The Commissioner of the Department of Corrections (DOC) today ordered additional and more comprehensive water testing be done at MCF-Stillwater to assure staff and incarcerated individuals that the water is safe for drinking. While the agency waits for the test results, the DOC is having bottled water brought in for staff and incarcerated individuals.

DOC spokesperson Andy Skoogman said monthly and yearly water test results, conducted by a third-party lab and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) respectively, have shown that the water at MCF-Stillwater does not pose a health risk. The test results for the five main types of water contaminants have consistently met or exceeded federal and state water quality requirements.

Skoogman said the new round of water testing, which will take place in the coming week, will also determine the specific levels and types of sediments, such as iron, rust and manganese, in MCF-Stillwater’s water supply. The source of the water to the facility is a well and it is not uncommon for well water to have sediments.

A sediment analysis of the facility’s water has not occurred in the past. “We recognize there are sediments in the well water which can at times affect clarity with a reddish-brown tint,” said Skoogman, who added the testing will include water from cell faucets. “It’s important to point out that although the water may be unclear, it has not been deemed unsafe through the routine third party water testing.”

Skoogman said the planned water analysis will help the DOC identify and implement its long-term water filtration strategy. The agency has initiated contracting with a consultant to analyze and further define its water filtration methods.

The new round of testing will be conducted by both MDH and the contracted third-party lab. While waiting for the analysis to be finalized, the DOC has procured bottled water for the MCF-Stillwater staff and incarcerated population. Today, more than 51,000 bottles of water were delivered to the facility at an estimated cost of $5,800. Skoogman said the incarcerated population will receive seven bottles of water per day. The current supply is anticipated to last approximately five days. The DOC will purchase more bottled water as needed.

Skoogman reiterated that there have been no reports of water-related illnesses among staff or the incarcerated population at MCF-Stillwater.