State Agencies Supporting Water System Partnerships

Minnesota Department of Health

State Policies and Programs Regarding Water System Partnerships

DWSRF PRIORITIZATION OF CONSOLIDATION PROJECTS

Seven points are awarded for proposed projects that will result in interconnection between existing public drinking water supplies. (See Minnesota Administrative Rule 4720.9030). For comparison, projects that will address issues that led to acute violations of MCLs or outbreaks of waterborne diseases within the last 36 months will be assigned up to 25 points.

OPERATOR SHARING

Minnesota provides guidelines for contracts between water system owners and operators, including a recommendation of the number of visits per week that an operator should make, based on the system’s classification. In addition, contracts must include the contract period and duties of the owner and the operator.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Minnesota Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MnWARN) is a mutual aid agreement to provide staff and resources to member utilities in the event of an emergency. Participation is free and voluntary.

Helpful Links to State Resources

• Minnesota Drinking Water Protection: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/dwp.html
• Operator Certification: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wateroperator/index.htm
• Contract Operator Requirements: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wateroperator/contractoperating.html
• MnWARN: http://www.mnwarn.org/abount-mnwarn
• DWSRF: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/dwrf/index.html
• Minnesota Administrative Rules: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/