The city must build three water treatment plants by April 2029 to remove PFAS “forever chemicals” from the city’s water supply and does not have enough outside funding to cover the cost. The first water treatment plant will be built in 2025. This year's water rate increases will go toward paying for this treatment plant. 

A 10 percent water rate increase took effect January 1, 2025. A second 10 percent water rate increase will take effect July 1, 2025.

The city has sought funding from multiple federal, state and local resources, including State bonding bill funds, special appropriations from the Governor’s Office, grants through the state’s Drinking Water Revolving Fund, and federal congressionally directed spending. The city has received a $3.2 million PFAS Planning and Design Grant through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for engineering and design plans for the water treatment plants. The city continues to work with the MPCA to investigate the potential connection and eligibility for funding through the 3M East Metro Settlement. A connection to Well #5 was recently verified, and the city expects to receive some $14 million in funding from the settlement.

The city is under a federal mandate to build three water treatment plants by April 2029. Each plant can take up to 18 months to construct. Building these plants will require full use of the time between now and the deadline.

If the city is unable to secure necessary funding, the city will bond for the costs to build two more water treatment plants, and additional water rate increases will likely go into effect in each of the next few years and likely remain in effect for the next 25 years. A very preliminary estimate shows Hastings’ water rates doubling in three years and tripling in five years. These estimates will be reviewed and updated annually as we go forward based on construction costs, grants and funding and other factors.

Water rates will change as funding to build and operate the water treatment plants is secured. This will be based on construction cost estimates, operating costs and timing of funding that's received. 

The city uses a fixed rate structure and usage fees based on tiers for both residential and commercial customers. See How is my Bill Calculated to learn more. Currently, the city’s water rates are among the lowest in the metro area.       

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:

The amounts in this chart come from published fees schedules. While the amounts and estimates are believed to be reasonable representation of charges, it is possible the amounts may be incorrect due to interpretation of city fee schedules. Amounts have not been confirmed with the various cities.

Resources may include Hastings Family Service, Dakota County Assistance and/or local churches.

All customers receive quarterly bills my mail or email. Bills can be paid in person, online or by phone. Learn more at www.hastingsmn.gov/PayBill.

• Investigate and fix leaks – faucets, toilets, water softeners and irrigation systems.
• Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank, then wait 10 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, you’ve got a leak to fix.
• Replace a leaky toilet flapper (can save 180 gallons/week).
• Replace inefficient toilets with WaterSense labeled models that offer 20% less water use than federal standard and better performance.
• Install low-flow shower heads.
• Dishwashers are more efficient than washing by hand. Save even more by washing only full loads.
• Water lawns in evening or early morning to avoid evaporation loss.
• Register for billing autopay for peace of mind and to avoid a 10% late payment charge.
• Visit Water Saving Tips from the EPA.