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Public Water Supply
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY?
Community public water supply serves at least 25 persons or 15 service connections year-round. Community public water supplies include cities, manufactured home parks, etc. These systems are required to provide a safe and adequate supply of water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 which was established to protect the quality of water in the U.S. This law focuses on all waters actually or potentially designed for drinking use, whether from above ground or underground sources. Currently there are almost 1,000 community water supplies in Minnesota.
WHAT IS COTTONWOOD'S WATER SUPPLY STRUCTURE?
Currently Cottonwood operates a very basic system that is classified as a Class D Water System. Public Water Suppliers can obtain a license that is one class above the operation system. The Public Works Supervisor, Allen Olsen, is licensed to operate at a Class C Water System.
The treatment regime for Cottonwood's Water Supply is as follows:
The treatment regime for Cottonwood's Water Supply is as follows:
- Chlorine for disinfection
- Fluoride for dental disease prevention
- Polyphosphates for corrosion control to prevent the release of metals into drinking water.
ROLE OF THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (MDH) COMMUNITY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY UNIT
The MDH Community Water Supply Unit is responsible for making sure community water supply systems meet the standards of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974.
The activities of the Unit include:
The activities of the Unit include:
- Sanitary Surveys: A sanitary survey is an on-site review of the adequacy of the water source, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance of a public water supply system for producing and distributing safe drinking water. Sanitary surveys for community water supply systems are conducted once every 18 months.
- ample Collection: Required water samples are collected by MDH or the public water supply. All community water supplies are tested for contaminants such as pesticides, solvents, and metals.
- Technical Assistance: Field staff provides on-site technical assistance to community water supply systems in resolving contamination events and other water system problems.
- Training and Education: Each community water supply is required to have at least one certified operator. MDH staff participate in water supply training throughout the state. Additionally, an informational newsletter is sent quarterly to each certified water operator.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION FOR COMMUNITY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIERS
Public notification ensures that consumers will know if there is a problem with their drinking water. These notices alert consumers if there is risk to public health. Some types of public notification are required under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. Learn more at Public Notification Rule.
The rule ensures that consumers will know if there is a problem with their drinking water. These notices alert consumers if there is risk to public health.
The Summary of Rule for Public Notification:
The rule ensures that consumers will know if there is a problem with their drinking water. These notices alert consumers if there is risk to public health.
The Summary of Rule for Public Notification:
- if the water does not meet drinking water standards;
- if the water system fails to test its water;
- if the system has been granted a variance (use of less costly technology); or
- if the system has been granted an exemption (more time to comply with a new regulation).
Water Resources
Sewer
Sewer Information