, please contact Beth at 651-641-4589 or email: ram@recycleminnesota.org.

EDUCATORS: consider installing a rain barrel at your school as a practical tool to demonstrate the sustainable use of water resources outside the classroom window. Contact your local watershed management organization or the Anoka Conservation District to learn about education grants that may be available.

Most important community health issue: water

March 11th, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Most important community health issue: water

The Anoka County Community Health Board has determined that water quality and sustainable drinking water is a most important community health issue. Addressing water involves the participation of community leaders, organizations, residents and businesses.

Residents need safe drinking water. Businesses need an adequate and sustained supply of good quality water. Communities need natural resources that are managed well. The source of Anoka County’s drinking water is found within its communities through the use of public and private water wells (ground water).  *The exception is Columbia Heights and Hilltop that are supplied by  the Mississippi River.

Over the past five years, Minnesota statutes, rules and programs have been modified to address water resources. The focus has been to ensure that the use of groundwater is sustainable and does not impact aquifer levels, surface water features (lakes, streams and wetlands) or water quality. Water issues are often local issues that call for community-based solutions.

Middle and northern Anoka County communities have an impressive amount of land available for growth and development. Water use – to supply growing demand – must be balanced to ensure that natural features (lakes, streams and wetlands) are not harmed.  And the amount of water used must not impact water resources needed to supply future generations. However, the amount and availability of groundwater is not as well understood as the land over it.

N&E Metro GWMA (Mar. 5, 2014)

North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area

Southern and southeastern Anoka County communities are fully, or near fully, developed. Water use (demand) is not expected to change significantly. However the amount of water used has become a concern for the sustainability of local water features. These communities have been included in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area to find solutions to declining lake and groundwater levels.

The Anoka County Water Task Force brings together residents and businesses with representatives of local agencies and organizations to determine the most important water issues within Anoka County communities. The Task Force advises the Anoka County Human Services Committee and communities for the benefit and health of our residents, our economic vitality, and our natural resources that we depend on for sustainable and safe drinking water. The Know The Flow website (www.KnowTheFlow.us) provides information about opportunities to keep our local water resources safe to drink and sustainable for the next generation.

How well is your drinking water?

March 3rd, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on How well is your drinking water?

Nearly everyone in Anoka County depends on groundwater. Private well owners must take measures to regularly test their drinking water. Municipal water users must cooperate to protect the source of the community’s water from pollution. That includes protecting the groundwater that is drawn into private (home) and public (municipal) supply wells.

National Groundwater Awareness Week (March 5-11) brings attention to the important role that groundwater plays in the health and wellbeing of people. Anoka County Environmental Services and the Minnesota Department of Health recommend all home and cabin well owners follow the “three C’s” of well maintenance :

Cap – ensure the well cap is securely attached and not broken or missing, and the connections through the cap are watertight.

Casing – check the well pipe for cracks or corrosion damage. The casing should extend 12 inches above ground level.

Conduit – confirm that the conduit for the electric service wire to the well is securely connected to the well cap.

Anoka County Environmental Services provides water testing services  to residents and recommends that private well owners test their well annually for total coliform bacteria and nitrate-nitrogen. If a private well owner does not have an arsenic test result – they are encouraged to test the water once to determine if concentration of arsenic it is above the safe drinking water standard.

For more information contact Anoka County Environmental Services at 763-422-7063.

Apply now to be a GreenCorps host!

March 1st, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Apply now to be a GreenCorps host!

Minnesota Green Corps (logo)

The Minnesota Green Corps, a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) program, is now accepting applications from organizations interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member for the 2017-2018 program year.  Applications from eligible organizations interested in hosting MN GreenCorps members are due by 5:00 pm CDT on Friday, March 17, 2017.

Host site application materials, including a detailed guidance document and the application are available on the Minnesota GreenCorps website. Please direct questions to mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us.

The MPCA plans to place up to 40 full-time members with various host sites across the state. Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for 11 months beginning in mid to late September 2017 through August 2018.

Minnesota GreenCorps is an environmentally focused AmeriCorps program coordinated by the MPCA, which places AmeriCorps members with organizations around the state to spend a year of service addressing critical environmental issues, while gaining experience and learning valuable job skills.

Eligible organizations include public entities (local, regional, state, tribal), school districts, not for profit institutions of higher education, and 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Organizations may apply for Minnesota GreenCorps members who will serve on projects in the areas of:

  • Air Quality (including Energy Conservation and Green Transportation)
  • Waste Prevention and Recycling
  • Green Infrastructure (including Local Foods, Stormwater, and Urban Forestry)
  • Living Green

To apply to be a host site and for more information on the program, please visit  www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps.

