Chronological Information

Below please find information relating to Oakdale's drinking water; updates are added as they become available.

  • July 2018 Open House on 3M Settlement Working Group The City of Oakdale hosted an Open House on July 31, 2018, to discuss the 3M Drinking Water Settlement. Video of the open house and the presentations are available for viewing.
  • February 2018 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) MDH scientists share results of additional analysis of east metro health data (PDF)..
  • March 2017 The MDH Response to the EPA Health Advisory for PFOS and PFOA webpage was updated with new information about the groundwater investigations in the east metro area. Over 500 wells were sampled this past fall and winter, and over 200 new well advisories have been issued. The website updates include new groundwater plume maps to show our current understanding of the extent of perfluorochemical (PFC) contamination and where new advisories have been issued. New sampling maps show where the state is currently sampling and where sampling will occur next. The MPCA has posted an interactive version of the sampling map, so you can locate your property to see if you are in or near an area being sampled. 
  • January 2016 Minnesota Department of Health: PFC levels continue decline in East Metro residents.
  • March 2014 Minnesota Department of Health PFCs in Homes and Gardens: Summary of Results (PDF)
  • December 2011 Minnesota Department of Health Project Finds Decline in PFC Blood Levels (PDF)
  • December 2011 Minnesota Department of Health Biomonitoring Followup Report (PDF)
  • May 2008 Public Meeting on 3M Site (PDF)
  • April 2008 Bottled Water vs. Oakdale Tap Water (PDF)
  • March 2008 Update on Oakdale Water and Pharmaceuticals (PDF)
  • February 2008 Minnesota Department of Health Community Meeting Notice (PDF)
  • April 2007 Letter from Mayor Sarrack (PDF)
  • April 2007 Update on PFOA, PFOS, and PFBA (PDF)
  • November 2006 Water treatment facility operational. The facility produces 2,400 gallons per minute of filtered water and tests indicate no detection of PFCs following filtration. Testing continues. Studies show filters effective for up to 20 months before needing to be changed.
  • October 2006 Water Treatment Facility Press Release (PDF)
  • June 2006 Minnesota Department of Health Update (PDF)
  • May 2006 Construction of treatment facility begins.
  • February 2006 Minnesota Department of Health continues to collect and test samples. Results consistent with previous tests. City Council approves construction of treatment facility at 1900 Hadley. 3M to construct facility. Operation of wells with highest PFC concentrations limited.
  • November 2005 Minnesota Department of Health continues to collect and test samples. Results consistent with previous tests. 3M concludes testing of carbon filters and forwarding results to PCE. Based on preliminary information and size of facility, proposed location at Oakdale Public Works Campus.
  • August 2005 Letter from Mayor Sarrack (PDF)
  • August 2005 Minnesota Department of Health completes next round of sample collection and testing. Results indicate fairly stable results in wells, however, Well 5 moved up a tick and will be operated more as a back up well. Department of Health identifies southern plume limits as just north of 15th Street, east of Inwood Avenue. 3M works with Calgon on testing carbon filter sizes and types to determine most effective combination. PCE develops construction timeline for treatment facility with operation to commence by Fall of 2006.
  • June 2005 Minnesota Department of Health completes next round of sample collection and testing. They expand testing into Lake Elmo to determine southern limits of plume. 3M continues to test for water characteristics for treatment and send barrels of water to Pittsburgh for testing with carbon filters. MPCA works with 3M to identify disposal sites. PCA surveys area south of Well 5 to determine placement of treatment facility.
  • May 2005 Minnesota Department of Health test results show contamination levels dropping slightly, if not stabilized.
  • March 2005 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) completes 3rd round of sample collections and testing. Letters sent to persons using private wells to offer testing. PCE designs granular activated carbon treatment facility.
  • March 2005 Minnesota Department of Health completes 4th round of sample collections and testing on a number of private wells. Of approximate 6 private wells tested, only 1 test (7287 Stillwater Boulevard) tested positive, with results less than the Department of Health's "Health Based Values" and consistent with the city's public wells.
  • February 2005 Oakdale works with the Minnesota Department of Public Health on PFC levels in the city's water. Recent tests show no change in the levels initially reported. City staff contacts specialists to learn more about potential treatment options.
  • February 2005 City's water quality consultant, PCE, schedules meeting with Cottage Grove 3M plant operators to inspect carbon treatment system at Chemolite Plant building. PCE also obtains data on treatment methods used in Parkersburg, West Virginia to address contamination by DuPont.
  • January 2005 Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) FAQ (PDF)
  • January 2005 Oakdale Well FAQ (PDF)