Groundwater is the water beneath the land surface that fills the spaces in rock and sediment. It is replenished by precipitation, which can take weeks, months, or years, depending on your location in Minnesota. Groundwater flows into many lakes and streams, which is why they remain wet or continue to flow even during a dry spell. Groundwater supplies 75 percent of Minnesota's drinking water and 90 percent of agricultural irrigation. Availability varies across the state and may be limited in areas that support larger withdrawals.
ACD partners with the MNDNR to track groundwater levels in Anoka County. The MNDNR maintains a network of groundwater observation wells across the state. These deep groundwater wells are less sensitive to precipitation than other hydrologic systems, such as wetlands and streams, and respond more to longer-term trends. ACD is contracted to take quarterly water level readings at 14 wells in Anoka County. The MNDNR incorporates these data into a statewide database to support groundwater mapping.
The MNDNR reports the data on its website. To view the monitoring site locations, use the mapping utility and check the "monitor sites" box.
ACD Contact:
Links:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Obwell Program
2025 Groundwater Observation Well Program Summary Sheet