Verdi Wellhead Protection Area
Project partners play a vital role in the implementation of the Verdi Wellhead Protection Plan and have made this water source a priority in lowering nitrate levels. The aquifer used by the wells in the Verdi Well Field consists of a sand and gravel horizon about 30' thick which overlies clay-rich till. The geological sensitivity in all five of the Verdi wells is classified as "high".The Verdi Well Field supplies water to ten community water suppliers, 34 large rural users, and 1,126 rural hookups. Total population served by this water supply is about 7,500. It is the only water supply source Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water has in Lincoln County and functions as a backup water source to both the Holland and Burr water sources.Water quality monitoring indicates presence of nitrate nitrogen in the wells. The nitrate levels in the wells indicate that the wells pump groundwater that is under the influence of sources of nitrogen related to human activities.Nutrients that are not effectively utilized by crops have potential to leach into groundwater or enter nearby surface waters via overland runoff or subsurface agricultural drainage systems. A major principle of crop nutrient management is to prevent the over-application of nutrients. These projects are designed to decrease surface runoff and filter sediment, nutrients, and pesticides before reaching surface and ground water. The goal of this project is to reduce nitrate levels in this water supply. This will be accomplished by providing landowners educational information and provide incentives to assist with the following: develop a nutrient management plan, utilize variable rate technology, utilize nitrogen stabilizers and nitrogen efficiency products and install filter strips.
Nicole Clapp
(c) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are for nonpoint source pollution reduction and restoration grants to watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, and soil and water conservation districts for grants in addition to grants available under paragraphs (a) and (b) to keep water on the land and to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, and to protect groundwater and drinking water. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants. (2011 - Clean Water Assistance)
These projects are designed to decrease surface runoff and filter sediment, nutrients, and pesticides before reaching surface and ground water. The goal of this project is to reduce nitrate levels in this water supply.
Over a three-year period, worked with 36-owners/operators developing Nutrient Management Plans on 6,595 acres, fall incorporated Nitrogen Stabilizer and/or Split Nitrogen Application for 31-owners/operators on 5,259 acres and variable rate technology with one owner for 108 acres. Two landowners installed 51.2 acres of filter strips in the Verdi Wellhead Protection area.