Minnesota is fortunate to have an abundance of high-quality groundwater resources throughout most of the state. However, in many areas, our groundwater resources are vulnerable to contamination.
Each year, we sample a network of approximately 270 shallow monitoring wells that are located in non-agricultural areas overlying vulnerable aquifers. The monitoring-well network is an early warning system designed to detect contamination as it enters the groundwater system. This allows us to identify the sources of the contamination and possibly design and implement best management practices to prevent contamination.
Monitoring network
- roughly 40 domestic wells and 230 new monitoring wells located in nonagricultural areas overlying vulnerable aquifers
- wells are not near known areas of contamination and are representative of specific land uses
- water analyzed for nitrate, chloride, volatile organic compounds, and metals
- roughly 40 wells are analyzed each year for contaminants of emerging concern
Groundwater monitoring data
Access monitoring data for groundwater using a map or text-based search.
Monitoring PFAS in groundwater
MPCA conducted PFAS monitoring across the ambient groundwater network in 2013 and 2019 (results not yet available). MPCA is considering the need for regular PFAS monitoring in the ambient network.
More information
Learn about how we use groundwater and how our actions can affect it:
- Video: Our groundwater connection (5 min.)
- Video: Our groundwater connection - contamination (6 min.)
Groundwater reports
Your dollars at work
Funding for this initiative comes from the Clean Water Fund, part of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment that Minnesotans approved in 2008. The MPCA uses Clean Water Fund dollars to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.