Past survey research in Minnesota has shown that residents prioritize protecting water for clean and safe drinking (Davenport et al. 2024). Yet contaminants such as nitrate, arsenic, and bacteria threaten drinking water and public health across the state, especially for 1.2 million private well owners who are responsible for testing and mitigating problems with their own well water. Recent research shows that about one-fifth of private well owners follow Minnesota Department of Health guidelines for testing their well water (Davenport 2023), and almost one-quarter either have never tested their well water or don’t know if their water has ever been tested.
In response to these challenges, our research team has conducted surveys with more than 1000 private well owners across the state to better understand the social factors that influence or impede private well water testing. Surveys have informed focus groups and workshops with water practitioners across the state to engage participants in a discussion about what the findings mean for their work and how they might inform policy and programming. Study findings will directly inform state agency work across the drinking water system to help Minnesota move towards eliminating drinking water-related health concerns.
Sponsor: Minnesota Department of Health
Timeline: July 2023 - June 2025, extended through May 2026
Contact: Emily Kreiter ([email protected])