MORRISON COUNTY WATER PLAN
 
The first or “original” Morrison County Comprehensive Local Water Plan was completed and adopted in 1990. Implementation of the plan began immediately.  Under the second and third plans we began collaborating and doing some pilot projects that have now become standard practice. The third generation plan expired in 2008.  This 4th generation plan, while shorter in length will attempt to capture our multi-year accomplishments and detail the goals yet to be achieved and/or continued.
 
The Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) assumed the task of the local water plan update in April of 2009.  It had previously been administered by the Planning and Zoning office but staff changes and budget considerations compelled the county to make some changes.   The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) had granted an extension until May 2010 and therefore the timeframe for completion required escalated planning.  The convening of task force members had to begin again, since the former committee had dissolved.
 
Initially, a survey had been sent out to all lake associations, agencies, and townships soliciting input, as well as published in the local newspaper with a circulation of over 30,000.  Radio spots were used to inform citizens of where and how to submit comments.  All agencies came to the table, recognizing the collaborative planning process had diminished in recent years.  It was important to capture what had been accomplished from the last plan, and how we should focus our resources for the next decade.  The county board appointed citizen members. The attendance twice monthly was very positive and reflected the support the water plan had once had, and would have again.
 
It was apparent that the water resource managers, lake associations, agencies, etc. desired a source of leadership.  It will be the focus of this plan to provide guidance and coordination to all resource protection efforts as well as a format for sharing the information to the public.
 
Since the Local Water Plan by resolution can be the District’s comprehensive plan, it now will truly encompass our district goals as well as the goals of comprehensive water planning. 
 
This plan will encompass the County as a whole, cities included, so that all agencies and units of government have a common focus on how to best utilize our resources in a conscientious manner that serves the needs of citizens, but preserves the resources for future generations.
 
Further, goals set are with a watershed approach, collaborating with our neighboring counties, recognizing that the boundaries of the County do not confine the impacts we all have on a water resource.  The task force felt strongly about the need to identify and protect the water bodies that are not “impaired” and therefore give as much or more emphasis to those waters (listed separately in this document.
 
PURPOSE OF LOCAL WATER PLANNING
The Local Water Planning purpose by statute has not wavered in 20 years. 
  • To identify existing and potential problems and opportunities for the protection, management, and development of water and related land resources; and
  • Develop objectives and carry out a plan of action to promote sound hydrologic management of water and related land resources, effective environmental protection and efficient management.
     
2010 Water Plan
 
Scoping Document
 
Note:  These files are quite large and may take some time to download.
 
 
 
 
EDUCATION

              ANNUAL MORRISON COUNTY 6th GRADE WATER FESTIVAL 

Conducted annually in the spring and established in 1993, the festival’s purpose is to create a better awareness of conservation and water resources through education.  The program is designed to increase the knowledge, skills and attitudes of all 6th grade students in relation to the importance of caring for the environment in which they live. We feel that the Water Festival is a fun and exciting way for students to learn more about the importance of conservation, clean water and the hydrologic cycle. This two-day event is a cooperative effort of various agencies and partners, with over 420 students attending annually.

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NITRATE TESTING 

Previous Nitrate Clinics:

Conducted the week of October 3rd – 7th, 2011 -

              39 Water Samples Tested
0 – 4.9 = 28 Samples = 72%
5 – 10  =   5 Samples = 13% > 10  =   6 Samples = 15%
Conducted the week of June 13th – 17th, 2011 -
             46 Water Samples Tested 0 – 4.9 = 33 Samples = 72% 5 – 10  =   6 Samples = 13% > 10  =   7 Samples = 15%

The Morrison SWCD offers FREE nitrate testing of your well water and only takes a few minutes to complete. 

***  The Next Nitrate Testing will be conducted:  June 4 – 8,  2012

What is Nitrate? Nitrate (NO3) is a naturally occurring chemical made of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrate is found in air, soil, water, and plants. Much of the nitrate in our environment comes from decomposition of plants and animal wastes. People also add nitrate to the environment in the form of fertilizers.

Why Test For Nitrates? Nitrate is the most common pollutant found in rural wells in Morrison County. Nitrate in drinking water presents a serious problem for infants up to about six months of age, and for pregnant women. Too much nitrate in infants can reduce the amount of oxygen carried by blood. This is known as “Blue Baby Syndrome.”

How Much Nitrate is Too Much? The state Health Risk Limit for nitrate is 10 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen, which provides newborns with reasonable protection against blue baby syndrome. This level is mandatory for all public water systems, and recommended for private wells.

How Do I Test My Well For Nitrates? Step 1. Allow your faucet to run for approximately 5 minutes. Step 2. Collect a sample of water in a new, re-sealable, plastic bag. Step 3. Bring the sample to the Morrison SWCD office to be analyzed for nitrates. The sample must be kept cool during transport (a small cooler works well).

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health Website