Rochester 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 90^th percentile action level limit of 15 ppb (parts per billion). The 90^th 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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(Click on maps to enlarge)

Rochester Public Utilities will be flushing fire hydrants in the areas mapped below (within the red area) between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for approximately two weeks, beginning April 30. Fire hydrants are flushed to remove mineral deposits and sediment from the water mains and to ensure proper operation for fire protection.

During hydrant flushing operations, it is not unusual for customers to experience rusty water, and or pressure changes. Rusty water does not pose a health issue, but may affect the aesthetic quality of the water. Customers are encouraged to check their water for discoloration prior to using hot water or doing laundry, as rusty water may stain clothing. If rusty water is present, customers should flush their household plumbing by opening cold water taps and flushing until clear. Outdoor watering or using exterior hose outlets can also flush customer piping while still using water efficiently.

If you do experience any clothing staining, rust remover is available free of charge and can be delivered to you by calling RPU at 507-280-1500.

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) announced today that it is safe to discontinue running water to prevent frozen services.

The frost line showed up at approximately 48 inches deep this winter. This year’s frost level was significantly less than the near six feet depths seen last winter.

If you have questions regarding your water service, contact RPU at 507.280.1500.

The frost graph has shown that the ground has completely thawed, but RPU will leave the real-time frost level graph on its website www.rpu.org for another week. For more information, please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or email at tbenson@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 37,000.  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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Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is starting to hear from customers that are experiencing frozen water service lines this winter.

Every RPU water customers is urged to take the temperature of their water and then continue monitoring it for the next two months. If your water temperature gets below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you should immediately start running a continuous pencil-width stream of water from a faucet. A limited amount of thermometers are available at the RPU service center to use during this time.

Currently, MN DOT is recording the frost depth at 40-44 inches. Last winter, frost depths of nearly six feet were recorded, which was much deeper than recorded levels over the past 20-30 years. Service lines are typically buried six feet or more below the ground from the street to the house. A frozen water service repair can cost between $800- $1,000. The cost to run a constant pencil-width stream of water is approximately $40- $60 per month including sewer fees. If you are going to be letting your water run, please contact RPU at 507.280.1500.

All businesses and residence types could be affected. The age of your home does not matter.

View Rochester’s real-time frost level graph at www.rpu.org. For more information, please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or email at tbenson@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 37,000.  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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Rochester Public Utilities will be flushing fire hydrants in the areas mapped below (within the red area) between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for approximately two weeks, beginning June 30. Fire hydrants are flushed to remove mineral deposits and sediment from the water mains and to ensure proper operation for fire protection.

During hydrant flushing operations, it is not unusual for customers to experience rusty water, and or pressure changes. Rusty water does not pose a health issue, but may affect the aesthetic quality of the water. Customers are encouraged to check their water for discoloration prior to using hot water or doing laundry, as rusty water may stain clothing. If rusty water is present, customers should flush their household plumbing by opening cold water taps and flushing until clear. Outdoor watering or using exterior hose outlets can also flush customer piping while still using water efficiently.

If you do experience any clothing staining, rust remover is available free of charge and can be delivered to you by calling RPU at 507-280-1500.