ST. PAUL, Minn. — Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health released a draft of the state’s Drinking Water Action Plan. The 10-year plan – developed by researchers, experts, state and local governments, and people in the private sector – seeks to ensure that everyone in Minnesota has equitable access to safe and sufficient drinking water. The Department of Health is currently taking public feedback on the plan, and is encouraging Minnesotans to weigh in. The period for public comment closes on Thursday, October 17.

Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton) and Senator Tou Xiong (DFL-Maplewood) – authors of 2023 legislation to limit the use of PFAS “forever chemicals” and prevent them from getting into Minnesota’s drinking water – released the following statements, encouraging Minnesotans to share their feedback on the plan:

“Safe drinking water is foundational to the health of Minnesotans, and it has been one of my biggest legislative priorities,” said Senator Seeberger. “Our district has been especially affected by PFAS contamination, and it’s encouraging to know that the Department of Health is working proactively to ensure the protection of our drinking water. The DFL’s nation-leading PFAS legislation was a great start, but there are other actions we will need to take – including bolstering our drinking water workforce, protecting private well users, tackling the climate crisis, and assessing other threats to our safe drinking water. I would encourage members of the public to share their thoughts and ideas about the plan.”

“Protecting our drinking water is imperative to our state’s well-being,” said Senator Xiong. “I have heard so many stories about forever chemicals impacting the health of our neighbors in the East Metro. Your advocacy led us to ensure PFAS legislation was a priority for the DFL caucus. Passing a ban of these forever chemicals was just the start of our work together. Minnesota’s new Drinking Water Action Plan is now open for public comment. I’m encouraging all Minnesotans to submit feedback on this proposal, and participate in this process for safe and accessible drinking water.”

Members of the public can read the Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan at https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/docs/cwf/fdw/actionplan.pdf and provide feedback at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=RrAU68QkGUWPJricIVmCjPPV7L261ItOiChj68dOqktURDZBSkpTRTU1RjVNTTNLOVZMOTlCMFhaTCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl
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