Protecting groundwater aquifers that supply community drinking water supplies is critical for communities in Winona County. Well #219210 located within the Altura Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) is an unused, multi-aquifer municipal well that poses a risk to the community drinking water supply. This well intersects with multiple aquifers, including the Prairie Du Chien, Jordan, Tunnel City/Lone Rock, and Wonewoc. These are primary aquifers used by the majority of drinking water wells in the region.
Peer Engineering, Inc. (Peer) will evaluate and recommend to MPCA groundwater monitoring staff prospective sites/locations for the installation of groundwater monitoring wells to evaluate contaminant/pollutant concentrations from various sources. Peer will oversee the installation of monitoring wells by retaining a state drilling contractor or preparing bid documents to retain well driller through the Department of Administration. Superfund staff will assist in the project by providing oversight of contractual requirements and provide technical assistance as needed.
The goal of this project is to use the We Are Water MN exhibit and their technical knowledge in relationship-building and storytelling to increase community capacity for sustainable watershed management in the Cannon River, Cedar River, Mississippi-Headwaters, Mississippi-Grand Rapids, Mississippi-Twin Cities, Red Lake River, Rum River and St. Louis River watersheds.