Minnesota Groundwater Virus Study

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250,000
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$75,000
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$275,000
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$800,000
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$800,000
Fund Source
Clean Water Fund
Recipient
Minnesota Department of Health
Recipient Type
State Government
Status
In Progress
Start Date
July 2013
Activity Type
Analysis/Interpretation
Assessment/Evaluation
Monitoring
Research
Counties Affected
Statewide
Statewide
Project Overview

The objective of this project is to build on previous efforts aimed at determining the public health risk due to virus contamination in Minnesota groundwater. The Minnesota Department of Health will examine the occurrence of viruses in non-disinfecting groundwater sources in Minnesota as well as evaluate the association between source water virus occurrence and community acute gastrointestinal illness. The results will contribute to the scientific understanding of viruses in groundwater in Minnesota and will be used to develop and improve health-based guidance tools to reduce the public health risk from viruses in groundwater drinking water sources.

About the Issue

Waterborne viral illness outbreaks have been associated with groundwater sources (Brunkard et al. 2011). National surveys have shown that approximately 30% of drinking water wells may be contaminated with human pathogenic viruses (Abbaszadegan et al. 2003). However, it is unknown whether these viral contaminants are responsible for a significant proportion of endemic (non-outbreak) illness, or if they are responsible for outbreaks with no known cause. Previous studies to examine occurrence of viruses in drinking water in Minnesota have been limited.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2019, Chp. 2, Art. 1, Sec. 8
Appropriation Language

$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are for evaluating and addressing the risks from viruses, bacteria, and protozoa in groundwater supplies and for evaluating land uses that may contribute to contamination of public water systems with these pathogens.

2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250,000
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2017, Chp. 91, Art. 2, Sec. 8
Appropriation Language

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are for evaluating and addressing the risks from viruses in water supplies.

2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2017, Chp. 91, Art. 2, Sec. 8
Appropriation Language

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are for evaluating and addressing the risks from viruses in water supplies.

2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
Appropriation Language

275,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year are for development and implementation of a groundwater virus monitoring plan, including an epidemiological study to determine the association between groundwater virus concentration and community illness rates.

2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$75,000
Appropriation Language

275,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year are for development and implementation of a groundwater virus monitoring plan, including an epidemiological study to determine the association between groundwater virus concentration and community illness rates.

2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$275,000
Legal Citation / Subdivision
MN Law 2013, Chapter 137, Article 2, Section 8(g)
Appropriation Language

$800,000 the first year and $800,000 second year are for the development and implementation of a groundwater virus monitoring plan, including an epidemiological study to determine the association between groundwater virus concentration and community illness rates. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017.

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$800,000
Direct expenses
$685,120
Administration costs
$114,880
Number of full time equivalents funded
3
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

-An estimated virus occurrence rate in Minnesota's public water supply wells -Knowledge of virus occurrence and associations with critical factors and indicators -Enhanced groundwater microbial risk management guidance -Guidance to public water systems on how to implement risk management measures if pathogens are present

Legal Citation / Subdivision
MN Law 2013, Chapter 137, Article 2, Section 8(g)
Appropriation Language

$800,000 the first year and $800,000 second year are for the development and implementation of a groundwater virus monitoring plan, including an epidemiological study to determine the association between groundwater virus concentration and community illness rates. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017.

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$800,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$66,000
Direct expenses
$800,000
Administration costs
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded
3
Source of Additional Funds

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Project Manager
First Name
Lih-in
Last Name
Rezania
Organization Name
Minnesota Department of Health
Street Address
625 Robert Street North
City
St. Paul
State
MN
Zip Code
55155-2538
Phone
651-201-4661
Email
lih-in.rezania@state.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975

Phone
651-201-5000