Contact Public Works, 952.960.7900, or by email, if you have questions about Shorewood’s drinking water. You can also ask for information about how you can take part in decisions that may affect water quality.
Water Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets safe drinking water standards. These standards limit the amounts of specific contaminants allowed in drinking water. This ensures that tap water is safe to drink for most people. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1.800.426.4791.
Shorewood works hard to provide you with safe and reliable drinking water that meets federal and state water quality requirements. Consumer Confidence Reports are published annually to provide you with information on your drinking water and how to protect our precious water resources.
Public Works and Your Water
The Shorewood Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining safe drinking water and reliable sewage disposal. This department operates and maintains the city’s seven water wells, two storage reservoirs, the water distribution system and the sanitary sewer collection system. Staff is also responsible for the water meter reading and repair program.
Discolored water
Brown or yellow water is not visually appealing, but is rarely a concern. Generally it is caused from iron deposits released from water pipes. If your water is discolored, run the cold water at a faucet closest to the water meter or on the lowest level of your home. If after five minutes the water is to clear, wait for an hour and try again. If water is still discolored, contact the city public works department, 952.960.7900.
City Water and Hardness/Iron Levels
If your home has city water and you have a water softener, the softening level should be set at 22. Iron level for city water is .28 parts per million. Other water questions may be directed to public works at 952.960.7913.