Adrian, MN Protects Drinking Water With Kernza and Native Perennials
Farmers and water conservation district staff in the city of Adrian, Minnesota, are planting Kernza®, native perennials, and cover crops near drinking water wells to reduce elevated nitrate levels in groundwater caused by fertilizer use for row crops.
To address this public health issue and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Standard, Adrien Public Utilities, the Minnesota Rural Water Association, the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), and Noble County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) established a Wellhead Protection Plan that helps enroll parcels of land into perpetual easements. Through collaborative efforts between farmers and local and state entities, this initiative has resulted in a “successful reduction of nitrate levels in the City of Adrian’s drinking water supply,” according to the Minnesota Department of Health.