Well, Well, Well

By Kaleb Adams

Intern, Fillmore SWCD 

The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is working to update and improve Fillmore County’s private well inventory with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). This project will verify existing private well locations and assign new, accurate well identification numbers to wells that currently have outdated or incomplete records. The goal of this well inventory is to create a more reliable and complete database of wells throughout Fillmore County.

The process begins by reviewing historical well records dating back to 1992 and earlier. Using these documents provide information about wells that were installed before modern digital recordkeeping became standard. In addition to these paper records, we use aerial imagery and the existing digital MDH Private Well Index, which contains well ID numbers that may no longer align with current standards. Using these different sources, we can verify wells that already have unique well numbers and identify records that need to be updated.

Using historical records, existing well data, and other sources such as property records and aerial imagery, we are creating a new Geographic Information System (GIS) layer. This GIS layer accurately maps private well locations and associates them with correct and current well identification numbers. Once completed, the GIS data will be added to the MDH Private Well Index, ensuring consistency across Fillmore County.

The updated private well inventory serves several important purposes for Fillmore County and its residents. One of its most important functions is supporting public health and environmental protection. In the case of a chemical spill, fuel leak, or other contamination incident near a well, accurate location data allows quick identification of which wells may be at a potential risk. This helps with faster response times, more effective testing, and better protection of drinking water supplies for residents of Fillmore County.

In addition to quick emergency response, the well inventory plays a big role in long-term water management and funding decisions. Accurate well data helps the county and state apply for appropriate funding to seal unused or abandoned wells, which can create serious risks to groundwater if left unaddressed. Properly sealed wells reduce the chance of contaminants entering aquifers and help keep our aquifers and drinking water clean.

This updated inventory also supports other water-related projects tied to wells, including land-use planning and conservation efforts. By knowing how many wells exist and where they are located, agencies can better prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively.

Overall, this private well inventory update in Fillmore County is an important tool in data accuracy, public health, and environmental stewardship. Through the partnership between Fillmore SWCD and MDH the county will have a more reliable database for protecting groundwater resources and maintaining safe drinking water for Fillmore County residents.