Health Risk Limits Rules for Groundwater

“It is the goal of the state that groundwater be maintained in its natural condition, free from any degradation caused by human activities.” 
Minnesota Groundwater Protection Act, 1989, Chapter 103H.

The 1989 Groundwater Protection Act authorizes MDH to review, develop and adopt health-protective guidance known as Health Risk Limits (HRLs) when groundwater quality monitoring results show the presence of contaminants. The safe drinking water standards specified in the 2001 Health Standards Statute require that the standards be based on scientific methods and be protective of vulnerable subpopulations such as infants and children.

HRLs are used by partner state agencies for water monitoring and risk management purposes. HRL values are formally adopted through rulemaking. More information about the HRL rules and rulemaking can be found through the links below.

• Rules Amendments - Overview and Links
• Current Health Risk Limits Rule
• Summary of HRL Rulemaking and Guidance History.
• How Health-Based Values and Health Risk Limits are Calculated