Purpose

• Establishes a Drinking Water Contaminate Mitigation Program to reduce known or emerging contaminants (notably manganese) in drinking water in impacted areas by providing rebates to contractors who install eligible water treatment systems in residential buildings. The goal is to improve water quality for residents in areas identified by state agencies.

Key terms and definitions

• Contractor: a Minnesota licensed water conditioning contractor or Minnesota licensed plumbing contractor.
• Eligible water treatment system: a system installed by a contractor that complies with Minnesota Plumbing Code 611.0 Water Conditioning Equipment.
• Impacted area: an area identified by the Pollution Control Agency (PCA) as having or likely having a water source with manganese levels above the health-based guidance set by the commissioner of health.
• Rebate: a rebate up to $1,400, regardless of the size or cost of the work performed or system installed.
• Water conditioning equipment: referenced through the Minnesota Plumbing Code standard in the definition of eligible systems.

Main provisions

• Rebate program basics: The PCA must establish a program to provide rebates to contractors who install eligible water treatment systems in residential buildings within impacted areas to reduce contaminants in drinking water.
• Application requirements: Rebate applications must include specifications about the water treatment system; contractors must certify installation compliance with this section and subdivision 3; both the property owner/lessee and the contractor must sign the rebate application; rebates are issued to the contractor; contractors receive 10% upfront from the owner/lessee; contractors are responsible for submitting rebate applications.
• Eligibility criteria: To qualify for a rebate, the contractor must certify that the property owner/lessee has a household income of $95,000 or less and that the residential building is located within an impacted area.

Funding and implementation

• Appropriation: A one-time general fund appropriation in fiscal year 2026 is provided to the PCA to issue rebates under the program, with availability through June 30, 2028.
• Administrative flow: The rebate program is structured so payments go to contractors, with upfront funds paid before work is completed, and contractors manage rebate applications.

Effects on existing law

• Creates a new state program and funding mechanism aimed at reducing drinking water contaminants (notably manganese) in affected areas.
• Ties eligibility and work standards to the Minnesota Plumbing Code and requires coordination between the PCA and the health department’s guidance on manganese.

Summary of notable requirements

• Rebates are limited to $1,400 per eligible project.
• Eligibility depends on income threshold and location within an impacted area.
• The program relies on contractor participation and upfront payment, with a need for specific system specifications in applications.

Relevant Terms - drinking water contaminate mitigation program - manganese - Pollution Control Agency (PCA) - Minnesota Plumbing Code 611.0 Water Conditioning Equipment - water conditioning contractor - plumbing contractor - eligible water treatment system - impacted area - health-based guidance for manganese - commissioner of health - rebate - up to 1400 dollars - rebate applications - owner or lessee - household income - $95,000 or less - general fund - fiscal year 2026 - June 30, 2028 - one-time appropriation - residential buildings - known or emerging contaminants