Minnesota DNR Providing Reimbursement Of Well Interference Costs From 2021 Drought
The drought of 2021 impacted a lot of Minnesota residents and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications to reimburse people who paid for costs associated with restoring a water supply as a result of a well interference.
The DNR is encouraging well owners, high-capacity water appropriators, and water suppliers to apply now to be eligible to receive money provided as part of a relief package provided by the Minnesota Legislature. The money was set aside to reimburse people who paid for costs associated with restoring a water supply as a result of a well interference.
A well interference happens when a high-capacity water user causes the water level in an aquifer to fall to a level that adversely affects the availability of water to shallower wells. Dry conditions in 2021 caused some high-capacity water appropriators to pump groundwater more frequently in some areas of the state, resulting in numerous well interferences.
The DNR says a total of $300,000 was received from the 2022 legislature to reimburse eligible expenses for domestic well owners, high-capacity water appropriators, and public and private water suppliers.
In order to qualify for reimbursement, the well interference situation must have happened between May 1, 2021, and December 30, 2021, to be eligible for reimbursement.
Those who wish to apply to the DNR for reimbursement must provide copies of receipts for work performed. The DNR will review the applications and determine eligibility for reimbursement.
The application period is now open. Applications should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. May 1, 2023. If applications for reimbursement exceed the total funding available, the available funds will be allocated proportionately to all eligible applicants based on their receipts submitted.