In the land of 10,000 lakes, we often underestimate how much water we use every day. Besides the water we drink, we also use our waterways to transport goods or go fishing. Water is not only our life source but also our source for entertainment! In the summertime we boat on lakes, and in the winter time we skate on them. That being said, we need to know more about this staple. Here are 3 things you should know about Minnesota water!

Groundwater

Fifty-five percent of our drinking water sources come from groundwater. This means that just over 5 out of 10 people in MN receive their water from an underground aquifer. (“Navigation”). A quarter of Minnesota residents also receive their water from an open water source such as a lake or a river. To top it off, 20% of Minnesotans get their water from a well.

Tapwater

The history behind tap water begins at the Mississippi River. The first drinking water pump was built on St. Anthony’s Falls in 1867 to provide the Fire Department with an adequate supply of water. Fast forward to present day, Minnesota supplies its residents with 57 million gallons of drinking water every day, which means that we have the ability to fill the Lake of Isles in four days. (“About Minneapolis Water.”, 2017). At the softening plant, Mn clears about 65,000 pounds of hard water deposit from our water source every day.

Snow

The third thing you should know about water in Minnesota is the history of our unbelievable snow storms. Back in October of 1880, Minnesota received a snow storm which resulted in 20-foot drifts that lasted until the next spring. (Famous Winter Storms – Minnesota DNR – MN Department of Natural Resources.”) In November of 1991, Minnesota saw it’s worst snowstorm in the recent history of the state, receiving 28.4 inches in four days it buried cars and slowed traffic. (“Top Twenty Snowfalls in Twin Cities History: 1891-2018 – Minnesota DNR – MN Department of Natural Resources.”) Without counting lakes or rivers, Minnesota still continues to receive a surplus of water in the form of ice and snow in the winter months.

From the water we drink, to the frozen lakes we skate on, to the snow we shovel from our driveway: water is an important part of Minnesota life. Seeing how water such a large part of our everyday lives, we should be taking care that the water we use and drink is clean and free from harsh minerals. If you have questions about water filters, call MN Plumbing and Home Services at (952) 260-2427!

“About Minneapolis Water.” Youth – City of Minneapolis, July 2017, www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/water/water_waterfacts.

“Climate Frequently Asked Questions – Minnesota DNR – MN Department of Natural Resources.” Minnesota DNR – MN Department of Natural Resources, www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/faqs.html.

“Famous Winter Storms – Minnesota DNR – MN Department of Natural Resources.” Minnesota DNR – MN Department of Natural Resources, www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/summaries_and_publications/winter_storms.html.

“Navigation.” Poverty: Basic Facts and Figures: MNPH Data Access – MN Dept. of Health – MN Data, data.web.health.state.mn.us/drinkingwater.

“Top Twenty Snowfalls in Twin Cities History: 1891-2018 – Minnesota DNR – MN Department of Natural Resources.” Minnesota DNR – MN Department of Natural Resources, www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/journal/top_twenty_snowfalls.html.