Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but Dakota County is notable for its variety of rivers: the Mississippi River to the east and northeast, Minnesota River to the northwest, the scenic Cannon River to the south and trout-bearing Vermillion River through its center.
Private water well owners in flood prone areas urged to take precautions - before and after flooding. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is advising well owners that private water wells contaminated with flood water can pose a health risk. MDH recommends that well owners take precautions before possible flooding and take corrective actions should a well be flooded.
In addition to these surface water resources, Dakota County has a plentiful supply of groundwater, which it relies upon for its drinking water supply. Ninety-one percent of Dakota County residents use groundwater for their water supply, whether it comes from a municipal water source or their own private well. However, in much of the County this drinking water supply is highly susceptible to contamination from activities at the surface.
Protecting Dakota County’s valuable surface water and groundwater resources is an important responsibility for everyone who lives and works here.