Groundwater is the water found beneath the land surface in the spaces between soil, sand, gravel, and rock. It is replenished by precipitation, though the time it takes for water to reach groundwater can range from weeks to years depending on local conditions. Groundwater is a critical resource that sustains many lakes, wetlands, and streams, helping them remain wet or continue flowing during dry periods.
Groundwater provides approximately 75 percent of Minnesota's drinking water and 90 percent of the water used for agricultural irrigation. While groundwater is abundant in some areas, its availability varies across the state and may be limited in locations with high water demand.
ACD partners with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) to monitor groundwater levels in Anoka County. The MNDNR maintains a statewide network of groundwater observation wells that help track long-term changes in groundwater resources. Because these deep monitoring wells are less affected by short-term precipitation events than wetlands, lakes, or streams, they provide valuable information about broader groundwater trends.
As part of this partnership, ACD collects quarterly groundwater level measurements from 14 observation wells throughout Anoka County. The MNDNR incorporates these data into a statewide database that supports groundwater mapping, resource planning, and water management decisions.
Groundwater monitoring data and observation well locations are available through the MNDNR's online mapping tools. To view monitoring sites, open the mapping utility and select the “Monitor Sites” layer.
ACD Contact:
Links:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Obwell Program
2025 Groundwater Observation Well Program Summary Sheet