Minn. Department of Health hosting public meetings for karst region landowners on nitrate pollution

MINNEAPOLIS (WKBT) -- The Minnesota Department of Health has invited private well owners in southeastern Minnesota to public meetings that will address the state's response to water quality issues in the karst region.

According to an MDH release, southeastern Minnesota's karst region, including the Winona, Houston, and Fillmore Counties, is susceptible to nitrate pollution from agricultural runoff, wastewater and faulty septic systems.

Experts say nitrate pollution can cause serious health effects, especially for babies.

MDH is organizing a series of public meetings in June to educate private well owners about what the state is doing to reduce pollution and to answer any questions. The upcoming meetings and locations are below:

• Stewartville — Wednesday, June 12
  
  • Open house from 5 to 8 p.m., presentation at 6 p.m.
    Stewartville Community Center 105 First St. E., Stewartville, Minn. 55976
• Rushford — Wednesday, June 26
  
  • Open house from 4 to 8 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m.
    Rushford – Peterson Public School, 1000 Pine Meadows Lane, Rushford, Minn. 55971
  • Free nitrate screening will be available starting at 4 p.m. Bring a sample of your private well drinking water from your kitchen tap in a clean glass jar to have it screened for nitrates. This service is provided by Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District.
• Mazeppa — Thursday, June 27
  
  • Open house from 5 to 8 p.m., presentation at 6 p.m.
    Mazeppa Community Center, 278 First Ave. N., Mazeppa, Minn. 55956

Anyone who can't attend those sessions can join a virtual call June 20 at 1:30 p.m.

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