At its May 5 City Council meeting, The Hastings City Council approved a 10 percent increase in the city’s water billing rate to help cover the cost of building the city’s first water treatment plant to remove PFAS from city drinking water.  

The rate increase will take effect on July 1, 2025 and will be applied to residential and business utility bills. Based on average residential usage of 15,000 gallons, water fees will increase approximately $4/quarter.

The July increase covers a projected gap in funding to build the Central Water Treatment Plant to treat PFAS "forever chemicals" in city drinking water. Water rates increased in January of this year. At that time, it was noted that an additional increase could be expected in July.

“Clean and safe drinking water are among our highest priorities,” said City Administrator Dan Wietecha. “We are required to build three water treatment plants in Hastings by 2029 and do not have federal or state funding to cover the full costs. We are working hard to reduce the impact on Hastings’ residents and businesses.”

In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency adopted new limits for several specific types of PFAS. With PFAS contaminants in city wells above the allowable limits, the city is taking steps to improve water quality by building three water treatment plants at a total estimated cost of $68.9 million within the five-year timeline for contaminant removal. The city has been working to secure funding from multiple sources and has submitted a capital request for $16.6 million to be considered in a state bonding bill for this year.

The first water treatment plant, titled the Central Water Treatment Plant, is expected to cost $26.7 million and will be built at 1292 N Frontage Road. The project will be bid in May, and construction could start as early as July. A project webpage has been published along with a presentation about the project. Current businesses at that location - Carbone's and Stacy’s Stars - plan to remain in Hastings. The city has been working with both businesses to help them relocate within Hastings.

Postcards and billing inserts are being sent to utility customers, and the city has developed a webpage with additional information and FAQs.

View Water Rate Increases Web Page and FAQs with money-saving tips. 

Learn more about PFAS in Hastings, PFAS FAQs and PFAS News and Events.

For more information and money saving tips: Visit www.hastingsmn.gov/utilitybill

Email financedept@hastingsmn.gov

For questions, call Utility Billing at 651-480-2351 and Public Works at 651-480-6185.