The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently concluded an investigation into water supply issues in the city of Blaine, finding that the city's water supply wells were the main cause of problems in nearby domestic wells during the summer of 2022. The investigation, which included 50 individual complaints from private well owners in the Blaine and Ham Lake area, confirmed 47 of those complaints as valid.
Restoration efforts resolved water supply problems for 47 residents with valid complaints. Three city-operated wells were unpermitted and shut down after DNR informed them. Two golf course irrigation wells contributed to minor interference in one residential well.
Well interference occurs when groundwater from a deep well with higher volume is drawn, causing a decline in the surrounding aquifer. This results in insufficient water availability for shallower wells, used for private domestic purposes. The interconnected Blaine and Ham Lake area's groundwater aquifers make pumping large volumes of water from one part of the system dangerous.
Blaine, a growing community, is expanding its water supply sources to meet residents' demands. The process is complex, especially when neighboring private domestic wells are affected. Blaine has collaborated with independent consultants and the DNR to improve its water infrastructure, ensuring high-quality service while safeguarding private well owners.
The DNR has issued letters to the city, two golf courses, and complainants, providing investigation results and initiating a well interference settlement process. Over 30 days, the DNR will help negotiate monetary settlements to cover costs for restoring residential water supplies.
The DNR is actively investigating an additional 24 complaints in the area. Private well owners in the Blaine/Ham Lake area who have experienced water supply problems they believe are connected to high-capacity pumping are encouraged to contact Claudia Hochstein at the DNR.
Minnesota's water law requires the DNR to protect domestic water supplies, with municipal and private sources being the top priority. This highlights the limited water supply in Minnesota.
For additional information on this matter, including an informational video, please visit the DNR website.
Categories: Minnesota, Rural Lifestyle