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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 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) has heard from customers that scam calls are being made to some RPU customers. RPU staff has collected information regarding the scam from customers to share with all RPU customers and the Rochester community.

The Scam- A caller usually from a blocked or 800 number says that they are a representative from your utility company (sometimes they do not even name RPU) and that you are past due. They say that if payment isn’t paid over the phone, then you will be disconnected. Be aware though, that sophisticated technology and newer phone systems can mimic the look of an RPU phone number.

Payment Method Requested- The caller usually will require you to purchase a pre-paid debit card and to provide the number of the card over the phone. Sometimes a credit card over the phone will be requested. Payments from a pre-paid debit card cannot be reversed.

Identifying a Scam- RPU will never request bank or secure personal information from you over the phone unless you ask to discuss your account. The RPU representative will then ask for information to identify who you are.

What to do if you receive a scam call

–          If someone calls threatening to cut off your power if you don’t pay, hang up.

–          Call RPU at 507.280.1500 to report the scam.

–          Never give personal or financial information to an unknown caller.

–          Remember that RPU will never use threatening language or make forceful demands for payment.

If you ever feel pressured or feel that something is not right, hang up and call RPU directly at 507.280.1500.

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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Due to cold conditions expected and possible inclement weather, Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), with partners Maier Tree & Lawn and Rochester Park and Recreation, will host the 13^th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the RCTC Field House.

The fun and free community event will feature a variety of activities and displays that will include: A tree giveaway of 1,000 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, Nicole Yang, a second grader at Churchill Elementary. Nicole 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 Churchill Elementary School at a later date.

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

Participants include: Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Olmsted County Environmental Resources, Olmsted Soil & Water Conservation District, Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester Public Library, Rochester Public Works, and Zumbro Valley Audubon.

RPU line crews will also be partnering with Rochester Park and Recreation on a tree planting for The Right Tree in the Right Place program beginning at 8 a.m. Approximately 62 compatible trees under power lines will be planted along 16^th St. S.E. (from 3^rd Ave. S.E. to 11^th Ave. S.E.).

Also, Rochester has been chosen as the site for the 2016 State Arbor Month Celebration. More details to come on this event.

For specific questions or concerns regarding the change in venue, please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or 507-398-7250.

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 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.

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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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