Under the Groundwater Protection Rule (Minnesota Rules 1573.0040 Subparts 2 and 3), the MDA determines the mitigation levels for public wells and their Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs) that have elevated levels of nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate). The MDA will make mitigation level determinations by January 15 each year unless there is a good cause for delay.
The MDA’s Incident Response Unit has invested time and funding in investigating the contribution of nitrogen from agricultural chemical incidents, animal feedlots, improperly sealed wells and other potential point sources.
Mitigation Level Decisions Delayed for Good Cause
| Drinking Water Supply Management Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Atwater | Investigation of nitrogen levels in soil and temporary monitoring wells underway. |
| Battle Lake Mobile Home Park | Investigating groundwater to determine degree and extent of contamination. |
| Chandler | Conducting further review and analysis of water sampling data and potential sources. |
| Goodhue | Investigation underway to determine ag chemical impacts to soil and groundwater. |
Previously Delayed for Good Cause
| Drinking Water Supply Management Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Austin Mobile Home Park | Based on the non-agricultural sources of nitrate in the DWSMA, the DWSMA did not move to a level and was removed from the Groundwater Protection Rule list. |
| Balaton | Based on the non-agricultural sources of nitrate in the DWSMA, the DWSMA did not move to a level and was removed from the Groundwater Protection Rule list. |
| Milaca | After further sampling and data review the DWSMA did not move to a level and was removed from the Groundwater Protection Rule list. |
| Milan | After further review the DWSMA was determined a Mitigation Level 1 in 2024. |
| Moose Lake | Based on the non-agricultural sources of nitrate in the DWSMA, the DWSMA did not move to a level and was removed from the Groundwater Protection Rule list. |
| Sundsruds Court Mobile Home Park | After further review the DWSMA was determined a Mitigation Level 2 in 2024. |
