Well owners in SE Minnesota can get free water testing kits

Free Water Testing Kits and Analysis Available for Private Well Owners in Southeastern Minnesota

The TAP-IN Safe Drinking Water Program in southeastern Minnesota is now offering free water testing kits and analysis for private well owners. This program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), is a collaborative effort between Southeastern Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), county environmental services, and county public health departments.

Ensuring Equitable Access to Safe Drinking Water

The TAP-IN program aims to ensure that all residents in southeastern Minnesota have equitable access to safe drinking water. It emphasizes the importance of protecting water sources and promoting community well-being. The program provides financial assistance to address contamination issues with well water.

Addressing Environmental Health Concerns

Olmsted SWCD Water Resources Coordinator Caitlin Meyer states, “To keep our community healthy, the TAP-IN program ensures all residents have equitable access to safe drinking water. We work together to protect our water sources and help our community.” Olmsted County Public Health Environmental Health Lab Manager Lauri Clements adds, “The health of our community is our top priority. By offering free well water testing and financial assistance, we are taking a service-focused approach to addressing environmental health concerns to help ensure residents in Southeastern Minnesota have clean and safe water to drink.”

Testing for Contaminants

The karst landscape in Southeastern Minnesota, characterized by sinkholes, springs, caves, and other features, makes it susceptible to groundwater contamination. Well owners are advised to test their water for the following contaminants:

1. Nitrate: High levels of nitrate can be dangerous, especially for babies and pregnant individuals. Nitrate can enter water from fertilizers and waste. Well owners should test their water for nitrate every year.
2. Coliform bacteria: The presence of coliform bacteria indicates potential contamination by sewage, animals, or surface water, which may harbor other harmful germs. Test for coliform bacteria every year.
3. Arsenic: Naturally occurring in soil and rocks, arsenic can dissolve into water and cause serious health problems. Test for arsenic at least once.
4. Manganese: While small amounts of manganese are acceptable, excessive levels can lead to memory and learning issues, particularly in children. Households with children should test for manganese at least once.
5. Lead: Lead can enter water through old pipes and negatively impact child development and adult health. Test for lead at least once, especially in households with infants.

Financial Assistance for Remediation

If well water has high levels of these contaminants, well owners can apply for financial assistance to address the issue. Remediation measures may include installing water treatment equipment, repairing wells, or even installing new wells. However, funding is limited, and eligibility will determine the availability of assistance.

Application Process

To apply for the TAP-IN program, participants must:

1. Use a private well for drinking water. Homeowners and renters in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha, and Winona counties are eligible to apply.
2. Have a certified lab test conducted within the last three years, demonstrating contamination in the well.
3. Meet priority eligibility requirements. Additional assistance may be provided to those facing financial hardships or households with pregnant women or infants under the age of one.
4. Consult a licensed professional to develop a plan and cost estimate for fixing the well. Participants should seek guidance from a licensed well driller, licensed pump installer, or water treatment professional. Any work done on the well before approval from the local county office will not be reimbursed.
5. Submit the application, project plan, and lab test report through the online form to a local county office or SWCD.

Conclusion

The TAP-IN Safe Drinking Water Program in southeastern Minnesota offers free water testing kits and analysis for private well owners. By addressing contamination issues and promoting access to clean and safe drinking water, the program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ensuring clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3). It serves as a valuable resource for residents in Southeastern Minnesota to protect their health and the environment.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
   • Indicator 6.1.2: Proportion of population with access to water of adequate quality.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
   • Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene.

Analysis:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   The article addresses the issue of safe drinking water for private well owners in southeastern Minnesota. It highlights the TAP-IN Safe Drinking Water Program, which provides free water testing kits and analysis for well owners. This program aims to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water, which aligns with SDG 6’s goal of achieving universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

   Specific targets under SDG 6 that can be identified based on the article’s content include:

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

   The article mentions the need for well owners to test their water for contaminants such as nitrate, coliform bacteria, arsenic, manganese, and lead. These contaminants can affect the quality of drinking water and pose health risks. The indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:

   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
   • Indicator 6.1.2: Proportion of population with access to water of adequate quality.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The article emphasizes the importance of clean and safe drinking water for the health of the community. It mentions the risks associated with high levels of contaminants in well water, such as nitrate, coliform bacteria, arsenic, manganese, and lead. These contaminants can cause serious health problems, especially for vulnerable groups like babies, pregnant people, and children.

   The specific target under SDG 3 that can be identified based on the article’s content is:

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

   The indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified target include:

   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
   • Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kimt.com