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| SPRING 2000
2305 East 5th Street
Duluth Minnesota 55812-1445 origin
of the minnesota water line
by Daniel Sola,
Sr. Hydrogeologist Conestoga-Rover & Associates
After an interesting
and rewarding five-year run, the Minnesota Water Line is coming to a natural end.
I thought it would be appropriate to recap the origin of the Water Line and thank
a few people who made it work. In 1993, an attorney and I found ourselves
in a series of public meetings and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) board
meetings where, for the first time, we observed the dynamics that occur between
the 'scientific/legal environmental community' and the lay public. While we sat
waiting for our turn on the agenda, we watched a series of interactions on a range
of backyard environmental issues such as feedlots, aquaculture, and landfills.
We were struck by the frustration and even rage people seemed to experience as
they approached these public forums. We also realized that these people were often
ignored and sometimes patronized by whomever was running the meeting. In a particularly
lucid example, one man stood up at a public meeting and stated, red faced, "Don't
you realize that scientists are one of the most mistrusted groups in our society
at this point in history?" We were at these meetings working for some citizens
groups on local land use issues. In contrast to the general tone of frustration,
our clients were much more effective at presenting their views to the agencies.
We realized that with enough information, lay citizens became more effective and
constructive participants. Once our clients understood some basics they prepared
thoughtful speeches, dug into their local library, and asked good questions. Although
these were financially-small and low-profile projects for us, helping real people
-- often spending an evening sitting at the kitchen table with them -- was personally
rewarding work. Most importantly, their frustration and rage evaporated and was
replaced by drive and determination. We didn't necessarily agree with their goals
but they were now equipped for a fair fight. The problem is few groups have the
finances to hire a $100-per-hour consultant. Out of all this came the idea
for a public information resource, sponsored by the scientific community, to 'level
the playing field.' Our environmental laws are predicated on public input into
the process, yet the public is often ill-equipped to truly evaluate the technical
issues. It also seemed appropriate that, as successful environmental professionals,
we should give something back to the people in whose backyard we practice our
science. Natural partners in the effort were the University of Minnesota Extension
Service, the American Ground Water Trust and the University of Minnesota Sea Grant.
The Water Line evolved and developed, especially with the support of the Board
of Water and Soil Resources, over the next few years. We found some of our strongest
support from state agencies including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
MPCA, and Minnesota Department of Health. We were able to hire dedicated staff
who answered hundreds of calls and assembled a valuable database over the next
five years. I am grateful to everyone who worked to keep the Water Line going,
often in the face of limited finances and outside support. In particular, I appreciate
the efforts of Cindy Hagley, Eileen Anderson and Gene Bromenshenkel who, early
on, worked so hard to get the project off the ground. I think we did make a difference
and the folks who called the Water Line and talked to Keith, Deanne, or Barb got
a special, personal kind of service that is rare these days. moving
beyond the minnesota water line
Over the past five
years, the Minnesota Water line has provided a valuable service to Minnesotans
with questions about safe drinking water, wells and water treatment, septic systems,
lake and river management, and state or local regulations. As Dan Sola described
in the article above, the Water Line developed from a successful partnership between
the University, state and federal agencies, the American Ground Water Trust, and
the private sector. The toll-free number and staff were supported by in-kind and
cash contributions from the Minnesota Sea Grant Program, St. Louis County Extension,
Water Resources Center, American Ground Water Trust, Board of Water & Soil Resources,
and the Environmental Protection Agency. Fifteen Minnesota counties also contributed
funds to support the Water Line. With the recent expansion of web-based information
services, INFO-U, and agency help lines, citizens have a variety of easily accessible
sources of information about water quality. We often talk about sunsetting programs
as new opportunities arise or priorities change. This is an excellent example
of how we recognized a need five years ago, responded appropriately, and now,
having determined there are other avenues available to help our customers, are
moving on. As of april 15, 2000 the Minnesota Water Line service will
longer be available. Don't worry, county educators and residents won't be left
in the lurch! The last section of this newsletter (below) includes a list of alternative
sources and contacts for water quality information. thank
you!
