Along Minnesota’s western edge, the counties of Clay, Norman, and Polk have made progress towards a significant milestone in providing expanded access to a reliable new water source.
The region is poised to secure a sustainable water future through the establishment of the West Central Regional Water District’s (WCRWD) new water system. Led by the WCRWD and bolstered by the expertise of partners like water engineering firm AE2S and legal counsel from Flaherty & Hood, P.A., this initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable water future for the region. Flaherty & Hood Shareholder Daniel Marx is the lead attorney for the project.
On March 22, 2024, the group initiated the judicial process for creating the new water system in Clay County District Court, marking a crucial milestone in addressing the region’s drinking water needs. Once established, the WCRWD’s water system will serve as the backbone for a centralized drinking water service, serving rural residents and cities across southwestern Polk, western Norman, and northern Clay Counties.
The WCRWD was initially formed to help steer the establishment of a water system within the its boundaries, a process involving multiple board meetings with each county involved and their subsequent resolutions approving the creation of the district.
This effort was spurred by Polk County’s initial infrastructure investment of $584,674, and the WCRWD is pursuing additional funding at the federal and state levels. At the federal level, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, as well as Representative Michelle Fischbach, have secured a total of $3.5 million for the project in the federal budget via the Community Project Funding process. At the state level, Senators Mark Johnson and Rob Kupec, as well as Representatives Debra Kiel and Jim Joy, are supporting legislation that would provide an additional $9.25 million in bonding.
Ensuring public health and access to high-quality drinking water is at the core of the WCRWD. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, all three counties exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level of 10 micrograms per liter for arsenic among the private wells that were tested. Arsenic levels were found to exceed the EPA standard in 43% of private wells that were tested in Norman County, 39% in Clay County, and 21% in Polk County.
The WCRWD isn’t just a project—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and collective action in Minnesota. We invite you to follow us on this journey towards a more water-secure future. To learn more about these efforts, please visit WCRWD’s website.
