New program to help improve drinking water quality in Southeastern Minnesota

(ABC 6 NEWS) – Multiple Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in Southeastern Minnesota collaborated with local public health to form a new initiative to improve drinking water quality, according to Olmsted County.

The initiative is called "Tap In." The Olmsted, Fillmore Goodhue Root River, and Wabasha SWCDs, and Winona County collaborated with local public health to create this initiative.

The participating counties and SWCDs received funding through the Minnesota Department of Health Clean Water Fund to assist well owners with nitrate contamination problems. This new financial assistance program can help with private well treatment or new private well construction.

To receive funding, applicants must have a water quality test that is showing their nitrate contamination exceeds the state and federal health risk limit of 10 mg/L. If these levels are high in the water, it could pose harmful risks, especially to infants and pregnant women.

You can find more information here.