Wellhead Protection Plan

The City of Woodbury's Wellhead Protection Plan is designed to protect the groundwater aquifers that supply the Woodbury municipal drinking water wells. Wellhead protection is a way to prevent drinking water from becoming polluted by identifying potential sources of contamination in the area which supplies water to a public well and managing the identified potential sources of contamination. Potential sources of pollution can include:

  • Abandoned wells that haven't been properly sealed
  • Contaminated stormwater runoff
  • Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes
  • Leaking storage tanks
  • Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides
  • Poorly-maintained septic systems
  • Unreported spills and illegal dumping

The ultimate goal of this plan is help ensure that Woodbury continues to provide its residents with a safe and abundant supply of clean drinking water for generations to come. See the city's Drinking Water Report.

The City of Woodbury updated its two-part Wellhead Protection Plan, which was approved by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and adopted by City Council in March 2021. Part I of the plan delineates the wellhead protection area and drinking water supply management area. Additionally, under part I of the plan, an assessment is completed on Woodbury wells and their vulnerability to impacts. Part II of the plan includes the development of the Wellhead Protection Plan itself. The plan includes goals, objectives, plan of action, an evaluation program and a contingency plan. With the addition of Wells 20 and 21, the plan will need to be updated. The City of Woodbury anticipates the update of the Wellhead Protection Plan to be completed around 2027.

The Wellhead Protection Plan and the protection of our groundwater resource can be successful only if residents help. To assist the city implement its plan, you can do the following:

  • Help identify land uses and potential sources of contamination on your property (wells, tanks, septic systems, hazardous wastes, etc.).
  • Make sure any potential sources of contamination under your control meet local, state, and federal regulations. Click on the following for information on Septic Systems and the Abandoned Well Sealing Cost Share Programs.
  • Use hazardous products only as directed and dispose of them properly when no longer needed. Visit the Washington County website for information on handling and disposal of wastes, including information on waste collection at the Environmental Center.
  • Practice proper turf management techniques and avoid over-fertilization of your lawns and gardens. Visit the Minnesota Department of Agricultural website for more information.
  • Seal any unused wells on your property, according to Minnesota Well Code. See the MDH website for more information, including funding assistance information. Owners of active wells should refer to the Well Owner's Handbook, available at the MDH website, for proper construction, maintenance, and sampling information.
  • Conserve water whenever possible. Lawn watering is one of the largest uses of municipal water during the summer months. Tips for conserving water, while maintaining a healthy lawn, are included on the Watering Tips page.
  • Report spills (or illegal dumping) of hazardous wastes, fuels, or chemicals to law enforcement.