As a result of amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986, the federal government requires states to establish a wellhead protection plan.  This program is designed to identify sources of supply for drinking water and any potential contaminants that might impact the water, providing a plan to protect the supply from contamination.  The Minnesota Department of Health approved a plan requiring all communities and owners of water distribution systems in Minnesota to complete a wellhead protection plan.  The City of Blaine completed and received approval for the required Wellhead Protection Plan in 2007.  The State of Minnesota Wellhead Protection Rules requires reviewing and amending the Wellhead Protection Plan every 10 years.

The City of Blaine has been working with Barr Engineering to do the required Wellhead Protection Plan Amendment.  The plan identifies all wells owned by the City and used to provide the public water supply.  Detailed information is included regarding which aquifer each well draws from, the surface area around the wells that could potentially introduce contaminants, and any source of contaminants that may be in that area.  A section of the plan is an action list of activities that should be avoided in the wellhead areas or which might be initiated as a means of proactive protection.  Part one of the Wellhead Protection Plan Amendment was completed in the fall of 2017 and includes a delineation of the critical areas adjacent to our groundwater wells, and the potential vulnerability of each well.

Part two of the plan includes and inventory of potential contamination sources and actions the City will take to address the potential contamination sources and protect the drinking water supply. Part two of the plan also includes strategies for enhancing public education regarding wellhead protection and the City’s water supply.  As required by State Rules, the Plan has been circulated for comment from state and local agencies and comments were received and revisions were made where appropriate.  The comment period closed on December 18, 2017 and a public hearing is scheduled for December 21, 2017 at the regular City Council meeting.