City of Hastings, MN
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View a chronology of news and events related to PFAS in Hastings.
November 6, 2025
City Hall to learn more about the city's capital request for funding to build water treatment plants to remove PFAS "forever chemicals" and nitrates from city drinking water.
The city is requesting $18.3 million for the Eastern Water Treatment Plant, which includes a connection to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Hastings, and $20.7 million for the Western Treatment Plant.
Remarks and presentations were given by Mayor Mary Fasbender, City Administrator Dan Wietecha and Public Works Director Ryan Stempski.
November 3, 2025
City Administrator Dan Wietecha provided several key updates on progress to remove PFAS from city drinking water.
Watch the Update (17:17-minute mark)
October 28, 2025
The Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee visited City Hall to learn more about the city's capital request for funding to build water treatment plants to remove PFAS "forever chemicals" and nitrates from city drinking water.
The city is requesting $18.3 million for the Eastern Water Treatment Plant, which includes a connection to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Hastings, and $20.7 million for the Western Treatment Plant.
Remarks and presentations were given by Mayor Mary Fasbender, City Administrator Dan Wietecha and Public Works Director Ryan Stempski. Kristy Barse and members of the Hastings Minnesota Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau Board of Directors also attended in support of the project.
The House Capital Investment Committee is scheduled to visit City Hall on Nov. 6.
October 6, 2025
City Administrator Dan Wietecha provided the following update at the Oct. 6 City Council meeting regarding city plans to remove PFAS "forever chemicals" from city drinking water.
- Mobilization and construction on the Central Water Treatment Plant began in late September 2025, with substantial completion to occur in December 2026.
- At present the 2026 budget proposal includes a phased approach to water rate increases of 10% each in January and July 2026 and January 2027. This would allow additional time to seek state bonding, grants and/or direct connection to 3M Cottage Grove; enable phasing in the necessary rate increase; and recognizes the complexity of loan and grant paperwork with the Public Facilities Authority.
- City officials met with Sen. Seeberger to discuss the status of our project, impact on water rates and options to pursue legislative assistance in the upcoming session.
- A similar meeting with Rep. Dippel occurred last month.
- A visit by the House Capital Investment Committee is pending for Nov. 6.
September 3, 2025
City Administrator Dan Wietecha provided the following key updates at the Sept. 2 City Council meeting:
- In August, financing for the central water treatment plant was approved through the grant agreement for East Metro 3M Settlement funds of Well #5 at $13.7 million and the PFA loan (including two emerging contaminants grants) for $10 million.
- Bid opening for the raw water mains and the central water treatment plant were very competitive. Both contracts were approved Aug. 18, and construction will begin in September.
- Staff and Mayor met with the city's lobbyist and with Rep. Dippel to discuss the status of the project, impact on water rates and options to pursue legislative assistance in the upcoming session. A similar meeting with Sen. Seeberger is pending.
- Draft legislation reported by the House Appropriations Committee includes $1.1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for the western water treatment plant. This is one step in the process and does not guarantee funding.
Watch the Update (58:22 minute mark)
August 20, 2025
Bids were reviewed and contractors selected for building the Central Water Treatment Plant, to be located at 1290 N. Frontage Road and completing the Raw Water Main Project. The projects are set to begin next month. The Central Water Treatment Plant is the first of three to be built to remove PFAS from city drinking water. Magney Construction was awarded the contract for building the Central Water Treatment Plant. The bid came in at $14.5 million, 20% lower than the engineer's estimate. A-1 Excavating was awarded the contract for the Raw Water Main project. The bid came in at $2.58 million, 11% lower than the engineer's estimate.
Central Water Treatment Plant Project Webpage
August 6, 2025
The Central Water Treatment Plant, to be located at 1290 North Frontage Rd., was bid in June-July as two projects: the raw water main connecting well 7 and the water treatment plant itself. Construction is expected to start in early September. The plant is designed to remove PFAS from wells 3, 5 and 7. As previously reported, the city qualifies to receive 3M Settlement Funds to remove PFAS from well 5. The Council recently approved the agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to access the 3M Settlement Funds-covering 59% of construction of the Central Water Treatment Plant, up to $13.7 million. This is in addition to the $1.4 million previously approved from the Settlement funds. If well 3 and 7 become settlement-eligible in the future, the agreement may be amended to account for those costs deemed eligible.
A Public Facilities Authority loan agreement, including two Emerging Contaminants grants, is expected on the Aug. 18 City Council agenda and expected to cover the remaining $10 million of the Central Water Treatment Plant costs.
