Wellhead Protection in South St. Paul

The South St. Paul Wellhead Protection Plan safeguards the groundwater aquifers that supply municipal drinking water wells. It identifies potential contamination sources that could impact local groundwater quality. The plan’s ultimate goal is to ensure the City provides a safe and abundant supply of clean drinking water for generations to come.

Groundwater can become polluted when harmful substances enter the supply. If contamination levels exceed health standards, the water may become unsafe to drink.

The City routinely samples water from its wells and shares an Annual Water Quality Report with residents.

How You Can Help Protect the Water Supply

Private Wells

Although the wellhead protection program focuses on public water supply wells, residential wells can also contribute to aquifer contamination. Poorly constructed, neglected, or improperly abandoned wells create pathways for contaminants to reach the groundwater. Homeowners with private wells should regularly test their water quality.

While the City cannot test private wells, the process is affordable and highly recommended.

Properly Seal Unused Wells

Minnesota law requires unused private wells to either have a maintenance permit or be sealed by a licensed well contractor. Unsealed wells may violate Minnesota Well Code and could contribute to contamination. Property owners in wellhead protection areas may qualify for grants or cost-sharing programs to help cover sealing costs.

Household Hazardous Waste

Improperly disposed household waste can threaten water supplies. This includes:

• Automotive products (batteries, fuels, oils)
• Lawn and garden chemicals
• Paints and solvents
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Other hazardous materials

To learn about proper disposal options, visit the Dakota County website.

How Class V Wells Can Threaten Drinking Water

Class V Wells are shallow systems used to dispose of fluids below the surface. Examples include:

• Motor vehicle waste disposal wells
• Large capacity cesspools
• Stormwater drainage wells
• Aquifer remediation wells
• Large septic systems

If mismanaged, Class V wells can allow contaminants to enter the drinking water supply, leading to costly cleanup efforts or the need to drill new wells.

Steps to Properly Manage Class V Wells

• Register your Class V well with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 5
• Follow EPA and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for proper well management.
• Contact the City to confirm if your well is in a Drinking Water Protection Area.
• Redirect waste to approved holding tanks or convert to a dry system.
• Maintain your system to prevent contamination risks.