Fairmont receives award for protecting drinking water sources

FAIRMONT– The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) have recognized the City of Fairmont for its exceptional efforts to protect community drinking water sources. Fairmont received the 2021 Source Water Protection Award in the large systems category from MDH and MRWA.

Preserving source water quality requires engagement from many sectors, and the City of Fairmont has been a valuable partner in drinking water protection, according to MDH officials. The city has worked with state agencies, local government officials, and Soil and Water Conservation District staff to develop an extensive surface water monitoring program. The city secured grant funding, made possible by Clean Water Fund, to install real-time monitoring for nitrate and turbidity. Their extensive monitoring allows the city to quickly identify and respond to any water quality concerns.

Fairmont has undertaken significant projects to protect its drinking water supplies. The city received grant funding from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund to create an innovative biofiltration wetland to reduce nitrate levels in Dutch Creek. Modeling undertaken by the city will also show the effects of best management practices on nitrate levels in the Dutch Creek watershed.

In a letter to the city, MDH Environmental Health Director Tom Hogan commended Fairmont.

“Through its initiatives and strategic partnerships, the city of Fairmont has become a leader and fine example for other communities in the state as they seek to safeguard their sources of drinking water,” Hogan said.

MDH and MRWA work with public water suppliers and other stakeholders to develop and implement protection plans that include efforts to prevent contamination of the drinking water source. Prevention is used as the first step in protecting public health and is increasingly important as Minnesota faces threats to water quality.