WHAT IS GROUNDWATER?

Many people think of groundwater as an underground river or lake, but actually it occurs wherever water fills the tiny spaces in between grains of any earth materials (rock or soil). Earth materials that can transmit large quantities of water through these “pore” spaces are called AQUIFERS. Sand and gravel typically are good aquifers, while materials such as clay and shale (a type of rock) are not good aquifers.

Groundwater occurs beneath the land surface in Minnesota. In many places it lies just a few feet underground. However, in some aquifers the groundwater lies several hundred feet beneath the surface.

Groundwater usually begins as rain and melted snow, which falls across the land and then seeps into the ground. Because this water was once at the surface, human activities can affect the quality of the groundwater. We need to be aware that the things we do at the earth’s surface can affect the quality of the water we cook with, wash with, and, of course, drink. This is especially true for the Melrose public water supply wells because the aquifer is considered to be vulnerable.

WHY PROTECT GROUNDWATER?

First of all, polluted groundwater can pose health hazards to those who drink it. Second, once it is contaminated, groundwater is very difficult to clean (if it can be cleaned at all). If the groundwater near Melrose were to become contaminated, the city would likely be required to install filters to purify the water, or be forced to find an alternative source of water for its citizens. This can be very expensive.

When it comes to protecting groundwater, the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies. Fortunately, the city wells of Melrose do not have a contamination problem at this point. The wellhead protection plan will address potential contamination sources in the wellhead area and help assure that Melrose maintains the quality of its groundwater.

Wellhead Protection Manager, Waste Water / Water Supervisor

320-256-4278

Getting to know your septic system  Basic operations of septic system
Whats_a_Private_Well_Owner_to_know.pdf  Guidelines for Well Owners
Unused_Wells.pdf  Abandoned Wells
Wells_and_Mining_Activities.pdf  Guidelines for mine owners
Storm Water Managment  
Wellhead Protection  
Public Water Conservation  
The City of Melrose Water Conservation Rate  
The City of Melrose Wellhead Protection Plan  
The City of Melrose Wellhead Protection Plan Appendix