The Status of Minnesota’s Groundwater

Jason Moeckel, DNRDale Setterholm, MGS

Glenn Skuta, MPCABruce Montgomery, MDA

Joe Zachmann, MDAChris Elvrum, MDH

Keith Buttleman, Metropolitan CouncilJim 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

Minnesota’s Drinking Water Sources

Surface Water1.3 million

Private Wells1.2 million

Municipal Groundwater2.7 million people

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

• “I didn’t think it was possible to run out of water in the land of 10,000 lakes. We’ve never had any problem before in the 14 years I’ve lived here," Mackay said, adding that at least four of her neighbors have had wells run dry in recent weeks.

Minnesota’s Drinking Water

• Community Surface Water Supplies

• Community Ground Water Supplies

Minnesota’s Drinking Water

• Private Wells

Minnesota’s Drinking Water

Groundwater Provinces:

A complex resource!

• Private Wells

Twin Cities Drinking Water

• Surface Water Supplies

• Ground Water Supplies

West Metro (‘45 – ‘12)

water supply interference

Ground water withdrawal affects surface water and ground water users