Thanks to county educators and staff who served
on the steering committee or promoted the Water Line, and to our partners from
state agencies and the private sector who helped envision, create, fund, and guide
the Minnesota Water Line. Thanks also to Water Line Coordinators Deanne Roquet,
Keith Anderson, and Barb Peichel who helped hundreds of people get the information
they needed to better understand a problem and take action to protect water resources
or ensure safe drinking water for their family or community. - COUNTY
CONTRIBUTORS ($100-500/year)
- Carlton 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
- Carver 1996, 1997, 1999
- Chisago 1996
- Dakota 1996,
1997
- Goodhue 1997
- Isanti 1996
- Itasca 1998
- Lake 1997, 1998
- Mower 1998
- Pope 1997
- Sherburne 1997
- Sibley 1996
- Steele 1995, 1996
- Wabasha 1997
- Watonwan 1997
- STEERING COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
- Cindy Hagley, Minnesota Sea Grant
- Barbara
Liukkonen, U of M Water Resources Center
- Norm Mofjeld, Minnesota Department
of Health
- Eric Mohring, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
- Ken Olson, U of M Extension Service
- Charlotte Shover,
Dakota County Environmental Education Program
- Dan Sola, Conestoga-Rover
& Associates
- Andrew Stone, American Ground Water Trust
- Sarah
Tufford, Minnesota DNR Division of Waters
- Jennifer Gallus/Bruce Montgomery,
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Gretchen Sabel, Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency
- MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS ($2000-20,000)
- American Ground Water Trust 1996
- Environmental Protection Agency
1996
- Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources 1994, 1996
- St.
Louis County Extension Service 1997 - 2000
- University of Minnesota
Extension Service 1994
- University of Minnesota Sea Grant 1994 - 2000
- University of Minnesota Water Resources Center 1998
*The "Other" category is for calls
that did not fit the main topic areas. The "Unknown" category is for calls with
unrecorded subjects. Citizens calling the Minnesota Water Line were primarily
concerned about the quality of their drinking water and wanted to know where to
get their water tested. Most of these callers, however, did not know what to test
their water for. Helping people understand what could cause water quality problems
was a fundamental value of the Minnesota Water Line. We encourage you to continue
asking questions and seeking answers. The back of this newsletter lists resources
that might help you tackle future questions about water-related issues.
five-year minnesota water line summary
The Minnesota Water Line staff answered 1,909 calls from
April 1995 through February 2000, at a rate of about 30 calls per month. There
was a marked correlation between the efforts of each county to market the Water
Line and the number of calls received from that county. The large numbers of calls
from Hennepin and Ramsey counties were attributed to their high population densities.
County Unknown - 181, Other States
- 3
Please note! The 181 calls lacking county information are depicted
as "unknown." "As Water Plan Coordinator, the Water Line saves me hours
of time that I would otherwise spend researching answers to the many varied questions
that I received. I have found it to be most helpful to have one referral number
for water resources questions. The program can also provide for a more timely
response to citizen's concerns in that often either the appropriate agency staff
or myself is not immediately available to provide answers to questions as they
come up. Thanks for your efforts."