Minnesota GreenCorps Video

MN GreenCorps YouTube video

Public Water Supply – Plan Implementation Grants Available

February 24th, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Public Water Supply – Plan Implementation Grants Available

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announces the availability of Source Water Implementation Grant funding to support the implementation of source water protection plans or Transient Non-community.  Source water protection plans are either 1) wellhead protection plans; or 2) surface water intake protection plans that have been endorsed by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Grant Awards. The total amount of funding that is available under this notice is $175,000. The minimum amount for any grant is $1,000 and the maximum amount is $10,000.

Matching Funds. No cost share is required for receiving a grant and all of the funds that are awarded must be expended by June 30, 2018.

Applications for this grant program are accepted between Wednesday, March 1, 2017 and Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Each eligible public water system can submit only one application per grant program announcement.

There are two of grant categories availability: Source Water Implementation  and Transient Noncommunity Wellhead Protection. Applications for each this grant will be accepted between March 1 and March 25, 2017.  The forms will be available by March 1, 2017.

For more information, contact Kris Wenner (Source Water Protection Grant Coordinator, 651-201-4696) Drinking Water Protection Minnesota Department of Health 625 N. Robert Street, PO Box 64975, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975.

Wellhead Protection Area

Citizens Monitoring Anoka County Waters (Thank You)

February 10th, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Citizens Monitoring Anoka County Waters (Thank You)

Anoka County communities owe citizen volunteers our gratitude for monitoring and reporting water quality data. Resident volunteers collect periodic water clarity information for the Minnesota’s Citizen Stream Monitoring and Citizen Lake Monitoring Programs.

The data collected by citizens is entered and maintained in a Lake and Stream Database  used by residents, lake associations, schools, community organizations, watershed management organizations, and city and county agencies (parks, utilities, environmental and health departments) to determine current conditions and trends in the quality of our shared water resources.

Become a citizen lake or stream monitoring volunteer to gather vital information about the quality of our water resources.

Become a citizen lake or stream monitoring volunteer to gather vital information about the quality of our water resources.

LAKE MONITORING SITES (ACTIVE)

STREAM MONITORING SITES (ACTIVE)

VOLUNTEERS WANTED. There are lakes and streams that the Water Monitoring Program is encouraging volunteers to monitor including:

  • PRIORITY: Cedar Creek at Co. 9 (Oak Grove);
  • PRIORITY: Seelye Brook at Co. 7 (Oak Grove);
  • PRIORITY: West branch of the Sunrise River near Co. Rd. 19 (Linwood);
  • Amelia (Lino Lakes);
  • Baldwin (Lino Lakes);
  • Cedar (Lino Lakes);
  • Centerville (Centerville);
  • Crossways (Columbus);
  • Deer (East Bethel);
  • Fish (East Bethel);
  • George (Oak Grove);
  • George Watch (Lino Lakes);
  • Howard (Columbus).
  • Minard (East Bethel);
  • Mud (Oak Grove);
  • Neds (East Bethel);
  • Reshanau (Lino Lakes);
  • Rice (Circle Pines);
  • Rice Creek Marsh (Lino Lakes);
  • Rondeau (Centerville);
  • Round (Anoka);

Secchi Disc Water Clarity Measurement (image)To learn more about the Citizen Science Water Monitoring Program visit the MPCA’s Citizen Water Monitoring web page or view the videos: MPCA Citizen Science Program (MPCA YouTube; 3:46); EPA Volunteers Make Citizen Science Work (EPA YouTube; 2:12) or call the MPCA at 651-296-6300 and ask to speak to the Citizen Water Monitoring program coordinator.

To sign up to become a Citizen Lake Monitoring volunteer visit the CLMP sign-up web page.

To sign up to become a Citizen Stream Monitoring volunteer visit the CSMP sign-up web page.

Monitoring and maintaining oxygen levels in area lakes

February 1st, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Monitoring and maintaining oxygen levels in area lakes

Over the winter, lakes experience a decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels that can lead to reduced numbers of fish that survive until spring. The concentration of DO in lake water varies from year to year based on winter conditions including when the lake freezes over and how soon (and how long) it is covered by a thick (sun blocking) layer of snow that prevents the natural processes of lake plants to generate dissolved oxygen through photosynthesis.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducts periodic tests of DO level and water temperatures in Centerville, Coon, Martin and Peltier lakes to determine if the lake environment supports its fish. The DNR Fisheries Manager monitors the DO levels, deciding when to commence aeration of lakes to support aquatic life.

