Minnesota's Drinking Water Action Plan revealed

Minnesota’s Drinking Water Action Plan details [FULL]

Minnesota's health officials announce the state's first plan to address the current and emerging threats for safe drinking water.

NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Health unveiled the state's first-ever Drinking Water Action Plan on Thursday.  

Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan

MDH introducing 10-year Drinking Water Action Plan

State leaders will release a new 10-year plan on Thursday to ensure drinking water is safe for everyone. FOX 9?s Bill Keller has more information on Minnesota?s Drinking Water Action Plan.

The backstory:

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature tasked MDH with creating a plan to address the current and emerging threats to safe drinking water, including issues like microplastics and PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. 

Minnesota’s public water supply systems are already tested on a regular basis for up to 118 different contaminants, ranging from bacteria and pesticides to industrial chemicals.

According to the MDH, water testing is tailored to each water supply system’s needs. That means testing for a particular contaminant could happen four times a year, while other area testing could occur annually or every three to six years. 

The new plan:

"Safe drinking water is essential for communities to thrive, and we’re grateful to the partners who helped us create a plan to protect the future of our water," said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. "The Drinking Water Action Plan represents our commitment to continue to do everything in our power, and in collaboration with partners, to ensure safe and sufficient drinking water for everyone, everywhere in Minnesota."

Here are the five "broad goals" in the 10-year plan: 

• Protect sources of drinking water
• Establish resilient drinking water infrastructure
• Ensure safe tap water
• Anticipate and manage emerging risks
• Engage partners

The plan says more needs to be done to support small water systems and private well users. The plan also lists risks and challenges, such as building public water system resiliency, reducing flooding impacts, investing in the future water operator and well contractor workforces, upgrading and modernizing data systems, and connecting with communities about their concerns and priorities. 

MDH will work with its partners to update the plan every two years over the next 10 years to show progress and highlight the risks that have emerged or are still present. 

The full plan can be read below: