Nitrate private well mitigation funding provided, and money appropriated.

HF 2971 appropriates $3.866 million for fiscal year 2026 and another $3.866 million for fiscal year 2027 to help homeowners in nine specific Minnesota counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha, and Winona) with private wells contaminated by nitrate levels exceeding the safety standard (10 mg/L). The funds cover installing water filtration systems (like reverse osmosis), repairing wells, or reconstructing wells for affected households. Priority is given to households at or below 300% of the federal poverty level and those with infants or pregnant individuals. The commissioner of health will administer the program, including providing education and technical assistance to eligible homeowners.