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Water Utility
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Richfield's drinking water is sourced from four different underground aquifers, which are tapped by seven wells across the city. Our water goes through a lime/soda ash softening process to reduce hardness from dissolved minerals. The result is great tasting water, fewer spotty dishes and mineral deposits in plumbing fixtures, and no need to soften water at the household level.
WATER QUALITY
The City issues the results of drinking water monitoring in our annual Water Quality Report. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers' understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect our water resources. Click here to view the 2022 Water Quality Report.
We perform water testing and sampling in compliance with the Minnesota Department of Health. Weekly, quarterly, and annual water system testing is performed to monitor contaminants. Our testing and analysis is performed by:
Tri-City/William Lloyd Analytical Laboratory
9300 Poplar Bridge Road
Bloomington, MN 55437
952-563-4904
WELLHEAD PROTECTION PLAN
The City of Richfield's Wellhead Protection Plan is designed to protect Richfield's groundwater sources and wells from contaminants that result from both human activity and natural processes. Sealing private wells can prevent pollutants from contaminating the City's water supply. The City of Richfield works with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to comply with all well sealing requirements.
Resources for Well Owners
View the Well Owner's Handbook (MDH)
Well Sealing Cost Share Program (Hennepin County)
Source Water Protection (MDH)
Each spring, the City flushes each of its 1050 hydrants to ensure adequate flow and pressure for fire fighting, as well as to keep our water distribution system clear of sediment. Flushing generally begins in May and lasts about two months, with crews working from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Mon-Fri. Water is safe to drink after flushing, but can occasionally become discolored. To remove any coloration, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until the water runs clear. If it does not clear the first time, wait a few minutes and run the water again. For more information, contact the Richfield Utility Division at 612-861-9175.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION
Providing safe drinking water is the City's highest priority, and we follow strict standards to ensure this safe water supply. Customers also have a responsibility to keep our public water supply safe. To ensure safety, backflow devices are used to prevent contaminated water from entering the water distribution system from any point where water service contacts a non-potable water source (commonly sprinkler systems and boilers).
As of January 23, 2016, Minnesota Plumbing Code was amended to include new devices that may be found in residential homes. As a property owner in Richfield, you are required to be aware of any plumbing backflow devices on your property (pictured below). If present, the device must be inspected annually by a certified ASSE Backflow inspector. Devices installed before Jan. 23, 2016 are not required to be tested, although testing of these devices is also encouraged.
