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. over the course of the next two weeks. 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, MN— Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), with partners Maier Tree & Lawn and Rochester Park and Recreation, will host the 11^th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to1 p.m. at Mayo Park behind the Mayo Civic Center.

The fun and free community event will feature a variety of activities and displays that will include: A tree giveaway of over 3,000 trees, a free lunch of hot dogs, corn on the cob, chips, cookies, and soda will be provided (while supplies last), and live music from Paul Mayasich and his band, Real American Made Music. Tree experts will also be on hand to answer questions on tree planting and care, along with many other vendor displays.

Children will be able to enjoy Smokey Bear, balloonists, a scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos, bean bag toss, and much more!

At noon, an awards ceremony will honor Rochester elementary school students who were selected as finalists of the Arbor Day poster contest, as well as this year’s overall winner, Lydia Bell, a fifth grader at Washington Elementary. Lydia will receive a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card, her winning poster will be featured in advertising, and a tree will be planted in her honor at Washington Elementary School.

Co-Sponsors of this year’s event include: Hy-Vee, Minnesota Energy Resources, Sargent’s Gardens, and Seneca Foods.

Participants include: Olmsted Soil & Water Conservation District, People’s Energy Cooperative, Quarry Hill Nature Center, RNeighbors, Rochester Public Library, Rochester Public Works, University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point, Zumbro Valley Audubon, and Zumbro Valley Woodland Council.

In the event of rain, the celebration will be moved to Rochester Community & Technical College’s Field House.

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 47,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 36,000.  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.

###

Zumbro Watershed Partnership will be having their 6^th annual “Slow the Flow” Rain Barrel sale on Saturday, May 4^th from 9 am-3 pm at Graham Park.  This is a one-day truckload sale of high quality rain barrels at $70each that would normally cost significantly more in retail stores. For more information visit the ZWP website.

Rain barrels are an easy and inexpensive way to use utilize rain water for watering uses outside your home.

Make sure to apply for the rain barrel rebate through RPU too!

Due to heavy runoff the level of Lake Zumbro is currently above normal summer pool elevation. This condition will persist until river flows in the South and Middle Forks of the Zumbro River fall to less than the hydraulic capacity of the Zumbro Hydroelectric Plant (approximately 800 cubic feet per second). Lake Zumbro will be maintained at normal summer pool (919.8 dam datum) throughout the rest of the spring and summer season, to the extent possible. However, the public should be aware that the Zumbro Hydroelectric Plant has extremely limited capacity to pass flood flow, resulting in occasional high water events that exceed normal pool.

Real-time lake level information is available on the RPU web site (www.rpu.org). For additional information regarding the Zumbro Dam and Hydroelectric Facility please contact Tony Benson 280-1534 or Todd Osweiler 280-1589.

Tips for safe boating:

Watch the weather. Be aware of changing water levels and conditions that would expose logs, snags or cause floating debris. Be cautious when boating in the vicinity of the dam. Do not proceed past the warning signs and buoys. Tell someone where you are going, who is with you, and how long you will be away. Avoid standing, and when changing seats, stay low and near the centerline of your boat. Be ready for trouble when a powerboat passes you in a narrow channel. Maintain a safe operating speed. Always wear approved personal flotation devices (PFD).

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 47,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 36,000.  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.

###