WATER DEPARTMENT

Meet the Water Crew
WHERE DOES OUR DRINKING WATER COME FROM?
The vast majority of Minnesota cities use groundwater pumped from wells, which is where Sleepy Eye gets its water. Some cities use surface water such as lakes or rivers as their water supply.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages the use of groundwater.
HOW MUCH WATER DOES A TYPICAL CITY USE?
Typical water usage is:
  • 75 - 100 gallons per person per day
  • 200 - 300 gallons per person per day on peak days
Peak water use days typically occur during the summer when irrigation is prevalent.
Sleepy Eye's demand is:
  • Average Demand: 462,050 gal/day
  • Peak Demand: 1,080,000 gal/day
WHAT MAKES UP A CITY WATER SYSTEM?
Picture
A typical city water system includes:
  • Wells that supply the water
    • Sleepy Eye's pumping capacity is 1,000 gallons per minute
  • Treatment plant that bring the water to desired or mandated levels:
    • The water is treated in a water treatment plant to remove sediment (by filtration and/or settling) and bacteria (typically with ozone, ultraviolet light and chlorine). The output from the water treatment plant is clear, germ-free water.
  • Water towers (or reservoirs) that store a reserve of water for peak day needs, fire-fighting and maintaining consistent water pressure.
    • If the pump is producing more water than the water system needs, the excess flows automatically into the tank. If the community is demanding more water than the pump can supply, then water flows out of the tank to meet the need.
      • Sleepy Eye's storage capacity is 750,000 gallons
  • Water distribution systems - the pipes, valves and hydrants that deliver water to uses
    • A high-lift pump pressurizes the water and sends it to the water system's primary feeder pipes. The water tower is attached to the primary feeders quite simply, as shown in this diagram:
WHO OPERATES AND MAINTAINS THE WATER SYSTEM?

Meet the Water Crew
Most cities have a public works or water utility department that operate and maintains the water system.
  • Sleepy Eye has a Water Department which is under Public Utilities. The Water Department has 2 employees.
The Water Department responsibilities include:
  • Daily checks and operational adjustments of wells, water tower and treatment plant.
  • Repair of water main breaks
  • Semi-annual flushing of hydrants and exercising valves
  • Periodic well maintenance and pump replacement
HOW IS THE WATER SYSTEM PAID FOR?
Sources of revenue to construct, operate, and maintain water systems include:
  • User Fees - Nearly all Minnesota communities charge for water based on monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly water meter readings.
    • Sleepy Eye charges are monthly.
    • ​Rates: Base Charge $14.00-$66.00 depending on meter size, $3.50-$4.00 per 100 cubic feet
  • City Water Availability Charges (WAC) - Many communities require payment of a WAC when a new user connects to the system.
    • Sleepy Eye charges a connection fee, same principle as a WAC. This is a one time charge paid when a new user request water service to their home or business.

Public Utilities - Water

Mike Hardin,
Director of Public Works
Phone: (507) 794-4371
E-mail: mhardin@sleepyeye-mn.com
Jeff Moldan,
Water Superintendent
Dusty Schueller,
Water Dept

Water Plant Interior Pictures

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