Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to allocate funds to address nitrate contamination in private wells within certain Minnesota counties. This contamination poses a risk to public health, specifically for those using private wells for drinking water.

Main Provisions

• The bill appropriates $3,866,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Minnesota Commissioner of Health.
• These funds are intended for nitrate mitigation efforts in private wells located in the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha, and Winona.
• The mitigation efforts include reverse osmosis systems, well repairs, and well reconstruction for wells with nitrate levels exceeding ten milligrams per liter.
• The program will prioritize assistance for households at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guideline and those with infants or pregnant women.

Significant Changes

• A program will be established by the commissioner of health specifically for the mitigation of nitrate contamination in specified counties.
• The bill provides for education, outreach, and technical assistance to homeowners to ensure they are informed and supported in addressing nitrate contamination.

Relevant Terms

• Nitrate contamination
• Private wells
• Reverse osmosis
• Well repair
• Well reconstruction
• Maximum contaminant level
• Federal poverty guideline
• Education outreach
• Technical assistance