Total and aqueous arsenic concentrations, physiochemical characteristics, and ancillary data of groundwater from newly constructed drinking water wells in central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota, 2014-2016, version 2.0, July 2018

This dataset provides aqueous nitrate+nitrite, aqueous manganese, aqueous iron, and total sulfate measurements in groundwater samples from 254 newly constructed private residential wells between 2014 and 2016. The study focuses on three geologically distinct regions of Minnesota: central, northwest, and northeast. These study regions were chosen due to their prevalent elevated As concentrations in drinking water. Each of the 254 wells were sampled in three rounds by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The timing of the three sampling rounds was (1) immediately or shortly after well construction (round 1); (2) 3-6 months after initial sample collection (round 2); and (3) 12 months after initial sample collection (round 3). During each round, samples were collected for both total and aqueous As, aqueous nitrate+nitrite, aqueous manganese, aqueous iron, and total sulfate. Physiochemical characteristics, including specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, oxidation reduction potential, and temperature, were also measured to gage the well water stability prior to sample collection. Round 1 sampling was timed to co-occur and mimic well driller regulatory sampling. Drillers collected samples after well development from the drill rig groundwater pump or from the residential plumbing, and the MDH sampler replicated the sample location and timing used by the driller. Sampling from the drill rig’s groundwater pump occurred after the well was drilled and developed, when the water was visibly clear, with little visible sediment particles. Samples from plumbing were collected after the plumbing was flushed out and physiochemical characteristic readings stabilized. Round 2 and round 3 by MDH staff were collected only from plumbing. Samples collected from plumbing were taken from faucets, hydrants, or pressure tanks prior to filters or treatment systems.

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  "010:12"
]

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  "geospatial"
]