Nitrate and Water Use Reduction in Targeted Sherburne County DWSMAs and Townships
The goal of the project is the reduction of nitrates and a decrease in the use of groundwater by promoting and implementing best management practices in both urban and rural landscapes. Private well testing was conducted and analyzed in 6 townships: Clear Lake, Haven, Palmer, Santiago, Becker, and Big Lake Townships. In Clear Lake and Haven, 11.3% and 13.8% of the wells tested were above the health limit of 10 mg/L respectively. Palmer, Santiago, Becker, and Big Lake Townships ranged from 2.1%-8.6% above the health limit. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has also identified Wellhead Protection Areas and Drinking Water Management Areas for the cities of Clear Lake, Becker, and Big Lake which are the focus of the project area.
District Staff will plan to host at least 6 events throughout the grant period to highlight best management practices to reduce water use and nitrates in both urban and rural settings. Outreach will include turf best management practices, irrigation water management and nitrate clinics.
This grant will be carried out in conjunction with Minnesota Rural Water Association, the cities of Big Lake, Becker and Clear Lake.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(b) $8,500,000 the first year and $8,500,000 the second year are for grants to local government units to protect and restore surface water and drinking water; to keep water on the land; to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect groundwater and drinking water, including feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage treatment system projects and stream bank, stream channel, shoreline restoration, and ravine stabilization projects. The projects must use practices demonstrated to be effective, be of long-lasting public benefit, include a match, and be consistent with total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation plans, watershed restoration and protection strategies (WRAPS), or local water management plans or their equivalents. Up to 20 percent of this appropriation is available for land-treatment projects and practices that benefit drinking water.
The amount of engagement at events and number of nitrate samples; 6 education events, 3 nitrate clinics, 90 samples. Our goal will be 300 acres per year of new BMPs implemented on agricultural lands, and an acre of turf BMPs.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS