MN businesses are getting ready to re-open their doors after the statewide Stay-at-Home order concludes. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidelines reminding business owners that internal water systems should be flushed prior to re-opening buildings and facilities after this period of prolonged shutdown.

Internal water system flushing is important maintenance that should be used any time a building has been closed for an extended period to maintain good water quality. Flushing water lines removes older water and ensures that you have the freshest, best quality water prior to re-opening.

Flushing an internal water system includes flushing hot and cold water through all points (e.g. showers, sink faucets) and flushing hot water until it reaches maximum temperature.

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is reminding area business owners to complete this system maintenance prior to re-opening their doors to maintain public health after this period of prolonged shutdown. RPU continues to flush the water distribution system throughout the city to make sure that when building owners flush their own buildings, they will get the freshest water possible from our water mains.

For more information on water quality visit:  https://www.rpu.org/education-environment/water-quality.php

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 40,000. 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), along with partners Rochester Parks & Recreation, Sargent’s Gardens, Maier Tree & Lawn, and Jim Whiting Nursery & Garden Center will hold a free tree giveaway on Thursday, May 21 from 11am-2pm at Hy-Vee on 37^th Street NW.

RPU’s Annual Arbor Day Celebration, scheduled for the end of April, was cancelled due to safety concerns for RPU employees, event partners and sponsors, and the public. In preparation for the event, 1,700 Serviceberry trees were already on order and will require planting in the near future. RPU, along with partners Rochester Parks & Recreation, Sargent’s Gardens, Maier Tree & Lawn, and Jim Whiting Nursery & Garden Center are planning to give away all 1,700 Serviceberry trees at a drive through giveaway event.

The Rochester community is invited to come to the drive through tree giveaway to get a free tree to plant, while supplies last. The Serviceberry trees are small and will fit through a car window. One tree will be given away per vehicle.

RPU reminds customers to contact Gopher State One Call to do underground locates before starting any digging in their yard or property. Gopher State One Call can be contacted by visiting gopherstateonecall.org or by calling 811.

For more information regarding the tree giveaway and safe digging practices, visit 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 40,000. 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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