Ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water is a top priority for the City of Stillwater. The city’s water utility serves approximately 20,600 residents through about 6,800 connections, delivering an average of 2.05 million gallons of water daily. On peak days, this can rise to nearly 5 million gallons.
Stillwater’s drinking water is sourced from the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan and Jordan aquifers via eight wells, with depths ranging from 200 to 305 feet. The water undergoes treatment with chlorine and fluoride, adhering to standards set by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The water’s hardness measures 13.2 grains per gallon, or 225 parts per million.
In recent years, concerns have emerged regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of human-made chemicals found in various products. PFAS are considered emerging contaminants, and their potential health effects are the subject of ongoing research. The MDH has established health-based guidance values for several PFAS compounds to ensure public safety.
Drinking water with PFAS levels above these guidance values may pose health risks, including immune suppression, lower birth weights, increased risk of certain cancers, changes in liver function, and thyroid issues. However, it’s important to note that the presence of PFAS does not represent an immediate health risk, as the guidance values incorporate multiple safety factors.
The City of Stillwater collaborates with state and federal agencies to monitor and manage water quality. The MDH conducts regular testing of community water systems, while the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) oversees the prevention and cleanup of PFAS pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national health-based standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Residents with questions or concerns about their drinking water are encouraged to contact the city’s Public Works Department or visit the MDH website for more information on PFAS and water safety.