Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but Dakota County is notable for its variety of rivers: the Mississippi River to the east and northeast, Minnesota River to the northwest, the scenic Cannon River to the south and trout-bearing Vermillion River through its center. When Dakota County was established in 1849, the Missouri River formed its western boundary!
In addition to these surface water resources, Dakota County has a plentiful supply of groundwater, which it relies upon for its drinking water supply. Ninety-one percent of Dakota County residents use groundwater for their water supply, whether they have a municipal water supply or their own private well. However, in much of the County this drinking water supply is highly susceptible to contamination from activities at the surface.
Protecting Dakota County’s valuable surface water and groundwater resources is an important responsibility for everyone who lives and works here.