Community Public Water Supply
General Information

Picture of Water TowerWhat is a Community Public Water Supply? Community public water supplies serve at least 25 persons or 15 service connections year-round, which includes municipalities, manufactured mobile home parks, etc. These systems are required to provide a safe and adequate supply of water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Currently there are almost 1,000 community water supply systems in Minnesota (see below).

Community Water Supply Systems in Minnesota
Public Water System Type Number of Systems
Municipal 726
Nonmunicipal 244
TOTAL 970

Role of the Community Public Water Supply Unit: The MDH Community Water Supply Unit is responsible for assuring the compliance of community water supply systems with the SDWA. The Unit consists of field staff located in MDH's district offices and compliance staff located in St. Paul. The activities of the Unit include:

  • Picture of Pump HouseSanitary Surveys: A sanitary survey is an on-site review of the adequacy of the water source, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance of a public water supply system for producing and distributing safe drinking water. Sanitary surveys for community water supply systems are conducted once every 18 months.
  • Sample Collection: Required water samples are collected by MDH or the public water supply. All community water supplies are tested for contaminants such as pesticides, solvents, and metals.
  • Technical Assistance: Field staff provides on-site technical assistance to community water supply systems in resolving contamination events and other water system problems.
  • Training and Education: Each community water supply is required to have at least one certified operator. MDH staff participate in water supply training throughout the state. Additionally, an informational newsletter is sent quarterly to each certified water operator.

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Updated Monday, 06-Jun-2011 10:58:47 CDT