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ST. PAUL, MINN. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say annual tests of community drinking water supplies in the state show little evidence of contamination.
The MinnesotaDepartment of Health tested 957 drinking water supply systems last year, including more than 700 city water systems.
Drinking water is tested for bacteria, nitrates and other inorganic chemicals, radiological elements and up to 118 industrial chemicals and pesticides.
According to the report, 14 water systems had detectable levels of coliform bacteria. Those systems are routinely disinfected, flushed and retested.
Thirteen community water systems exceeded the standard for arsenic, and 19 had too much radium. Officials have notified residents in those communities.
Locally, wells at Cleveland and Kasota tested positive for coliform bacteria. Arsenic was detected in Buffalo Lake, Lake Lillian, and Stewart. And radium 226 & 228 were detected in Lonsdale and Medford. Those levels exceeded the state’s acceptable standard for radium.
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