DNR Fisheries Specialist Jim Levitt angering a hole in lake to collect samples and monitor water quality.

DNR Fisheries Specialist Jim Levitt angering a hole in a lake to collect samples and monitor water quality.

The goal of the DNR Lake Aeration Program is to ensure the safe winter operation of aeration systems and to ensure the appropriate use of aeration technology. In most cases, the use of aerators is to maintain existing populations of fish. It is important to realize that aerators are not the best option in all lakes. To view a brochure on how aeration may prevent winter-kill of fish, or to obtain a DNR aerator system permit application visit the DNR Lake Aeration Program (webpage).

DID YOU KNOW Cenaiko Lake (located at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park) is a designated trout lake and closed to fishing until the trout season (January 14, 2017 to March 31, 2017). See the fishing regulations for more details on designated trout lakes. DNR fisheries monitors and maintains Cenaiko Lake:

  • 4,000 Rainbow Trout were stocked in December (size: 8-14 inches)
  • 181 Adult Rainbow Trout were stocked in December (size: up to 5 pounds)
  • Possession limit (5 combined – not more than 3 over 16″)

Great summer intern opportunity – Water Conservation

January 23rd, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Great summer intern opportunity – Water Conservation

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is looking for six metro businesses to host science and engineering interns focused on water conservation projects.

MnTAP is an outreach program at the University of Minnesota that helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and costs to improve public health and the environment.

In a 2016 MnTAP project Tanner Glaza (Byproducts and Biosystems Engineering student) researched the Anoka-Hennepin Independent School District’s 35 properties (243 acres of landscape) water use to analyze and prioritize water conservation opportunities. The project was able to reduce watering of general areas (by half); eliminate water added to general use areas; reduce over-watered areas; and improve turf conditions by including moisture sensors and smart irrigation practices for improve landscapes.

Tanner Glaza's MnTAP project reduced annual water use of over 4.8 million gallons at the Anoka-Hennepin School District properties.

Tanner Glaza’s MnTAP project reduced annual water use of over 4.8 million gallons at Anoka-Hennepin School District properties.

MnTAP provides free, industry-tailored technical assistance. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, businesses can save on disposal and raw material costs and decrease regulatory compliance burdens. And a company will, also, create healthier and safer working conditions for your employees.

Established in 1984, MnTAP is funded primarily by a pass-through grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Resource Management and Assistance Division to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences. As part of the University, MnTAP has no regulatory responsibilities or obligations.

For more information contact the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program at (612) 624-1300.

Proving Stormwater Reuse a Possibility

January 22nd, 2017 knowtheflow Comments Off on Proving Stormwater Reuse a Possibility

Collecting and reusing stormwater for irrigation is gaining attention. By reducing stormwater pollution runoff directly into creeks, rivers and lakes – we are preserving our swimming, fishing and drinking water resources. Another benefit is to help reduce increased groundwater withdrawal, by wells, for irrigation of lawns, gardens and landscape.

The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) has recently released its Stormwater Reuse for Irrigation Assessment Methodology. The Methodology provides guidelines for locating, installing and operating a stormwater reuse facility at parks, golf courses, schools, businesses and residential developments.

The Oneka Ridge Golf Course and the City of Hugo successfully reuses stormwater for irrigation. It was part of the Bald Eagle Lake Restoration Project that resulted in the RCWD’s development of the watershed-scale assessment Methodology. The Bald Eagle Lake Restoration Project ultimately won the Minnesota Association of Watershed District’s 2016 Project of the Year.

Irrigation of Parks, Golf Courses, Schools, etc.

The Methodology is a step-by-step, repeatable planning process for identifying sites that would be suitable locations for reuse projects. Technical criteria are used to evaluate the feasibility of locations, and qualitative criteria are used to prioritize those technically feasible sites. The methodology was developed with the intention to be used by others. Qualitative criteria can be modified to meet different community goals.

The RCWD will be holding a workshop for potential users on March 9th for decision makers and technical staff. Individuals interested in this training should contact Beth Carreno (763-398-3073, bcarreno@ricecreek.org).

The Rice Creek Watershed District is committed to building and promoting projects that provide our residents with multiple benefits such as improved water quality, flood protection, and reduced reliance on groundwater for landscape irrigation. RCWD Administrator, Phil Belfiori, stated that this project was significant and timely, “because as interest in water reuse grows so does the need for a way to systematically identify areas that are best suited for these practices.”

This Methodology was developed with Houston Engineering Inc. (HEI) serving as the engineering consultants for the project. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) provided funding for the development of the methodology through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

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