The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is the state authority for drinking water. Several programs at MDH work together to ensure safe and adequate drinking water. The Drinking Water Protection program focuses on public water systems. Public water systems serve 25 people or more in places where they live, work, gather and play.

Drinking Water and COVID-19

Together in partnership with public water systems, the Drinking Water Protection Section at MDH will continue working to ensure the delivery of safe and sufficient drinking water to all Minnesotans throughout the COVID-19 response.

Visit Drinking Water and COVID-19 for more information and general updates about COVID-19 related to drinking water.
Public water systems can visit Public Water Systems and COVID-19 for information and updates about COVID-19 related to drinking water utilities.

About Us
About the Drinking Water Protection program, with links to program sites.

A-Z List of Contaminants in Water
Information about contaminants that could be found in drinking water and sources of drinking water like groundwater, rivers, and lakes.

Bottled Water
Questions and answers on bottled water versus tap water.

Drinking Water Annual Reports
Drinking water protection annual reports by year.

Drinking Water Institute
WaterWorks! A Drinking Water Institute for Educators is an annual institute for teachers to learn about drinking water and how to teach it in their classrooms.

Drinking Water in Schools and Child Cares
Protecting drinking water quality in schools and child cares and educating teachers, parents, and students about drinking water.

Drinking Water Protection Laws and Rules
Links to laws and rules pertaining to drinking water protection in Minnesota.

Drinking Water Revolving Fund
Information about public drinking water supplies in Minnesota.

Fact Sheets
Drinking water protection fact sheets and advisory guidance documents.

Home Water Treatment
Overview of types of devices used to treat water and considerations for purchasing.

Invisible Heroes Videos
Videos highlighting public water providers.

Plan Review
Information about plan review of drinking water construction projects.

Risk Communication Toolkit
Strategies and tools for communicating about drinking water.

Source Water Assessments
Information about public drinking water systems in Minnesota.

Strategic Initiatives
Information about strategic projects and initiatives.

Water Operator Certification and Training
Exam information, training schedule, FAQs, and more.

Waterline Newsletter
A quarterly publication for water operators and others as well as a list of feature stories about water systems.

Drinking Water Protection Contacts
Contact information for Drinking Water Protection program staff.

News and Updates

Lead and Copper Rule Revisions

Of Interest

Interactive Dashboard for PFAS in Drinking Water

MDH Issues Drinking Water Annual Report for 2021 (PDF)

Governor Walz Declares May 1-7 Safe Drinking Water Week in Minnesota (PDF)

Urban Water Cycle Interactive Drinking Water Module