Cambridge Wellhead Protection Plan

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As a result of amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986, the federal government requires states to establish a Wellhead Protection Plan. The plan is designed to identify sources of supply for drinking water and any potential contaminants that might impact the drinking water supply, providing a strategy to protect the drinking water from contamination.

The Minnesota Department of Health approved a plan requiring all communities and owners of water systems in Minnesota to complete a Wellhead Protection Plan. The City of Cambridge completed and received approval for that Wellhead Protection Plan in 2007. The State of Minnesota Wellhead Protection Rule requires that the city reviews and amends the Wellhead Protection Plan every 10 years.

The City of Cambridge has been working with staff from Short Elliot Hendrickson to complete the required Wellhead Protection Plan amendment. The amended plan consists of two parts. Part I of the plan delineates the Wellhead Protection Area (WPA) and the Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA). Additionally, under Part I of the plan, an assessment is completed on Cambridge Wells and their vulnerability to impacts. Part II of the plan includes the development of the Wellhead Protection Plan itself. The plan includes goals, objectives, plan of action, an evaluation program, and a contingency plan. The amended Wellhead Protection Plan was completed and submitted for approval to the Department of Health. Final approval of the plan by the Department of Health was granted in June 1, 2018.

The Wellhead Protection Plan and the protection of our groundwater resource can be successful only if residents help. To assist the city implement its plan you can do the following:

Help identify land uses and potential sources of contamination on your property (unused wells, tanks, failing septic systems, hazardous waste, etc.).
Use hazardous products only as directed and dispose of them properly when no longer needed. Contact Isanti County Zoning Department for information on handling and disposal of wastes.
Practice proper turf management techniques and avoid over-fertilization of your lawns and gardens. Visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website for more information.
Seal any unused wells on your property, according to Minnesota Well Code. See the Minnesota Department of Health website for more information. Owners of active private wells should refer to the Minnesota Department of Health Well Owners Handbook for proper maintenance and sampling information.
Conserve water whenever possible. Lawn watering is one of the largest uses of municipal water during the summer months. The City of Cambridge has watering restrictions in place year around. Tips for conserving water, while maintaining a healthy lawn are also available.
Report spill (or illegal dumping) of hazardous wastes, oil/fuel, or chemicals should be reported to law enforcement.
Wellhead Protection Plan Information

If you have any questions concerning the Cambridge Wellhead Protection Plan, contact Todd Schwab, Cambridge Wellhead Protection Manager, at (763) 689-1800.

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