About Our Water
Water, storm drainage, and sanitary sewer services are provided by the Columbia Heights Water and Sewer Department. Columbia Heights' municipally-supplied water is purchased from the City of Minneapolis. The water source is the Mississippi River.
Water hardness averages 80 parts per million, or 4.5 grains per gallon. This is classified as a medium soft water and residential water softening is not necessary.
Document Resources
- 2018 Water Quality Report
- 2019 Water Quality Report
- 2020 Water Quality Report
- 2021 Water Quality Report
- 2022 Water Quality Report
- Reporte sobre el agua potable 2022
Call (763) 706-3700 to request a paper copy of the Water Quality Report.
Water Discoloration
Occasional discoloration of the water is caused by iron in the system. This is not harmful and is considered an aesthetic problem. The source is iron in the water distribution piping and may be caused by a disruption in the system, such as when water has been turned off or when fire hydrants are being flushed in your neighborhood.
The recommended remedy is to open the cold water faucet that is located closest to the water meter, usually an outside faucet or the laundry tub faucet works best. Let water run until the color returns to normal, usually 5 to 10 minutes. If there is still discoloration, call the Public Works Department at (763)706-3700.
Safe Drinking Water Act
2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the passage of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which established a set of national standards and regulations for all public water suppliers. Al Quie and Walter Mondale were in Congress at the time, and both share their thoughts and reflect on the significance of the Safe Drinking Water Act in this video.