Central Water Treatment Plant Project Webpage
July 9, 2025
The city continues to pursue funding to build three water treatment plants to remove PFAS forever chemicals from city drinking water.
- Although the city's State Bonding Bill request for PFAS funding was not funded during the 2025 legislative session, last month staff submitted two applications for consideration in the 2026 session for the Eastern and Western Water Treatment Plants.
- Sen. Klobuchar has submitted the Western Water Treatment Plant project to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration for Congressionally Directed Spending.
- The new state budget includes some state funds to augment the Emerging Contaminants Grant program; city staff expect to receive an additional $2 million for the Central Water Treatment Plant project.
- At present, city budget planning estimates a 37.2% water rate increase for 2026. This could change during budget planning depending on State or federal assistance, construction bids for the Central Water Treatment Plant, and the construction schedule.
- The Public Facilities Authority financing agreement (low interest loan) for the Central Water Treatment Plant is pending and expected on the July 21 agenda.
- The grant agreement for the East Metro 3M Settlement funds for the construction costs allocated to Well #5 is pending and expected on the July 21 agenda.
- The Central Water Treatment Plant was bid on in June as two projects: the raw water main connecting Well #7 and the water treatment plant itself. Construction is expected to start in August.
June 11, 2025
Update on State Funding Request for PFAS Removal
The city's capital budget request for the Eastern Water Treatment Plant to remove PFAS and nitrates from city drinking water was not included in the State bonding bill that was approved this week by the Legislature. The project will be resubmitted for consideration in 2026. The city will continue to apply for funding as it becomes available. More details will be communicated as the city learns more. In the meantime, please visit the city website for updates.
Learn More About PFAS News and Events
Central Water Treatment Plant Funding
The Central Water Treatment Plant to remove PFAS from city drinking water is the first of three plants that will be built in Hastings. The plant, as well as a raw watermain project to connect Well No. 7 to the plant, will cost $27.7 million. The project will be funded through a combination of 3M Settlement funds, grants and water fees. Construction on the plant and watermain project will begin this summer. The chart will change if additional funding is secured.
June 4, 2025
Progress on Treatment to Remove PFAS From Drinking Water
The city continues with its plans to build three water treatment plants to remove PFAS from city drinking water. City Administrator Dan Wietecha updated the City Council on recent funding applications for the three plants and the State Bonding request. A State Bonding Bill has not been passed to date this legislative session.
The Council also approved resolutions for staff to submit 2026 State Bonding requests for the Eastern Water Treatment Plant and the Western Water Treatment Plant.
Watch the Update (34:13 minute mark)
May 5, 2025
At the May 5, 2025 City Council meeting, City Administrator Dan Wietecha offered highlights since the last PFAS update, including progress on plans to build the Central Water Treatment Plant, and recent funding requests that support the city's plan to build water treatment plants to remove PFAS from the city's drinking water.
Watch the Update (at the 40-minute mark)
April 9, 2025
The City of Hastings continues to address PFAS contamination in its municipal wells. The City Council held a workshop prior to its April 7 Council meeting and the City Administrator provided an update on plans for the Central Water Treatment Plant, efforts to secure funding and proposed water billing rate increases for this summer.
- Central Water Treatment Plant Progress: The Central Water Treatment Plant to be located at 1292 N Frontage Road is on schedule to go out for bids in May and construction could start as early as July. Current businesses at that location - Carbone's and Stacy’s Stars - plan to remain in Hastings. Stacy’s Stars is finalizing a new location at 33rd Street next to Coborn’s Grocery. A new location for Carbone’s has not yet been determined, but the restaurant remains open at its current location until its lease ends June 30, or until they move, if it is sooner. The city has been working with both businesses to help them relocate in Hastings.
- Central Water Treatment Plant Funding: The City Council discussed financing the City’s portion of construction through a low-interest loan through the Public Facilities Authority; this will save $1 million in interest costs. The Council proposed removing the nitrates treatment equipment from the project, saving $3.1 million. This equipment can be added in the future when needed. The city continues to advocate for grants and financial assistance.
- Proposed Water Billing Rate Increases for July: The city will raise water billing rates and is recommending a 10 percent water billing rate increase to take effect with the July billing statements. A first reading of the ordinance will be on the Council’s agenda for 4/21, with a second reading and adoption to be set for May 5.
Watch the City Administrator's Update (Watch at the 50:24 Minute Mark)
March 5, 2025
City Administrator Dan Wietecha presented an update on the plans to secure funding to remove PFAS from city drinking water. The city submitted a capital budget request for State funding to assist in building one of three water treatment plants in the city. Both Sen. Judy Seeberger and Rep. Tom Dippel have indicated strong support for the project. On Feb. 27, city staff had a hearing with the House Capital Investment Committee on the capital budget request (HF1192). A Council workshop will be held in the coming weeks to discuss financing of the three water treatment plants. Additionally, the city will hold a neighborhood open house this spring to review plans and drawings for the central water treatment plant to be located at 1292 North Frontage Road.
Watch the Council Update (at the 1:36:24 minute mark)
February 5, 2025
The number one priority this legislative session or elected officials and staff is to secure funding to help cover the costs of building the city's water treatment plants to remove PFAS and nitrates from city drinking water. The city has submitted a capital request for $16.6 million to help fund the Eastern water treatment plant. Sen. Judy Seeberger and Rep. Tom Dippel have indicated strong support for the project and are preparing bills of support for the full project request.
Read the 2025 Legislative Priorities Fact Sheet
Read the 2025 PFAS Capital Funding Request
December 6, 2024
City Administrator Dan Wietecha discusses how Hastings is working to ensure clean, safe drinking water and working to meet new federal mandates as we move into 2025 in a new video produced by Hastings Community TV. This video explains the upcoming water treatment projects, funding strategies, and potential impacts on your water utility bill.
December 4, 2024
The city is making plans to build its first water treatment plant to treat PFAS and nitrates in the city water supply and has secured a purchase agreement for land at 1292 N. Frontage Road (current Carbone's pizza location). The plant is estimated to cost $26.7 million. The city is expecting to raise water billing rates by 10 percent in January and again in July (4-12%), depending on funding secured at that time, to help cover the costs of building this water treatment plant. In addition, the City Council authorized staff to apply for State Bonding Bill dollars to offset the cost for the second water treatment plant to be located in the Industrial Park. The city has submitted applications for Congressionally Directed Spending and an Emerging Contaminants Grant is pending. City staff continue to seek additional connections for 3M Settlement eligibility.
Watch the City Administrator Report (58.35-minute mark)
View the Application Authorization for State Bonding
October 21, 2024
Water Rate Increases Planned for 2025
The water portion of residential and business utility bills is expected to increase by 10% in January of 2025. This includes 6.5% to cover costs associated with building the first of three water treatment plants to remove PFAS “forever chemicals” and nitrates from the city’s water supply, plus 3.5% for inflation and scheduled maintenance of the existing infrastructure. A second water rate increase is expected in July 2025, with the amount dependent on construction cost estimates and other funding sources at that time. A postcard will be mailed to all residents and businesses in Hastings. A utility bill insert will be included in upcoming mailings. A webpage with FAQs will be published in the near future.
Watch a PFAS Update from the City Administrator (57:32-minute mark)
October 7, 2024
City Administrator Dan Wietecha updated the City Council on Monday about PFAS contaminants in city drinking water. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is now recognizing a connection between Hastings Well #5 and the 3M plant in Cottage Grove. The city will qualify for 3M Settlement money to cover treatment costs for Well #5, which will offset some of the proposed water rate increases for 2025. The city and MPCA are also looking into connections between the other wells and 3M. Hastings PFAS levels exceed new EPA guidelines that were released in April. The city has until spring 2029 to build three new water treatment plants to remove the PFAS contaminants from city drinking water.
Listen to the Administrator's PFAS Update (29.58-minute mark)
Read the Memo to the City Council
September 4, 2024
City Administrator Dan Wietecha provides an update at the September 4 City Council meeting on progress to mitigate PFAS in Hastings drinking water. He mentions a recent siting study that looks at location options for building the water treatment plants. Site 1 will be in the Industrial Park with design and construction in 2025.
Read the Water Treatment Plants Siting Study
Watch the Administrator Update ( 2:04:47 mark)
August 5, 2024
City Administrator Dan Wietecha provides an update at the August 5 City Council meeting on progress to mitigate PFAS in Hastings drinking water, including progress on locations for the water treatment plants, funding options for building three water treatment plants, including water rate increases, and more.
Read the Memo to Council
Watch the Administrator update (1:07:36 mark)
July 1, 2024
City Administrator Dan Wietecha provides an update at the July 1 City Council meeting on progress to mitigate PFAS in Hastings drinking water.
Watch the Administrator update (22.48-minute mark)
May 9, 2024 Public Meeting Video
Watch the public meeting on Hastings drinking water and PFAS that was held May 9 at the Hastings High School.
