The City operates two water towers and four wells. The water towers are cleaned every two years to help ensure water quality. Hydrants are flushed twice a year to keep water mains in good working order.
Sprinkling Policy
The City has a sprinkling policy for its municipal water system users in effect from June 1 to September 15 to ensure an adequate water supply to meet consumer and emergency needs.
The guidelines are easy to remember. Homes and businesses with addresses ending with an even number may water their lawns on even-numbered days; addresses ending in an odd number may sprinkle on odd-numbered days.
A waiver from this policy may be requested for newly seeded or sodded lawns, or newly planted trees or landscape materials. Please contact Mark Graham at 651.204.6050 or at mark.graham to obtain a waiver.
Discolored Water; “Rotten Egg” Smell
Some times water may be discolored. If this occurs in your home, please run your cold water for three to five minutes until the water is running clear. If this doesn't solve the problem, call City Hall at 651-204-6000; Public Works may need to flush the water main.
Once in a great while, your water may have a “rotten egg” odor. This odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. The odor is unpleasant, but the gas is not usually harmful at the low concentrations that occur in household water systems. For advice on how to get rid of the odor, please contact City Hall at 651-204-6000, or send an email to joseph.momsen.
Water Softener Setting
To set your water softener, you need certain water quality numbers for the City's water. The water hardness rate is 13 grains per gallon; the iron level is .39 milligrams per liter.
Sewers
If you are having a sewer problem in your home, first determine if it is within your household plumbing. If only some drains are affected, then the problem is within your home and you should call a plumber.
Residents and businesses are responsible for the portion of pipe that runs from their home to the City easement. Tree roots are the most common problem with these lines.
If all drains are working and water is backing up a floor drain, the problem could be caused by either your service line to the street or the City's sewer main.
If you are experiencing a sewer backup in your home, please call City Hall at 651-204-6000 during normal business hours. After hours, call the Ramsey County Sheriff at 651-767-0640.