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1. I need to have my water temporarily shut off. Who do I call?

Call the Public Works Department at 507-333-0361.

2. Does the city have specific lawn sprinkling hours and restrictions?

Yes, the city has an odd-even sprinkling restriction based on addresses. See the Annual Water Restrictions Water and Sewer page for specific hours, schedules and penalties.

3. Do these water restrictions apply to my newly sodden/seeded lawn?

No. The days are not restricted for new lawns, but the hours of usage are. You must register your new lawn at no charge by calling or emailing the Public Works Department.

4. We have rusty water, what should I do?

Try running your cold water for 10 to 15 minutes to flush the lines, if that does not work, call the Public Works Department.

5. When and how often are the water hydrants flushed? Will I be notified?

The hydrants are routinely flushed to clean the distribution system. Residents are advised to avoid or limit water usage during the flushing period and to check for discoloration prior to using water for laundry purposes. It is also recommended that residents shut water off at the meter to avoid drawing in rust, particles, or other debris being flushed from the lines. The flushing is done twice a year, spring and fall. Typically this will be done the last week in April and last week in September, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Flushing is done by quadrants on 4 separate nights. 

6. My water smells/tastes like chlorine is it safe to use?

Probably. The City of Faribault adds 1.2-2.0 parts per million of chlorine to your drinking water for disinfection purposes. It also adds 0.5 ppm of ammonia to ensure chlorine will last thru the 130-mile water main distribution system. The taste can be improved by letting water stand exposed to air. If you feel it needs to be reported you can call the Public Works Department.

7. Is fluoride in my drinking water?

The City of Faribault Water Department adds the following chemicals to water:

Chlorine: 1.2 - 2.0 ppm (disinfecting drinking water).

Ammonia: 0.5 ppm (Forming chloramines, this ensures that the chlorine will last throughout the water system, which is approximately 110 miles of water main in our distribution system.)

Fluoride: 0.5 - 0.9 ppm (Mandated by Minnesota Department of Health)

Sodium Silicate: 4.0 - 8.0 ppm (used for corrosion control and coating of the pipes to prevent the leaching of lead and copper into the drinking water).

8. Is Faribault's water hard or soft?

The hardness-causing elements in water are primarily calcium and magnesium. Faribault's water has a total hardness of 342 mg / l or 20 grains per gallon. Any water with a total hardness over 300 mg / l is considered very hard. These numbers may be useful when setting your water softener.

9. Does the City soften the water?

The City of Faribault does not soften the water.

10. Where can I obtain information regarding the levels of lead in my drinking water?

Please view the Drinking Water Quality Annual Report on the Public Works Department's Water and Sewer page. You can also call the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) hotline for safe drinking water at 1-800-426-4761. Water and Sewer Page

11. What causes cloudiness in my drinking water? Is it dangerous?

The Environmental Protection Agency sets secondary standards based on aesthetic characteristics, not health effects, which water systems and states can choose to adopt. Temporary cloudiness is generally caused by air bubbles.

12. How can I get my drinking water tested?

The City of Faribault has water tested every two years. You can find the report here.  For additional information you may also call the Minnesota Department of Health at 612-676-5674. 

Minnesota Department of Health website