Minnesota Water Resources Conference - Water Resources Center ...

Concurrent Sessions IV 10:00–11:30
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
Wednesday, Tuesday, October 24 28 23
Track B: Impact of Southeast Minnesota Floods, continued
Wells
Danny Nubbe, Mineral Services Plus, danny@mineralserviceplus.com
August 18–20, 2007 the south eastern corner of Minnesota received 8 to 20 inches of rain fall. Several counties
and communities were devastated, many people were left homeless and the City of Rushford was completely
shut down. The water and sewer services were knocked out completely. After several weeks of attempting to
disinfect the two city water wells, we had not yet been successful. An extensive search was completed by the
City of Rushord Public Works personnel, Minnesota Rural Water Association, Minnesota Department of Health
personnel, Licensed water well contractor personnel (Mineral Service Plus). Mineral Service Plus obtained city
record of 40 known wells in town. After a house by house search, we discovered more than 300 wells. (Most of
which were open).
Give the fact that the sewer treatment plant was one of the first areas to go under water, most basements were
flooded with raw sewage that entered the open wells. Approximately 150 wells have been cleaned out and
sealed. City well #3 could not be disinfected and it was sealed as well. City well #4 was cleaned, disinfected
and passed MDH water testing requirements. A new city well (#5) has been constructed. This terrible incident
should serve as a wake up call for all communities.
Questions to consider:
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Do you know how many wells have been constructed in your community
What year was your community water system constructed and put into service to each home
What year was your community originally established
Please note: If your historical records indicate homes existed before the construction of your public water
supply, there are definitely wells that have not been sealed that are not on record. They are possible channels or
conduits for contamination of the community water supply.
Now that you know you have a ticking time bomb, whose job is it to diffuse the bomb
Minnesota Water Resources Conference, October 27–28, 2008 62