The Utilities Division has oversight of the water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems in the community. Major water components include sampling and monitoring water quality to meet safe drinking water standards, treatment of drinking water for approximately 18,000 service connections and maintenance of storage reservoirs, wells and watermain.

Treatment of sanitary sewage is accomplished through a user-fee system provided by the Metropolitan Council. The Division maintains City-owned sanitary sewer and lift stations.

The water plant can pump a maximum of 28 million gallons of water per day. In 2003, the City treated 3.2 billion gallons, for an average of 8.7 million gallons per day. The record for the most gallons treated in one day occurred in 2001, with 23 million gallons.

Each day hard well water is pumped to the water plant and, through a lime-softening and filtration process, the hardness is dramatically reduced. Chlorine is also added for disinfection and fluoride is added to reduce dental cavities.

Water Treatment Plant / Utilities Division
952-949-8530