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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Updated January 21, 2026: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Continued Reduction in Radium Levels as Filter Replacement Work Continues.  

The City’s latest water tests at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a continued trend of steady radium levels based on tests taken since March of 2025.  Water samples taken on October 29, 2025, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2025 fourth quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 3.1 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test decreases the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium to 2.9 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

The gross alpha radiation levels from the same test showed a gross alpha radiation value of 14.25 pCi/L.  The test decreases the City’s rolling annual average for gross alpha radiation to 13.1 pCi/L, which is below the 15.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into an Amended Compliance Agreement with the MDH in May, 2025, updating the original Compliance Agreement that was adopted in July, 2023.  These agreements clarify the ongoing steps the City is taking in making improvements to the City’s Water Treatment Facility to bring the City’s overall drinking water system into compliance for radium and gross alpha radiation concentrations below the MCL. The above-noted tests were the first tests taken from the Water Treatment Plant following the completion of the first half of the filter replacement in May 2025, and the drop in test values are indicative that the new filter system is working as designed.  City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that both the new and the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is fully completed at the end of 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated November 3, 2025: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Continued Reduction in Radium Levels Following Completion of First Half of Filter Replacement Work.  

The City’s latest water tests at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a plateauing of recent radium levels over tests taken in June, 2025. Water samples taken on August 7, 2025, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2025 third quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 2.6 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test decreases the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium to 3.2 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

The gross alpha radiation levels from the same test showed a gross alpha radiation value of 19.2 pCi/L. The test increases the City’s rolling annual average for gross alpha radiation to 14.8 pCi/L, which is below the 15.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into an Amended Compliance Agreement with the MDH in May, 2025, updating the original Compliance Agreement that was adopted in July, 2023.  These agreements clarify the ongoing steps the City is taking in making improvements to the City’s Water Treatment Facility to bring the City’s overall drinking water system into compliance for radium and gross alpha radiation concentrations below the MCL. The above-noted tests were the first tests taken from the Water Treatment Plant following the completion of the first half of the filter replacement in May 2025, and the drop in test values are indicative that the new filter system is working as designed.  City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that both the new and the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is fully completed at the end of 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated August 18, 2025: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Continued Decreases in Radium and Gross Alpha Radiation Concentrations Following Completion of First Half of Filter Replacement Work at the City of IGH Water Treatment Facility

The City’s latest water tests at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a significant decrease in the recent radium levels over tests taken in March, 2025.  Water samples taken on June 11, 2025, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2025 second quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 2.4 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test decreases the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium to 3.7 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

The gross alpha radiation levels from the same test showed a gross alpha radiation value of 7.8 pCi/L.  The test decreases the City’s rolling annual average for gross alpha radiation to 13.7 pCi/L, which is below the 15.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into an Amended Compliance Agreement with the MDH in May, 2025, updating the original Compliance Agreement that was adopted in July, 2023.  These agreements clarify the ongoing steps the City is taking in making improvements to the City’s Water Treatment Facility to bring the City’s overall drinking water system into compliance for radium and gross alpha radiation concentrations below the MCL. The above-noted tests were the first tests taken from the Water Treatment Plant following the completion of the first half of the filter replacement in May 2025, and the drop in test values are indicative that the new filter system is working as designed.  City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that both the new and the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is fully completed at the end of 2025. 

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated June 2, 2025: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Decreases in Radium and Gross Alpha Radiation Concentrations 

The City’s latest water tests at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a slight decrease in the recent radium levels over tests taken in December 2024.  Water samples taken on March 19, 2025, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2025 first quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 3.3 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test decreases the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium to 4.0 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

The gross alpha radiation levels from the same test resulted in a rolling annual average of gross alpha radiation of 16.1 pCi/L, which is above the 15.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The MDH previously informed the City of Inver Grove Heights of a formal violation of drinking water standards related specifically to the gross alpha radiation values in March 2025.

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into an Amended Compliance Agreement with the MDH in May 2025, updating the original Compliance Agreement that was adopted in July, 2023.  These agreements clarify the ongoing steps the City is taking in making improvements to the City’s Water Treatment Facility to bring the City’s overall drinking water system into compliance for radium and gross alpha radiation concentrations below the MCL. City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is fully completed in the fall 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated May 30, 2025: Progress Update on Water Treatment Facility Rehabilitation Improvements

Work on the Water Treatment Facility Rehabilitation has progressed well over the past five months, and work on the first half of the sand treatment filters has been completed. Work on chemical feed systems is approximately 75% complete and will be fully complete in the next month. 

