Roscoe’s Commitment to Safeguarding Drinking Water

Stories from the Source

The City of Roscoe is located in central Minnesota and has a population of approximately 104 people. Roscoe’s water system was constructed in the late 1970s, replacing private wells that served each residence and business. Within the last 10 years, the city has sealed 12 unused wells with support from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Source Water Protection Grant Program, made possible by Clean Water Fund.

In 2021, the City of Roscoe issued a nitrate public notice because water testing indicated that nitrate levels were elevated. The city worked closely with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA), and Minnesota Department of Agriculture to determine the source of nitrates and evaluate options for a better drinking water source for the community.

To evaluate local aquifer options, the city conducted test well drilling to locate an alternative well site to increase the drinking water supply in case their existing well could not be used. After many attempts, the city was successfully able to locate a new well site. Since then, they have been working to drill a new well at this location. The city has purchased the land and has again applied for Source Water Protection Grants to develop the plan for the new well.

Along with these efforts, Roscoe prioritized educating and communicating with their residents to help support source water protection. Donald Albrtecht, the city mayor at the time, went door to door to speak with residents in search of unused wells. The city also sent newsletters and brochures and created a webpage to provide outreach and education on the importance of sealing unused wells and other wellhead protection activities.

Roscoe also promoted drinking water protection activities as a shared community goal. In 2005, the city hosted a community block party where residents watched a well-sealing demonstration to learn more about the process. MRWA staff Dave Neiman and staff from Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District were present at the event and spoke about drinking water protection efforts and resources.

The city remains committed to protecting drinking water. They continue to search for unused wells and are working to improve their wastewater treatment system to ensure their present and future drinking water sources are protected from contaminants. Once their new well is drilled and working, with the assistance of MRWA and MDH, Roscoe will undergo the development of a new Wellhead Protection Plan.

The City of Roscoe has shown an outstanding commitment to protecting its drinking water sources. They were recognized in 2023 as the Dave Neiman Source Water Protection Award winner in the small systems category. Their story does not end here; it continues to grow and develop with the strength of partnerships and a commitment to providing safe and resilient drinking water.

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