Water Information and Management

COVID-19 Information

Please click here to see information and updates relating to COVID-19. Information specific to water resources can be found in the “Drinking Water” and “Building Water Systems” tabs. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water supplies and the current risk to drinking water is low.

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Limited Operations of Well Water Testing – See Important Details Below!

Anoka County Environmental Services is continuing to operate the well water testing program on a limited basis. Water samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates), arsenic, and manganese will be accepted one Monday and Tuesday per month with limited hours.  An appointment and pre-payment over the phone will be required. Please see the full details below. The upcoming dates and times for water sample collection will be:

  • Monday, August 30th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, August 31st, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, September 27th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, September 28th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, October 25th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, October 26th, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, November 22th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, November 23rd, 9-11:30 am
  • Monday, December 20th, 1-4 pm
  • Tuesday, December 21th, 9-11:30 am

The drop-off table will be located on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Government Center near the main door.

Below are the criteria for dropping off a sample:

  • Sample kits (sample collection bottle and blue (for sanitary analysis) or yellow (for arsenic or manganese) sampling sheet with instructions) must be obtained ahead of time. No kits will be available on the drop-off days. Kit locations are listed below.
  • A drop-off appointment must be made by calling ahead and paying in advance with a credit card over the phone. No cash or checks allowed, and no credit cards will be accepted the day of drop-off. Call (763) 324-4260 to make an appointment and pay.
  • The blue or yellow sampling sheet must be completed ahead of time. No pens will be available to use at the drop-off table.
  • Specific water-related questions can be directed ahead of time to Abby Shea at (763) 324-4207.
  • Only samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrates), arsenic and manganese will be accepted at this time. If other testing is desired, it can be performed at a later date or a private laboratory can be recommended.
  • Samples for sanitary analysis (bacteria and nitrate) must be collected as close to the drop-off time as possible to avoid exceeding the holding time of the sample, which can result in inaccurate results. 
  • Social distancing guidelines and rules of the drop-off area must be respected. 

Water test kits  for sanitary survey analysis are currently available at the following locations during their regular business hours:

  • Andover City Hall*
  • Blaine City Hall
  • Blaine Public Works (1801 101st Ave NE, Blaine; (763) 785-6165 – please call ahead)
  • Centerville City Hall
  • Columbus City Hall
  • East Bethel City Hall*
  • Ham Lake City Hall 
  • Lino Lakes City Hall**
  • Linwood Township Hall
  • Nowthen City Hall
  • Oak Grove City Hall*
  • Ramsey City Hall**
  • St. Francis City Hall 

*Denotes location with arsenic test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits

**Denotes location with manganese test kits in addition to sanitary analysis test kits. 

Water Education

Anoka County is a sponsor and partner of the Metro Area Children’s Water Festival, an annual event that is held on the last Wednesday of September. The festival has been held every year since 1998 and provides water resources education to 4th grade students throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Know The Flow

Know The Flow is a water resources management initiative to provide public information and coordination among Anoka County agencies, communities, and watershed management organizations. The website provides partners, residents, businesses, and property owners with information and events regarding the County’s water resources.

Water Resources Report

Anoka County maintains a Water Resources Report (PDF) produced by the Public Health and Environmental Services Department through collaboration with the Water Resources Management Task Force. The report provides an overview of the County’s water resources and guidance for a comprehensive approach to the management and protection of local water resources

Water Resources Management Task Force

The Anoka County Water Resources Management Task Force is an information-sharing forum for local partners to address water-related goals and emerging issues, and to collaborate with the Public Health and Environmental Services Department on the Anoka County 5-year Water Resources Report. Partners include state and county agencies, watershed management organizations, municipalities, industries, citizen groups, and private citizens. The Task Force hosts speakers and presentations, updates each other on projects, and shares resources towards achieving mutual goals.