It is great to see this critical groundwater quality issue in SE Minnesota getting some much needed attention! Shallow aquifers in SE Minnesota are highly susceptible to pollution from nitrogen fertilizers because the short travel times between the surface and an aquifer. The reason for short travel times is the area's karst landscape. Karst occurs when the limestone bedrock dissolves due to slightly acidic surface water flowing through the rock. This result in holes forming in the bedrock, which is why water can flow quickly from the surface to an aquifer. It is common for shallow private drinking water wells to have nitrate concentrations higher than drinking water standards. But even lower level concentrations of nitrate can result in elevated risks for cancer. Because of this risk to the public, more needs to be done regulating nitrate in Minnesota's groundwater. And that is what the EPA told Minnesota it must do.
Freshwater Research and Policy Director Carrie Jennings spoke to Minnesota Public Radio for this insightful article on legislative efforts to address nitrate pollution in southeastern Minnesota. This is one of our top priorities at the Capitol this year since it impacts human health and aquatic ecosystems in one of the most geologically sensitive regions of the state. Plus, we view this as an environmental justice issue because rural citizens with private wells have a right to clean drinking water just the same as those who live in metropolitan areas.💧 #cleanwaterforall
