Groundwater Protection
Ramsey County is fortunate to have an adequate supply of groundwater which helps to sustain its potable, industrial and commercial water use base as well as providing water to lakes, streams and wetlands.
Groundwater is water located beneath the earth's surface in soil and geologic materials. Groundwater is stored in and flows through an intricate network of small pores, joints, fractures and solution cavities in underground geologic sediment and rock formations.
Beneath Ramsey County lies a portion of a large groundwater geologic basin made up of several aquifer units which provide much of the water we use every day. Water wells are used to extract groundwater from aquifers. This groundwater is used for drinking, heating and cooling, manufacturing processes, and as the natural recharge for streams, some lakes and wetlands. The quality of groundwater depends on its natural characteristics and whether any contaminants have entered the aquifers where the groundwater resides.
Why is groundwater important?
- Storm water and surface water, like lakes and streams, are all connected to groundwater.
- Everyone shares the same groundwater resource.
- Between 15 - 20 percent of Ramsey County residents are completely dependent on groundwater for their drinking water.
- Groundwater protection is cheaper than groundwater cleanup.
- Today's contaminated groundwater will be in tomorrow's drinking water.
- Groundwater is a limited resource that will become more scarce in the future.
- Planning for groundwater protection raises public awareness of the issue.
Water pricing
The Metropolitan Council gathers information about water supplies across the metro area. About 80 percent of Ramsey County residents have their water needs met by the St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS). SPRWS uses surface water from the Mississippi River for approximately 93 percent of its needs. About seven percent of SPRWS’s needs come from groundwater. Cities that distribute their own water to residents are completely dependent on groundwater for their water supply. The following table compares prices among water providers as of 2008. Annual estimated household costs have been calculated based on an assumed 10,000 gallons per month.
Water pricing table (PDF)
Well water testing
As of January 23, 2020, The Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health Laboratory no longer offers well water testing.
Local water testing
For information about local water testing options, visit Minnesota Department of Health website for a list of certified laboratories.
Saint Paul Regional Water Services offers free lead water testing for people in their distribution system in the cities of Saint Paul, Maplewood, Falcon Heights or Lauderdale. For more information, call 651-266-6350.