Archive for the ‘Water Utility’ Category
Well #41 Goes in-Service
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) held a ribbon cutting for the new Well #41 in southeast Rochester and placed it in-service as RPU’s newest water supply facility.
The new 470’ deep Jordan Aquifer well pumps water directly into the Main Level Service Area and is located just east of the Rochester Community and Technical College. In the future, Well #41 will also have the ability to pump boosted pressure water into the Rose Harbor High Level System.
The well was constructed by EH Renner & Sons. The Well house that encloses the well was constructed by Alvin E. Benike, Inc. Total Cost of the well/well house was approximately $850,000.
Currently, Well #41 produces approximately 1,000 gallons per minutes (gpm). As growth continues in the SE area, Well #41 can increase its production up to 1,800 gpm. Prior to pumping water into the system, Well #41 receives the addition of chlorine (for disinfection), fluoride (prevention of tooth decay) and a polyphosphate blend (for corrosion Control).
About Rochester Public Utilities
As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 50,000 customers. Water customers number more than 39,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.
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See how a water tower is built in 2 minutes!
Thursday, August 11th, 2016KIMT Report on Rochester and SE MN Water Quality
Tuesday, July 19th, 2016Learn more about RPU’s water quality, water infrastructure, and wellhead protection program- https://www.rpu.org/environment/water-quality/
Rochester continues to provide safe drinking water
Monday, January 25th, 2016Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) continues to provide safe drinking water for Rochester residents to drink and use.
In response to recent news reports regarding water quality, RPU would like to share pertinent facts regarding the Rochester water system.
- Rochester’s water source is from the Jordan groundwater aquifer, which is historically of high quality and lead-free.
o RPU continues to meet all state and federal drinking water health standards.
- The main source of lead in drinking water is older water service lines and household plumbing.
o RPU adds polyphosphate at the wellheads for corrosion control, by coating water service lines and household plumbing to prevent the leaching of lead into drinking water.
- RPU collects and tests water samples from inside 50 homes every three years to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
o RPU has never exceeded the 90th percentile action level limit of 15 ppb (parts per billion). The 90th percentile is the value required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
o RPU’s 2014 Water Quality Report, as required by the Minnesota Department of Health, measured 6.4 ppb of lead.
- Current water sustainability studies have shown the Jordan aquifer in Rochester will provide a high quality, long-term source of supply for future generations.
o A sustainable source allows RPU to continue its proven treatment methods.
For more information visit the RPU website www.rpu.org.
About Rochester Public Utilities
As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 50,000 customers. Water customers number more than 39,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.
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