The City of Zumbrota is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our communities drinking water. The city's water supply is sourced from three deep wells tapping into the Jordan Aquifer, with depths ranging from 404 to 479 feet. The municipal water supply is drawn directly from underground wells and undergoes a treatment process involving the addition of chlorine, fluoride, and a polyphosphate compound before being distributed through the public water system. City staff track daily pumping reports and chemical levels, ensuring strict adherence to Minnesota Department of Health regulations and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. This comprehensive approach guarantees that our water meets the highest standards of safety.
The city maintains its wells by pulling each well every other year and performing general maintenance, such as replacing column pipes and bearings, and reconditioning the well head. This year, well #4 was the one pulled. Additionally, the Ground Storage Reservoir is inspected and cleaned every 3 years.
In 2017, the city and the City Engineer put together a wellhead protection plan designed to identify sources of drinking water supply and any potential contaminants that might impact the water, providing a plan to protect the supply from contamination. The Mayor and City Council have also examined the reconstruction of the infrastructure and streets within the city and have passed reconstruction plans extending as far as 2032. These plans are fluid and continuously adjusted. In general, the city undertakes a reconstruction project every other year. Last year's projects involved Mill Street and 6th Street on the West side. Next year's project will involve part of 5th Street East, 2nd Avenue, and Pleasant Avenue.
The city is currently conducting a lead and galvanized survey of the city's service lines in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health. Many residents have received notices and door hangers regarding this survey, which aims to determine the material of the service line entering their homes. Once the survey is complete, the city council will decide on a plan to replace any lead or galvanized service lines, potentially with the help of a grant.
Water quality is an ongoing concern for some residents. The city's deep wells result in very hard water, averaging around 25+ grains of hardness per gallon. Additionally, the water has high iron content, which can manifest as clear ferrous iron that turns brown or reddish-brown when exposed to air, or as insoluble ferric iron that appears as reddish-brown or rusty particles. Iron bacteria can also cause a slimy buildup and a rusty taste in the water.
Solutions for hard water and iron issues include installing iron filters, water softeners, or whole-house filtration systems that combine water softening and iron filtration. However, the city does not currently treat the water for hardness or iron filtration, as the costs of implementing such a system would be substantial, potentially ranging from $10 to $15 million, in addition to ongoing operational and maintenance expenses.
The city acknowledges the water quality issues and maintains that the drinking water meets the standards set by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Information about the annual Consumer Confidence Report can be found on the city's website and in the local newspaper. If residents have any questions or would like the city to take a water sample from their residence, they are encouraged to contact the water department. The city's responsibility ends at the shut-off valve in the right-of-way, but they are willing to assist in troubleshooting any issues. If you would like to have your water tested, please do not collect the sample yourself. City staff need to obtain the sample to ensure it is fresh and accurately represents the water quality.
Residents should be aware that the city does not make or manufacture water. Our water comes from deep aquifers, which is the source of the safe water but also contributes to the hardness and iron content. Residents with long service lines or who do not use much water may benefit from running their taps to prevent the water from sitting in the service lines for too long.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the City of Zumbrota Water Department at 507-732-5374. You can speak with Paul Zielsdorf and Jeff Meyers, or contact Mike Olson, Public Works Director, at 507-732-7318.
Also, as a reminder, hydrant flushing will begin on April 15th and continue through April 25th. Additionally, dead-end lines will be flushed once a month on Wednesdays during the summer months.