Water samples collected from 84 locations at Stillwater Prison – Twin Cities

Water samples were collected Monday from 84 locations at Stillwater Prison after inmates complained that the prison’s water was undrinkable.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections asked the Minnesota Department of Health to conduct additional and more comprehensive testing of the prison’s water after a prisoner protest last week.

On Monday, water samples were taken from places including cell taps, the prison kitchen, programming areas, the chapel and a number of staff areas, the prison spokesperson said. Corrections, Andy Skoogman.

“This type of testing of water from the facility has not occurred in the past and exceeds federal and state requirements for sampling drinking water,” the release said. Water samples will be analyzed for “contaminants including bacteria, metals and total suspended solids.”

Skoogman said the test results will help the department identify and implement a longer-term water management strategy.

The prison’s water comes from two wells.

Officials expect test results to be available next week. In the meantime, DOC is providing bottled water to staff and inmates.

Skoogman said regular monthly and annual testing by the state Department of Health and a third-party laboratory has shown no health risks in the past and no reports of water-related illnesses. ‘has been reported among the prison’s staff or incarcerated population. .