June 1997 Mark Basiletti,
Water Resources Specialist Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District In
a recent survey of callers, 92 percent said their call was handled respectfully
and professionally, and 90 percent said they would call the Water Line for advice
again. Seventy-one percent said they believe the Water Line helped them save time
and 49 percent said the service helped them save money. alternative
sources and contacts
Top
Ten Sources for Water Information Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)
- Phone: 800-426-4791 Safe Drinking Water Hotline
- E-mail:
hotline-sdwa@epamail.epa.gov
- Web site: www.epa.gov/ow
(Ground Water & Drinking Water)
- Best Bet: Publication: Water on Tap: A Consumer's
Guide to the Nation's Drinking Water
National Drinking Water Clearinghouse
(NDWC)
- Phone: 800-624-8301 Drinking water questions
- Web
site: www.nesc.wvu.edu
- Best Bet: Search On Tap and Water Sense newsletters by subject
The
Groundwater Foundation
Minnesota
Department of Health (MDH)
- Phone: 651.215.0700 Environmental
Health Division
- Web site: www.health.state.mn.us
(Environmental Health)
- Best Bets: Frequently Called Phone Numbers by Subject
and Information for Citizens
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(MN DNR)
- Phone: 651-296-4800 MN DNR Waters 651.296.6157 or 888-MINNDNR
General
- Web site: www.dnr.state.mn.us
(Waters)
- Best Bets: Lake Finder Surveys and Maps, External Water Resource
Links, and Do I need a permit?
University of Minnesota Extension Service
(Extension)
- Phone: 612.624.2200 or 800-525-8636 INFO-U Messages
about water quality and septic systems
- Septic system: 612.625.7243 design
and installation 800-719-2825 operation and maintenance
- Local contact: University
of Minnesota Extension Service offices in every county
- Web site: www.extension.umn.edu/water
- Best Bets: Educational materials: Drinking Water Quality, On-Site Sewage Treatment,
and Shoreland Mgmt
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
- Phone: 651.296.6300 or 800-657-3864
- Web site: www.pca.state.mn.us
(Water)
- Best Bets: Permits/Regulations, Directory of MN's Ground Water Programs,
and Phone Referral List
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
- Phone: 651.297.2200 or 800-967-2474
- Web site: www.mda.state.mn.us
- Best Bet: Free Water Testing Clinics for Nitrates
United States
Geological Survey in Minnesota (USGS)
American Ground Water Trust (AGWT)
- Phone: 800-423-7748
Ground water questions
- Web site: www.agwt.org
- Best Bet: Educational Products and Publications
Quick
Resource List by Subject Area Water Testing - Locate
certified water testing labs through MDH 651.215.0700
- Info-U 612.624.2200
or 800-525-8636
- Your County Environmental Health Department
Safe
Drinking Water
- EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html
- MDH, including Source Water Protection 651.215.0700
- Info-U 612.624.2200 or 800-525-8636
- The National Ag Safety Database (Interpret Your Water Test
Report), www.cdc.gov/nasd/
Well Water Disinfection, Construction, Regulations, Sealing (including
financial assistance) - MDH-Well Management Section 651.215.0811 or
800-383-9808
- Your County Environmental Health Department
- Info-U at 612.624.2200
or 800-525-8636
Surface Water (Lakes, Rivers and Streams)
- MN DNR Waters 651.296.4800 and MN DNR General 651.296.6157 or 888-MINNDNR
- MPCA 651.296.6300 or 800-657-3864
- Minnesota Lakes Association, www.mnlakes.org
- Rivers Council of Minnesota, www.riversmn.org
Septic Systems-Regulations, Maintenance, Construction - University
of Minnesota Extension Service www.extension.umn.edu/water
- Septic system questions: 612.625.7243 or 800-719-2825
- Order publications: 612.624.4900 or 800-876-8636 or from your county offices
- National Small Flows Clearinghouse www.nesc.wvu.edu
- Your County Planning and Zoning or Environmental Health Depts
- MPCA (Individual
Sewage Treatment Systems) 651.296.6300 or 800-657-3864
Home Water Treatment
- National Sanitation Foundation International www.nsf.org
or 800-NSF-MARK
- Water Quality Association, www.wqa.org
- MDH 651.215.0700
- Info-U 612.624.2200 or 800-525-8636
- Order Extension publications: 612.624.4900 or 800-876-8636
or from your county offices
- The National Ag Safety Database (Home Water Treatment) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nasd.html
Groundwater-quantity and quality - MPCA 651.296.6300 or
800-657-3864
- American Ground Water Trust 800-423-7748
- MN DNR Waters 651.296.4800
and MN DNR General 651.296.6157 or 888-MINNDNR
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