Septic Systems

If you have an on-site sewage system on your property, you are required to have your Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) inspected and/or pumped on a regular basis. This is to ensure that the system is working properly and is not creating a public health hazard. Inspections are required every three years and must be performed by a licensed ISTS Maintainer/Provider.

  • Permits and Forms
    Look here for pumping and inspection requirements for your Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS). The city offers a list of licensed Septic Providers for your assistance. Contractors can purchase the Pumping/Inspection Permit form by visiting the Building Desk at City Hall.
  • The University of Minnesota publishes a Septic System Owner's Guide for septic system use and maintenance. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offers information on your SSTS.

Well and Septic Repair/Replacement Loan Program

Anoka County HRA assists landowners by offering low-interest loans for qualified projects to repair or replace failed/failing septic systems or private wells that pose a threat to groundwater quality.

  1. The Issue: Manganese

Manganese is a naturally occurring element found in rocks and soil and is often found in Minnesota ground and surface water. Your body needs some manganese to stay healthy, but too much can be harmful. Learn more by visiting the MDH webpage and searching for Manganese in Drinking Water.

Manganese is unregulated and does not have an enforceable standard. However, the MDH recommended health guidelines are:

  1. If you have an infant who drinks tap water or drinks formula made with tap water, a safe level of manganese in your water is 100 parts per billion (ppb) or less.
  2. If you have an infant who never drinks tap water or formula made with tap water, a safe level of manganese in your water is 300 ppb or less.
  3. If everyone is more than one year old, a safe level of manganese in your water is 300 ppb or less.

The City requested testing from MDH to better understand manganese levels for all City wells. Below are the results from the December 31, 2019 testing (For the most recent water testing results see Manganese Testing in City Water Supply (PDF)).

  • Well Number 1 158 ppb
  • Well Number 2 527 ppb
  • Well Number 3 322 ppb
  • Well Number 4 84 ppb
  • Well Number 5 143 ppb
  • Well Number 6 408 ppb

The City's municipal water supply is a mixture of water from all six wells. The water mixes in water mains and towers and then travels to customers' taps. The City cannot know the level of manganese at any given drinking water tap.