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Ground Water & Wells
The quality of Minnesota groundwater as it relates to human health is generally excellent. Our drinking water comes either from surface water(lakes, streams, or rivers) or from groundwater. Surface water is more vulnerable to contamination than groundwater. Seventy percent of Minnesota people get their water from groundwater, private or public wells. Bacteria, viruses, and many chemical contaminants are removed from filtered water as it moves downward through silt, sand, and gravel deposits. Well construction standards required under Minnesota Rules help ensure the quality of well water remains high.
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Well Construction
A well is the most common way to obtain groundwater for household use. A well is basically a hole in the ground, held open by a pipe that extends to an aquifer. A pump draws water from the aquifer for distribution though the plumbing system. The depth to which wells are constructed is determined by factors such as 1) depth to groundwater, 2) the groundwater quality, and 3) the geologic conditions at the well site.
Minnesota rules governing well construction are administered by the Minnesota Department of Health. The rules are based on the idea that a properly located and constructed well should provide safe drinking water and also protect the groundwater from contamination.
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