Posting Date: September 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

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Elevated Combined Radium Levels Were Detected in Inver Grove Heights Drinking Water

 The City of Inver Grove Heights, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), monitors its public water system for the presence of drinking water contaminants on a quarterly basis. The City was informed by the MDH that the most recent test samples, taken on June 20, 2023, show that the rolling annual average level of combined radium—types 226 and 228—at the Inver Grove Heights Water Treatment Plant was 5.4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L).

Achieving MDH Compliance

While testing results indicate radium concentrations are at the allowable drinking water standard for radium, or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), of 5.4 pCi/L, the City’s water system remains out of compliance with MDH standards due to a previous sample that triggered a violation for radium concentrations. The City entered into a Compliance Agreement with the MDH in July, 2023, indicating the steps the City will take to make long-term improvements to the Water Treatment Plant, and bring the overall system into compliance for radium concentrations below the MCL.  

What This Means

 The City takes this matter seriously and is acting urgently to mitigate this issue. However, this is not an emergency. You do not need an alternative source of water (such as bottled water), nor do you need to boil water before use. People with specific health concerns are encouraged to consult their doctor or health care provider. Residents with questions about the effectiveness of their home water treatment systems in filtering radium should consult with the system manufacturer or installation company.

The previous Public Notice mailed to water customers on February 15, 2023, identified the steps the City has taken to address the elevated radium levels in the City’s drinking water.  The City continues to provide updates on testing results and water treatment plant improvements at the following website:

www.ighmn.gov/waternotice

For more information, please visit this website, or contact the City of IGH at:

Email:                          water@ighmn.gov

Phone:                        651-450-4309

Mail:                            City of Inver Grove Heights, c/o Utility Superintendent, 8150 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077

Click here to read the notification to the City from the Minnesota Department of Health dated Sep. 19, 2023.