2017 Local Government Innovation Award - Chatfield Wellhead Protection

The City of Chatfield is pleased to announce that it has been honored with a Local Government Innovation Award for its efforts to reduce the amount of nitrates used in its Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA). The City of Chatfield, located in the geographically sensitive karst region of southeast Minnesota, partnered with the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative, the Minnesota Rural Water Association, a private farmer, and General Mills to develop a model to protect its drinking water supply from nitrate contamination. By planting intermediate wheatgrass in the DWSMA instead of more traditional row crops, they are providing long-term protection that minimizes the need for nitrogen fertilizer, demonstrating a model which can benefit every ag-based rural community in Minnesota. On hand to receive the award at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, were Brian Burkholder, the City’s Superintendent of City Services, and Joel Young, the Chatfield City Clerk.

2018 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest Winners

1st Place: Claire S.

2nd Place: Jouie D.

3rd Place - Alaina A