City of Adrian recognized for source water protection

The Minnesota Rural Water Association and Minnesota Department of Health recently presented the Large Public Water Supply System Source Water Protection Award to the City of Adrian.

This award is given annually at the Minnesota Rural Water Association Technical Conference to recognize the importance and value of source water protection efforts in Minnesota and to recognize individuals, public water systems and organizations that have shown long-term commitment, initiative, leadership, sharing of successes and initiation or participation in activities that resulted in the protection or improvement of their source water.

According to an MRWA press release, Adrian has elevated nitrates in its drinking water and treats its groundwater to reduce nitrate levels for safe consumption. The city has taken a proactive approach to tackling its nitrate problems by implementing a monitoring program to track nitrate levels within the surface waters and tile lines of its wellhead protection area. This program is helping to identify sub-watersheds that are nitrate hotspots and focus implementation programs and funds.

The City of Adrian has also been a valuable partner by helping bring state and local partnering agencies together to discuss priority areas, funding sources and corrective projects for nitrates. This effort has resulted in the enrollment of three separate parcels into perpetual easements. City and partnering agency staff, working in close cooperation with local farmers, have also planted cover crops on key fields in an increased effort to reduce nitrate loading.