Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to provide funding for the mitigation of private wells contaminated with nitrates in certain counties in Minnesota. It aims to ensure safe drinking water for affected residents by reducing nitrate levels in private wells.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill allocates $3,866,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. These funds are sourced from the general fund and are designated specifically for mitigating nitrate contamination in private wells.

• Mitigation Efforts: The funding will be used for measures such as reverse osmosis, well repair, and well reconstruction to address nitrate levels that exceed the maximum contaminant level of ten milligrams per liter.

• Target Areas: The funds and mitigation efforts will focus on the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha, and Winona in Minnesota.

• Priority Groups: The mitigation program will prioritize helping households that are at or below 300% of the federal poverty guideline, as well as those with infants or pregnant individuals.

• Educational and Technical Support: The bill also allows the commissioner of health to use funds for education, outreach, and technical assistance to homeowners affected by well contamination.

Significant Changes

The bill creates a program specifically targeting nitrate contamination in private wells, with a focus on vulnerable populations and specific geographic areas in Minnesota. It does not amend any existing laws but establishes new appropriations and directives for state health officials.

Relevant Terms

nitrate contamination, private wells, reverse osmosis, well repair, well reconstruction, drinking water safety, maximum contaminant level, federal poverty guideline, Minnesota counties.