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Michigan Conservation District Well Monitoring Pilot Program

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The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is excited to announce Conservation District participation in a new Well Monitoring Pilot Program in coordination with The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This program will be focused on understanding pesticide impacts on Michigan's groundwater, and direct future state investment and priorities. 

This initiative will collect water samples from rural private residential wells, farmstead wells, and agricultural irrigation wells to better understand the presence of pesticides and other water quality indicators in groundwater. Conservation Districts are a key partner, as they are able to coordinate sample collection with local landowners in connection with other vital programs that are implemented by Districts. 

Conservation Districts are locally-led and independently funded local units of government that serve as the core natural resource protection entity in local communities. By partnering with Districts, this program will be able to have a distributed reach throughout the state of Michigan and maximize state resources for this program. 

MACD is supporting this effort in order to manage the administrative burden of the program, while freeing up Conservation Districts to do what they do best - serve and connect with members of their local community. 

District Enrollment Now Open

Participation deadline: December 28, 2026

Conservation Districts interested in participating in the pilot program must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MACD by December 28, 2026.

This enrollment period is an opportunity for Districts to join the upcoming 2027–2028 sampling effort. Districts that do not complete the MOU by the December 28 deadline will need to wait until the next year's enrollment opportunity to join. 

About the Pilot Program

The pilot program aims to collect approximately 475 well samples across Michigan during 2027 and 2028.

Testing will include:

  • Pesticide screening.
  • Partial water chemistry analysis.

Eligible well types include:

  • Rural private residential wells.
  • Farmstead wells.
  • Agricultural irrigation wells.

One sample will be collected per well. Multiple wells belonging to the same property owner may be included.

What Does District Participation Involve?

Participating Conservation Districts will help support local coordination, well sampling, and community outreach.

District participation includes:

  • Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
  • Identifying and coordinating eligible well sampling opportunities.
  • Completing required sample collection training.
  • Following the written sampling procedures provided by MDARD.
  • Supporting local outreach and education efforts.

Required Training

All participating Conservation Districts must complete the required sample collection training.

Virtual Training Dates: January 19–20, 2027

Virtual training will be provided on both January 19 and January 20. The training on both dates will be identical, so participants can select the day and time that work best for them. The individual attending training must also be the person responsible for collecting samples. Additional district staff are welcome to attend. Further information will be sent to participating Conservation Districts following enrollment. 

Written sampling procedures will be provided, and a recording of the training will be made available through the MACD website.

Why Participate?

Groundwater is an important source of drinking water for Michigan residents and an essential resource for agricultural communities.

By participating, Conservation Districts can help:

  • Improve understanding of pesticide presence in Michigan groundwater.
  • Contribute valuable environmental monitoring data.
  • Support the protection of Michigan's water resources.
  • Connect rural residents and agricultural producers with water quality education and resources.
  • Strengthen partnerships between local Conservation Districts and state agencies.

Questions or Interested in Participating?

For questions about District enrollment or MOU requirements, contact MACD Executive Director Rivka Hodgkinson. For questions about the Well Monitoring Pilot Program parameters and goals, contact:

Kelcie Sweeney
Environmental Monitoring Specialist
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
SweeneyK3@michigan.gov
517-449-1922

 

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