The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) have recognized the City of Goodhue for its exceptional efforts to protect community drinking water sources. Goodhue was a finalist for a 2025 Source Water Protection Award from MDH and MRWA.
Goodhue undertook several notable projects to protect the city’s drinking water source from contamination and ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of the water supply. The city’s actions included:
• Collaborating with local partners to implement best practices for reducing nitrogen, a common contaminant to drinking water sources in agricultural areas.
• Hosting a collaborative nitrate clinic, where 123 water samples were tested.
• Providing educational luncheons to teach community members about wellhead protection.
MDH and MRWA work with public water suppliers and other partners to develop and implement protection plans that include efforts to prevent contamination of the drinking water source. Preventing contamination is the best and most cost-effective way to protect drinking water for public health.
Earlier this week, MDH released the state’s first Drinking Water Action Plan, which outlines strategies for protecting drinking water from source to tap over the next 10 years. The plan identifies goals for ensuring safe drinking water around the state and highlights the vital partnerships with local communities to achieve these goals.
