Temporary Water Treatment Plant Nears Completion In Woodbury

Press release from the City of Woodbury:

June 15, 2020

Construction activities continue on the temporary water treatment facility that will treat four of the city's seven water wells that currently exceed water quality standards and guidelines for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). All seven of these wells have been taken out of service, and water delivered to customers continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards.

However, it is critical the city implement temporary treatment options as soon as possible to allow the city to meet water demand on peak use days.

The primary goal is to be producing water at the temporary treatment facility that meets all state and federal standards for PFAS as soon as possible. All four of the wells designated for treatment at the plant have been connected to the site. The process of bringing the treatment plant online began in late May and this work will continue into the summer. Full site construction will continue through the summer even after the facility is fully operational.

The 3M Company made PFAS at its Cottage Grove facility from the late 1940s until 2002. PFAS wastes were disposed of at multiple sites in Washington County. The source of the PFAS in Woodbury's groundwater has been identified as these disposal sites.

The City of Woodbury is not paying for the estimated $11 million capital cost of constructing the temporary treatment plant. The 2007 consent decree between the State of Minnesota and 3M is funding the temporary water treatment plant. The State of Minnesota manages how the funds are used.

State continues to study long-term water solutions for East Metro

The temporary water treatment facility is expected to be in operation until a long-term water treatment solution can be implemented, expected to be around 2025-2027. The State of Minnesota continues to study long-term treatment options for several communities in the east metro area and is expected to share its recommendations with the cities in fall 2020. Funds for long-term water treatment solutions in the east metro are expected to be available through the $720 million settlement the state received from 3M in 2018.

If you have questions about the city's water system and the impact of PFAS, visit the PFAS page of the website or contact Public Works at 651-714-3720 or publicworks@woodburymn.gov.

Reminder: lawn watering restrictions in effect year-round

The city's lawn watering policy allows watering based on an odd/even schedule and bans watering between noon and 5 p.m. daily. The lawn watering policy is in effect year-round and applies to private well owners, too. First-time offenders are not exempt. Complying with the watering regulations not only will conserve water but also may prevent you from receiving a $50 citation (first offense).

Special watering permits for newly-placed sod and seed are available under the existing odd/even and time of day restrictions. Special water permits will not be available if increased water restrictions are implemented.

Water efficiency program for homeowners

In an effort to help residents save money by saving water, the city will once again be offering the Smart Irrigation Controller Program. Through this program, the City of Woodbury purchases WaterSense-certified smart irrigation controllers in bulk and sells them back to residents for only $35 (retail value: $230).

Smart controllers are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to save your home at least 20 percent of your outdoor water use. Studies conducted by the University of Minnesota have shown these controllers save an average of 49 percent of outdoor water use for homes in Woodbury. They work by connecting to your home’s WiFi and reading local weather reports and forecasts to decide whether or not your yard needs additional water. Smart controllers do this automatically and can be controlled by your smartphone, computer or smart home device.

New this year, smart irrigation controllers will be shipped to all program participants. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be delays in shipping. Thank you for your patience during this time!Learn more and purchase your smart controller

Irrigation efficiency program for commercial properties

The city also implements a multi-year cost-share program to support the installation of state-of-the-art irrigation technologies to existing, large irrigation systems. This program is designed to provide a structured procedure for the implementation of the water efficiency improvement incentives for customers paying commercial and residential irrigation rates, including businesses and homeowner associations. The city will share up to 50 percent of the cost (not to exceed $8,000 per metered property over the life of the program) to eligible irrigation customers seeking to improve the water efficiency of their existing systems. Projects must receive city approval before hiring a contractor or spending funds.

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This press release was produced by the City of Woodbury. The views expressed here are the author’s own.