Agriculture and Water Quality
The 2020-2030 Dakota County Groundwater Plan identified agricultural chemicals (nitrate, crops herbicides, and chloride) as major drinking water concerns for Rural Dakota County. The Agricultural Chemical Reduction Effort (ACRE) uses voluntary initiatives to reduce these contaminants in groundwater and protect human and environmental health.
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the ACRE Plan in October 2022. Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff developed the plan with measurable progress over the next 10 years. The plan was shaped through extensive engagement with the agricultural community and other stakeholders, with support from Environmental Initiative.
ACRE Plan and Updates
Agricultural Chemical Reduction Effort Plan - Final
2023-2024 ACRE Plan Report
2024-2025 ACRE Plan Report
2025-2026 ACRE Plan Report
Groundwater Nitrate Modeling
ACRE monitoring well network
Dakota County installed 15 monitoring wells in 2021–2022. The wells are sampled at least three times per year (spring, summer, and fall) for nitrate (NO3-N), chloride, and groundwater levels (static water level).
Dakota County uses data from these monitoring wells along with private well sampling to track trends in groundwater and drinking water chemicals, including nitrate, chloride, and pesticides.
The monitoring well network is designed to:
- Establish baseline nitrate conditions at the water table in vulnerable areas
- Estimate nitrogen losses per acre
- Track changes in groundwater quality over time
Because changes in farming practices are detected first in shallow groundwater, the wells focus on these zones. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has installed wells within the Hastings Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA), while Dakota County wells are located outside the DWSMA.
Monitoring Well Network Dashboard
ACRE Well Network Fact Sheet
Soil and Water Conservation District can help
Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation (SWCD) staff are available to provide technical assistance and financial incentives for improving soil health and water quality. They can assist farmers with:
- Establishing cover crops
- Identifying buffer areas
- Managing excess water
- Controlling nutrient loss
- Designing waterways
- Installing water and sediment control basins
SWCD staff can be reached at 651-480-7777 or swcd@co.dakota.mn.us.
Irrigation water testing
Get your irrigation water tested for nitrate for free in 2026.
Collect roughly 16 ounces of irrigation water at any time. Please drop off samples at:
River Country Co-op
15460 180th St. E., Hastings
Samples can be dropped off at any time, either with staff or an after-hours drop box. Please ensure containers contain your name, mailing address, email address and phone number to provide results. Containers will not be returned.
Samples will be analyzed, and results will be privately mailed or emailed to you with more information on your results and how to credit your irrigation water for nitrate from local experts.
Crediting irrigation water for nitrate can save significant costs by reducing fertilizer use. For example, a farmer with 20 mg/L of nitrate can save $18/acre when applying 8 inches of water during the growing season.
Dakota County Conservation Toolkit
Learn how to include conservation practices on rented lands in Dakota County. Explore resources that will help both landowners and renters learn how to include practices in farmland leases. This is an important step in protecting the legacy of your land.
Regulating feedlots
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency' s (MPCA) Southeast Region Office in Rochester regulates feedlots in Dakota County.
For information, call 1-800-657-3864.
For an environmental emergency, call the 24-hour MPCA Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798.