Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create a program to help address the issue of contaminated drinking water in Minnesota. It seeks to provide financial support for water treatment systems that mitigate contaminants, specifically manganese, in residential areas where water is identified as unsafe.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of a Mitigation Program: The bill establishes a drinking water contaminate mitigation program managed by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency.
• Rebate System: Contractors who install approved water treatment systems in residences can apply for rebates up to $1,400, regardless of the system's cost.
• Program Requirements: The program requires rebate applications to include:
  • Specifications of the water treatment system.
  • Certification by contractors that installations meet Minnesota's Plumbing Code.
  • Signed applications by both the property owner or lessee and the contractor.
  • Rebates to be sent to contractors who must receive a 10% advance payment from the homeowner or lessee.

Eligibility

• Household Income Criteria: Eligibility for rebates requires the residential building owner's or lessee’s household income to be $95,000 or less.
• Impacted Areas: The residence must be located in an area where water sources are found to have manganese levels exceeding health guidelines.

Appropriation

• The bill declares a one-time allocation of funds from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the rebate program. The funds will be available until June 30, 2028.

Relevant Terms

• Drinking Water Contamination
• Manganese Contamination
• Water Treatment Systems
• Pollution Control Agency
• Rebate Program
• Household Income Eligibility