Water Resources

Groundwater Plan

Groundwater provides 100% of drinking water for Washington County residents. For many years, the county has provided leadership on groundwater issues. The department of Public Health and Environment coordinates the county’s efforts in groundwater management and protection, through the 2025-2035 Washington County Groundwater Plan (PDF).

  • The plan is a comprehensive document that lays out the technical framework, issues, goals, strategies, and actions to address existing and future groundwater related problems.
  • The plan focuses on actions to address groundwater quality, groundwater quantity, education, and governance.
  • The county regularly works with local, regional, and state partners on groundwater issues.

Washington County has two groups that help guide the development of the plan: the Groundwater Advisory and Technical Advisory Committees.

  • The Groundwater Advisory Committee is made up of partners as listed in Minnesota State Statute 103B.255 and appointed by the County Board.
  • The Technical Advisory Committee includes members of the state agencies, Metropolitan Council, watersheds, Washington Conservation District, cities and townships in the county.

During the implementation phase of the plan these committees meet jointly once a year to be updated on actions that have occurred the previous year and that are planned for the next year.  

Groundwater and Technical Advisory Committee

View Most Recent Meeting Materials (PDF) | View All Past Meeting Materials.

Protect our Water

The department of Public Health and Environment operates a number of programs to support protection of groundwater, including:

From time to time, the county also conducts special studies to collect information on groundwater protection and planning.

Washington County recognizes that groundwater and surface water are among its most valuable resources, providing drinking water, healthy streams and lakes, habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities and economic vitality. Surface water management is primarily provided through Watershed Management Organizations, which operate as special purpose units of government. The county plays a role in appointing the Board of Mangers for watershed districts, one type of watershed organization.