Water
Water service in Northfield is provided by the City of Northfield Public Services Department, Water Division.
The Water Division provides safe, potable water to over 18,000 people in over 5,000 homes and businesses in Northfield. An adequate water supply system is also maintained for handling emergency situations such as fire fighting.
The Water Division produces an annual report titled Consumer Confidence Report that includes detailed information about the City’s water quality. Water provided by the City of Northfield Water Division consistently meets or exceeds established water quality standards. Contact the division for a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report.
The water system includes three 1 million gallon storage tanks. This storage provides the necessary degree of water pressure and ensures an adequate supply of water for responding to a fire, even on the hottest days of summer when water demand is greatest.
Some resource related to 2009 drought conditions in Minnesota:
The Water Division provides safe, potable water to over 18,000 people in over 5,000 homes and businesses in Northfield. An adequate water supply system is also maintained for handling emergency situations such as fire fighting.
The Water Division produces an annual report titled Consumer Confidence Report that includes detailed information about the City’s water quality. Water provided by the City of Northfield Water Division consistently meets or exceeds established water quality standards. Contact the division for a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report.
Source and Supply
Water within the Northfield city limits is supplied from a groundwater source via four wells that range in depth from 365 to 410 feet. Water is drawn from the Jordan aquifer. Fluoride, chlorine and polyphosphates are fed into the water system at each individual well site as the water is pumped into the water distribution system. Polyphosphates are used to reduce problems with discolored water.The water system includes three 1 million gallon storage tanks. This storage provides the necessary degree of water pressure and ensures an adequate supply of water for responding to a fire, even on the hottest days of summer when water demand is greatest.
Utility Billing
Each month, the water meters are read remotely and consumption amounts are downloaded to the utility billing software.A Second Meter
A second water meter may be installed in homes or businesses to measure outdoor water usage. This water usage is not included on wastewater utility charges. Meters must be purchased from the City of Northfield. Proper installation is the responsibility of the owner. An inspection by the Water Division is required after installation. Meter readings from each meter must be reported separately. Service charges for two meters will be applied to the utility bill.Concerns and Problems
Contact the City of Northfield Water Division to report any water quality issues or possible water main breaks (clear water bubbling out of ground onto a street or sidewalk area).Water Conservation
Water conservation is an important topic for all residents and businesses. The two main areas of water conservation that concern the City are protecting our natural resources and passing on monetary savings to the consumer. The City is actively doing its part to protect the leading water supply for future citizens of Northfield with the Wellhead Protection Committee. The committee considers ways to protect ground water, researches potential contaminant sources and provides information to the public about protecting our valuable water resources.Some resource related to 2009 drought conditions in Minnesota:
- U.S. Drought Monitor: Minnesota (from U.S.D.A.)
- MN State Climatology Office (from Mn/DNR)
- Cannon River flow at Welch, MN
- Straight River flow at Faribault, MN