- Home
- City Services
- Public Works
- Utilities Department
- Water Department
Water Department
Watering Ban
The Minnesota Department of National Resources has determined that the state of Minnesota is currently in a drought warning phase. The DNR’s State Drought Plan specifies actions that Public Water Suppliers must implement to conserve water resulting in the City of Forest Lake declaring a watering ban. This watering ban went into effect on 7/26/2021 and continues until further council action. A 30-day exception is made for newly installed lawns. In addition, residents may hand water their lawns. Hand-watering refers to the application of water with a hand-held hose or watering container. An individual must be physically holding the hose or container. Watering by hand cannot take place unattended. Water toys and water sprinklers for children actively playing are permitted. The watering ban applies to properties utilizing city water only.
In the drought warning phase, DNR State Drought Plan asks all public water suppliers to reduce water use to 50% above January levels.
The City of Forest Lake’s average water usage in January is approximately 1,000,000 gallons per day. Currently the water usage spans between 2,500,000 and 3,000,000 gallons per day. With the conservation plan, it is imperative that water usage decreases to 1,500,000 gallons per day.
The watering ban is indefinite at this time and will remain in place until the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources determines that the drought warning phase has been lifted. The watering ban may continue into 2022.
Please note that the watering ban applies only to public water supply. While water conservation is vital, those who are on private wells and/or are practicing stormwater reuse and not city water, such as Castlewood Golf Course and Fenway Fields, are not included in this mandatory ban. For questions or concerns regarding the watering ban, please email info@ci.forest-lake.mn.us
MN DNR - Water Supplier Notification
Minnesota Statewide Drought Plan
How to read your Utility Statement
To assist customers in better understanding their utility statements, the City has created a guide for how to read your statement.
Water services are provided to most City residents. Some Forest Lake properties obtain their water through private wells and are not served by the municipal water system.
The City of Forest Lake Water Department provides sanitary, healthful, and economical water to the City’s residents and commercial businesses. The City owned and operated water system obtains water from the Mt. Simon aquifer through 5 well pumps. These pumps deliver water to one of the City’s three Water Treatment Plants for processing. At the plants, the water is chlorinated and fluoridated to meet Minnesota Department of Health standards. Additionally, the City’s water is softened within the plant before distribution. Once the water has been treated, it is propelled to one of the City’s two water towers. The North and South water towers, which hold 750,000 and 500,000 gallons of water respectively, store water to be used at our homes and businesses.
-
Emergency Utility Calls
Phone: 651-209-9743
Contact us at 651-209-9743 to report a sewer backup, lift station alarm, water leak, meter leak or pressure problem. You must leave a message for your call to be returned.
We are proud to report that no contaminants were detected at levels that violated state and federal drinking water standards.
2019 Consumer Confidence Report (PDF)
2018 Consumer Confidence Report (PDF)
Every business or residence that is using City water is required to have a water meter installed. These meters are used to monitor the water consumption and are billed accordingly. These meters are read quarterly by staff using technology that allows them to access information wirelessly without the need to view the meter itself. There are occasions, however, when utility personnel need to gain access to your home. The two most common occurrences are for the initial set-up of the water meter and for repair work to water meters. Contact Becky Gestson at 651-209-9730 with questions regarding water meter setups.