Factsheet at a Glance
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Manual
The Model Plan for testing for lead in drinking water in public and charter schools, child care centers, and other facilities serving children has been updated. Updates include information for schools and child care centers to meet state statutory requirements. You can find it at Reducing Lead in Drinking Water (PDF). As a quick reference, facilities may want to use our companion factsheets to help guide actions after reviewing their test results.
MRWA Training/Resources
Currently there is one Class E Small Systems Training remaining on the schedule. Dates for future sessions will be posted on the Training Calendar page once all sessions are scheduled. MRWA Training Calendar – Minnesota Rural Water Association. To access the training information, click on the box “Go To Small Systems Training”.
Class E Training (8am – Noon)
May 1, 2024 – Mankato
Operator Certification
Nontransient noncommunity public water supply systems must employ a certified water operator. These systems include schools, daycare facilities, factories, and businesses. Water operators who have questions about their certification status or need to take a water operator exam should reach out to Noel Hansen at 651-201-4690 or noel.hansen@state.mn.us.
Water Operator Certification and Training also provides further information.
Reminder to Owners and Operators of Seasonal Systems
Seasonal public water systems are those that do not operate on a year-round basis and start up and shut down at the beginning and end of each season. Seasonal systems are required to start up each spring with an approved start-up procedure and notify MDH of its completion. The start-up procedure can be found at:
Start-up Procedure for Seasonal Public Water Systems (PDF)
If you are the owner/operator of a seasonal water system, you recently received a reminder notice. After starting up your water system, be sure to complete the notice with the date the procedure was completed and the date your water system is open to the public and return it to MDH. Please note that seasonal systems that do not complete the approved start-up procedure will be in violation of the Revised Total Coliform Rule and placed on a monthly coliform bacteria sample schedule. The owner/operator of the system will then become responsible for collecting water samples as well as overnight shipping costs.
Remember, if you choose to include system disinfection in your start-up procedure, you need to make sure no one is using the water until the disinfection procedures are completed and all bleach solution has been flushed out of the system.
Although providing certification of the start-up procedure is only required for the water systems that fully depressurize all their water system(s) in the off-season, water systems that depressurize a portion of their system should also follow the approved start-up procedure. This will help to ensure these systems are maintained in a sanitary condition.
Additional information relating to the Seasonal Start-up Procedure and other water system related information is available at:
Restaurants, Resorts, Campgrounds (Transient)
Please contact your designated sanitarian if you have questions or call 651-201-4700 or 888-345-0823.
There are currently 42 staff members that comprise the MDH Drinking Water Protection Noncommunity Unit.
Map of Field Staff and Districts - January 2024
Source Sample Tap - Why Should I Have One on Each Well?
The goal is for all noncommunity public water systems to have a properly located and functioning source sample tap for each drinking water well. Samples required by the Safe Drinking Water Act are collected at your water system at various locations, depending on rule requirements and the data sought from each sample. Most samples for chemical contaminants, including nitrate, are collected at the entry point (the point immediately after any treatment and before the first distribution tap). Samples for lead and copper (nontransient systems only) are collected on the distribution system (e.g., at a kitchen sink or a drinking fountain) because the levels of these contaminants can be impacted by the premise plumbing. Total coliform samples are also typically collected on the distribution system to ensure there are no vulnerabilities in the system that allow for microbial contamination.
Sampling at the source (usually a well) is sometimes needed to measure water quality prior to any treatment. Source sampling is required when triggered under a specific rule, including the Ground Water Rule, the Lead and Copper Rule, or the Surface Water Treatment Rules. Source samples are also required when using treatment that can remove or inactivate microbes, to ensure the treatment is not masking a source quality issue. Finally, source samples can be useful for investigating other water quality issues and evaluating treatment effectiveness. If you are required by rule to collect a source sample and do not have a source sample tap available, you will be required to install one. Ultimately, the most important reason to have a source tap is to allow you to better understand water quality throughout your system.
The source sample tap must be metal, smooth-nosed, and installed a minimum of 12 inches above the established ground surface or floor. The source tap is often located adjacent to the pressure tank. Source sample points can also include a frost-free hydrant providing untreated water or other type of outlet which is not preceded by treatment. Source sample points do not include outlets downstream of water softeners, sediment filters, or any other type of treatment.
If you do not already have a source tap available at your system, you should contact a licensed plumber to have one installed.
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Lead in Drinking Water Testing Program for School and Child Cares Programs
Minnesota Department of Health has a free Lead in Drinking Water Testing Program for public schools, Head Start programs, and child cares. This free program provides participants with sample kits, certified laboratory analysis, and technical assistance. The program provides testing that complements the testing required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Apply for enrollment by completing the:
Minnesota Lead in Schools and Child Cares Testing Program Application.
There is no safe level of lead. Lead is particularly harmful to developing children. Lead exposure can cause long-term health and behavior problems. Testing for lead is required for public and charter schools in Minnesota and recommended for all schools and child care providers.
For more information, call 651-308-3754 or email HEALTH.WIIN_Grant@state.mn.us.
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