| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| March 13, 2001 | Stephanie Brand (651-296-2317) |
ST. PAUL -- Minnesota has one of the safest public drinking water supplies in the nation. This is achieved through a rigorous standard of testing for chemical, radiological and biological contaminants. Safe drinking water has been a key ingredient in some of the greatest public health achievements of the last half-century, including the dramatic reductions in disease and improvements in longevity.
Minnesota's drinking water protection strategy includes three major elements:
Prevention measures such as regulating land use, providing construction advice and inspecting facilities Treatment such as routine disinfection to make water palatable and safe Monitoring of water supplies for potentially harmful contaminants
The monitoring strategy is the most critical element of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) water protection plan. Under provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), public water supply systems are required to sample their water on a regular basis and submit the samples to MDH. By keeping a close eye on the water supply, Minnesotans will continue to be able to have a high degree of confidence in the public water supply.
For rural residents who are not served by a public water supply, the responsibility of prevention, treatment,and monitoring falls on the well owner. To ensure a safe water supply for your family, these same steps can be easily implemented at an individual level.
The MDH has prepared a brochure, "Protect Your Health - Test Your Private Well Water", along with other printed materials to assist rural residents. Finding and capping old wells along with the location of septic tanks, livestock buildings and petroleum storage tanks are all addressed. Information on where and how to test your water supply are also included. These fact sheets provide basic information to assist you in protecting your well and the water supply your family drinks.
Information can be requested by contacting the Minnesota Department of Health, P. O. Box 64975, St. Paul, MN 55164, (651)215-0700, or www.health.state.mn.us .
And as always, feel free to contact me at Rep. Mulder, 515 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55155 or rep.richard.mulder@house.leg.mn.us or call 1-800- 474-3425 or (651)296-4336.
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