Watch the May 9, 2024 PFAS Public Meeting
View the presentation slides:
- Minnesota Department of Health May 9, 2024 Presentation
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency May 9, 2024 Presentation
- City of Hastings May 9, 2024 Presentation
- Read an FAQ
Event: Public Meeting set for Thursday, May 9
The City of Hastings will hold a public meeting on Hastings drinking water and PFAS contaminants on Thursday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hastings High School, 200 General Sieben Drive. Park in lower-level parking lot.
The agenda will include an information session, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presentations by Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and City of Hastings.
View a Public Notice.
Read an FAQ to learn more about the EPA maximum contaminant levels and steps you can take to protect your health.
Update April 10, 2024
The City of Hastings issued the following public notice about Hastings drinking water in response to new EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA and PFOS to 4 parts per trillion that were just announced this morning. The City will hold a public meeting within the next 30 days for residents and the community.
For media inquiries, please contact Ryan Stempski, Director of Engineering and Public Works, at 651-480-2368 or City Administrator Dan Wietecha at 651-480-2326.
The Minnesota Department of Health PFAS webpage has general information about PFAS and human health and ongoing activities in Minnesota. The page also includes information on steps that consumers can take to protect themselves from exposure to PFAS. Residents with specific concerns should contact their healthcare providers.
The EPA website is where you can find the EPA factsheets and other health resources provided.
Update March, 2024
Interview with Ryan Stempski
Our Public Works Director and City Engineer Ryan Stempski talks PFAS, infrastructure, street projects and more in this Community In Depth program on KDWA Radio.
PFAS Legislative Backgrounder
Update January 17, 2024
City Remains Committed to Treating PFAS
On January 15, The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provided health-based guidance levels for PFOS and PFOA that are lower than the previous health-based values for these chemicals. With this release by MDH, no action is recommended at this time, but they will continue to keep the city informed. Hastings works with MDH to regularly sample all municipal wells, and both PFOS and PFOA are present in our wells. City staff continue to work with MDH and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to understand the meaning of these guidance levels and future steps we should take to protect the drinking water system. The City of Hastings continues its plans to design three PFAS water treatment plants to mitigate PFAS from our drinking water, which will position the city for implementation when action is required, and funding is determined.
Update August 7, 2023
City Council Updated on PFAS Feasibility Study
View Council Presentation PFAS Update
Update July 31, 2023
State of Minnesota Issues New Warnings About Eating Fish due to PFAS
The State of Minnesota has updated fish consumption guidance to advise that certain people not eat fish from two bodies of water in the Twin Cities. Those waterbodies are the Mississippi River from the Ford Dam in St. Paul to Hastings Dam (known as Pool 2) and Lake Rebecca in Hastings. People who should avoid eating fish from these locations include children under age 15, people who are or could become pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. For more information on safe-eating guidelines for fish in Minnesota, refer to the Minnesota Department of Health’s Fish Consumption Guidance website at https://www.health.state.mn.us/.../enviro.../fish/index.html
Update July 26, 2023
"Forever chemicals" are in City wells, and City leadership has been working to identify the sources of the contaminants and to find funding for mitigation, as they prepare for a pending water advisory. Learn more in recent interviews on KDWA and in the Star Tribune.
The Hastings City Council will hold a Council Workshop on Monday, August 7, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
Update March 15, 2023
On Tuesday, March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced draft Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) as a critical step toward reducing Americans' exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through drinking water. The EPA will take public comments on the proposed regulation after its publication in the Federal Register. The limits are expected to be finalized in late 2023 or early 2024. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Health is re-evaluating and revising the MDH PFAS health-based guidance values to better protect public health. Updated MDH guidance for PFAS are expected to be released later in 2023.
Read the City's News Announcement
Update March 7, 2023
On Tuesday, February 21, in a Council Workshop, City Council members received an update on the Limited Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on PFAS (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) in the City’s drinking water supply and discussed potential next steps, financial impacts, and communication.
View the Council PFAS Presentation Information
Read a Statement from City Council
Update September 6, 2022
At the request of City staff, representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) presented about new Interim Health Advisory Levels for two PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) in public drinking water that were released in June by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is expected to release new draft regulatory values for the two PFAS for public comment in late 2022 and final values in late 2023. MDH staff also described MDH’s efforts to develop updated state guidance values for PFAS.
See the news announcement:
View the Presentation by the Minnesota Department of Health
Watch the Presentation at the City Council Meeting by the Minnesota Department of Health (begins at 6:10 time)