The original contact completion date for the Water Treatment Facility Rehabilitation was at the end of May 2025. Due to several procurement and supply chain issues experienced over the first half of 2025, not all materials were received with enough time to complete the rehabilitation work on the second set of sand treatment filters by the end of May, as originally planned. While all materials are now on-hand, due to the increased water usage needs for the community during the summer months, and the need to reduce the water treatment capacity to 50% or less while work is occurring on filters, work on the second set of filters will not begin until the Fall of 2025, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of December 2025. 

Throughout the construction of the improvements, the City has coordinated with the Minnesota Department of Health regarding the supply chain challenges, which have been prevalent on several active water treatment facility projects across the state. These issues, related to general material availability and ongoing challenges with the availability of American-made products (a requirement of some of the project funding), are items that are beyond the control of the City and our Contractor. City staff have worked with our Contractor to maintain the project costs within budget and have worked with the MDH to revise the completion date of the work through an amended Compliance Agreement, which was approved by the City Council on May 12, 2025. 

Updated April 3, 2025: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Increase in Radium and Gross Alpha Radiation Concentrations.  

The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a slight increase in the recent radium levels over tests taken in August 2024.  Water samples taken on December 19, 2024, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2024 fourth quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 4.6 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test increases the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium to 4.3 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

The gross alpha radiation levels from the same test resulted in a rolling annual average of gross alpha radiation of 16.6 pCi/L, which is above the 15.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  As a result, the MDH has informed the City of Inver Grove Heights of a formal violation of drinking water standards related specifically to the gross alpha radiation values.

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into a Compliance Agreement with the MDH in July, 2023, indicating the steps the City will take to make these improvements, and bring the overall system into compliance for radium concentrations below the MCL. As gross alpha radiation is typically connected to radium concentrations and other radioactive elements typically present in groundwater, the filtration and treatment improvements proposed to address the radium concentrations will also address gross alpha radiation in the City’s drinking water.  City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is completed in 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated October 30, 2024: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Slight Increase in Radium Concentrations.  

The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a slight increase in the recent radium levels over tests taken in June, 2024. Water samples taken on August 6, 2024, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2024 third-quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 4.5 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test increases the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium to 4.1 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into a Compliance Agreement with the MDH in July, 2023, indicating the steps the City will take to make these improvements, and bring the overall system into compliance for radium concentrations below the MCL. City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is completed in Spring, 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated September 5, 2024: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Reduction in Radium Concentrations. 

The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a decrease in the recent radium levels over tests taken in February 2024. Water samples taken on June 3, 2024, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2024 second-quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 3.6 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The tests lower the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium to 4.0 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into a Compliance Agreement with the MDH in July, 2023, indicating the steps the City will take to make these improvements, and bring the overall system into compliance for radium concentrations below the MCL. City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is completed in early 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated May 14, 2024: Contract Awarded for Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Improvements

At the City Council meeting on Monday, May 13, the City Council awarded a construction contract for the upgrade of the Water Treatment Plant to MN Mechanical Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $4,027,320. Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2024, and continue through May 2025. Primary work includes:

  • Replacement of existing sand filter material with two-part treated sand and anthracite materials.
  • Replacement of several filter material mechanical components, including backwash valves and nozzles, underdrains, and flow valves.
  • Upgrade of existing chemical treatment components, including new chemical 

The Water Treatment Plant will remain operational while work occurs, as most improvement items can be completed in phases.   

Updated May 9, 2024: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show No Change in Radium Concentrations.  

The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a decrease in the recent radium levels over tests taken in the December of 2023.  Water samples taken on February 21, 2024, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2024 first quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 4.4 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test keeps the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium at 4.7 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into a Compliance Agreement with the MDH in July, 2023, indicating the steps the City will take to make these improvements, and bring the overall system into compliance for radium concentrations below the MCL. City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is completed in early 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated February 12, 2024: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Decrease in Radium Concentrations.  

The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a decrease in the recent radium levels over tests taken in the fall of 2023. Water samples taken on December 4, 2023, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2023 fourth-quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 4.0 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test brings the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium down to 4.7 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration, until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into a Compliance Agreement with the MDH in July, 2023, indicating the steps the City will take to make these improvements, and bring the overall system into compliance for radium concentrations below the MCL. City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is completed in early 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated January 12, 2024: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Decrease in Radium Concentrations.  

