The Status of Minnesotas Groundwater

Jason Moeckel, DNR Dale Setterholm, MGS Glenn Skuta, MPCA Bruce Montgomery, MDA Joe Zachmann, MDA Chris Elvrum, MDH Keith Buttleman, Metropolitan Council Jim Sehl, DNR James Stark, USGS

The Problem
There are places in Minnesota where we are not achieving sustainability of our groundwater resources and we are currently making decisions with a lack of information Key Risks
Over use Contamination

Minnesotas Drinking Water Sources

Surface Water 1.3 million

Private Wells 1.2 million

75 % from groundwater; drought plan for surface water = groundwater

Municipal Groundwater 2.7 million people

 I didnt think it was possible to run out of water in the land of 10,000 lakes. Weve never had any problem before in the 14 years Ive lived here," Mackay said, adding that at least four of her neighbors have had wells run dry in recent weeks.

Minnesotas Drinking Water

Community Surface Water Supplies

Minnesotas Drinking Water

Community Ground Water Supplies

Minnesotas Drinking Water

Private Wells

Groundwater Provinces:

A complex resource!

Twin Cities Drinking Water

Surface Water Supplies Ground Water Supplies
Private Wells

West Metro (45 12)

Ground water withdrawal affects surface water and ground water users

water supply interference