The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a decrease in the recent radium levels compared to tests taken in the summer of 2023. Water samples taken on September 12, 2023, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2023 third-quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 4.0 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test brings the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium down to 5.1 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into a Compliance Agreement with the MDH in July, 2023, indicating the steps the City will take to make these improvements and bring the overall system into compliance for radium concentrations below the MCL. City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is completed in early 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated September 25, 2023: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Modest Increase in Radium Concentrations.  

The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a modest increase in the recent radium levels over previous tests taken this spring. Water samples taken on June 20, 2023, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2023 first quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 6.2 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). The test brings the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium up to 5.4 pCi/L, which falls at the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. The City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards for radium concentration until long-term improvements are completed at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The City entered into a Compliance Agreement with the MDH in July, 2023, indicating the steps the City will take to make these improvements, and bring the overall system into compliance for radium concentrations below the MCL. City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform quarterly sampling and testing and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is completed in early 2025.  

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

Updated August 16, 2023: Water Treatment Plant Improvement Design Update.

At the City Council meeting on August 14, the City Council accepted a preliminary design report, and authorized the final design to proceed for the first phase of the IGH Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation (City Project No. 2023-03). The proposed cost of the first phase of improvements was estimated at $5.2 million, with an additional $1.8 million in future building and mechanical system improvement recommendations. 

The start of construction for the proposed first phase of improvements has been shifted from early 2024 to fall 2024. This shift is due to the anticipated ordering schedule for several key components, which requires six months or more of lead time from bidding to project delivery. The shift in schedule will allow the City the opportunity to solicit material alternatives for some key treatment plant improvements, allowing for more competitive bids while also ensuring that all funding options for the project are fully explored.

Updated May 11, 2023: Quarterly Minnesota Department of Health Tests Show Drop in Radium Concentrations.  

The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show a marked drop in radium levels over previous tests. Water samples taken on March 22, 2023, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of the 2023 first quarter testing cycle for the City resulted in a combined radium reading of 4.4 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). As this was an official quarterly test taken by the MDH for reporting purposes, the test brings the City’s rolling annual average for combined radium down to 5.1 pCi/L, which falls below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency.  

A copy of the official MDH notification letter is provided at the link below. City staff continue to work with representatives of the MDH to perform regular sampling and testing, and ensure that the previously implemented chemical treatment and filtration modifications continue to show effectiveness until the anticipated Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and filter replacement project is completed in early 2025.

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

April 27, 2023: Contract awarded for IGH Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project Design. 

At the City Council meeting on April 24, Council approved a proposal to award Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. with a contract for a preliminary design report and phase 1 final design for Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation (City Project No. 2023-03) and authorized expenditures related to the project. The construction phase of the project is expected to begin in 2024.

March 23, 2023: Latest tests for radium show mixed results. 

After elevated levels of radium were detected and reported in City of Inver Grove Heights drinking water earlier this year, the City has been engaged in more frequent testing of water samples. The City’s latest tests of water at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant show mixed results in lowering radium levels. Water samples drawn January 23, 2023, and sent to an independent laboratory yielded a reading of 4.5 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L), which is lower than previous readings and below the 5.4 pCi/L maximum contaminant level allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

However, water samples drawn February 9, 2023, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) yielded a reading of 6.0 pCi/L. This newer MDH reading echoes a previous individual test result from October 2022, which yielded a reading of 5.7 pCi/L, but which also triggered a notification by MDH, because the City’s rolling quarterly average radium reading reached 6.0 pCi/L at that time. 

City staff are working with representatives of the MDH to better understand the difference between the MDH and independent laboratory results and run additional tests if needed. With this in mind, new water samples were drawn on March 22, 2023, and sent to both the MDH and to an independent laboratory. Results of these tests are expected in six to eight weeks and will be reported on this webpage. The City is also taking the necessary steps to design, collect bids for and implement a filter replacement project and other associated improvements at the water treatment plant to address the issue of radium removal on a long-term basis. 

City water remains safe to drink, unless you have been otherwise advised by a medical provider based on your individual health status. For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding radium in drinking water, click here.

February 15, 2023: Water Notice

On January 30, 2023, the City was informed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) that the most recent test samples, taken on October 10, 2022, show that the level of combined radium—types 226 and 228—at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant was 6.0 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L). This result is above the allowable drinking water standard for radium, or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), of 5.4 pCi/L. 

Questions? Please contact the City Utilities Division at 651-450-4309, or email us at water@ighmn.gov.

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