5.3. ERMUSR 10-15-2003 >I*Elk River
Municipal Utilities
322 King Avenue phone: 763.441.2020
Elk River,MN 55330 Fax:763 441.8099
September 17, 2003
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
John Dietz
Jerry Takle
James Tralle
From: Bryan C. Adams
Subject: Water Rate for Bulk Water Station
During our discussion concerning the construction of the bulk water fill station, staff was
asked to survey other communities and determine an appropriate rate for bulk water.
Attached is a survey reflecting the results.
The majority of the communities do business as we have. They utilize a hydrant and
meter adjacent to one of the utilities' facilities that is staffed to receive the payment,
watch, and inspect the filling operation. Also, hydrant and hydrant meters can be rented
for off-site use with a nominal fee. The normal water rate is used to charge for the water
sold. The normal water rate is in the $1 to $2/1000 gallon range. Elk River Municipal
Utilities' current bulk water rate is $10/load.
Upon moving to our new administration facilities at city hall, we will no longer have a
good place to provide bulk water sales at one of our staffed facilities. An automatic
remote bulk water station then becomes a necessity.
Only Albertville, St. Michael, and Brooklyn Park utilize automatic fill stations at
approximately 250/100 gallons. The reason for this rate structure is time and hydraulic
characteristic of their particular system. The automatic water shut-off valve is operated
by time, not flow or volume. The more money that is paid, the longer the valve remains
open. One desires to sell water is small quantities to prevent needlessly over filling the
tanks on the vehicle.
Once we get our system in and operational, we will calibrate our system and time the
water valve opening and closing. I would guess our rate will also be in the 250/100
gallon range or $2.50/1000 gallons which is close to the normal water rate.
BULK WATER STATION RATE STUDY
Anoka No automatic remote station.
Utilize hydrant at existing building.
Hydrant meter also available at$25 deposit and normal rate.
North St. Paul No automatic remote station.
Utilize hydrant at existing building.
Hydrant meter available at $50 deposit and normal rate.
Shakopee No automatic remote station.
Chaska No automatic remote station.
Utilize hydrant at existing building.
Hydrant meter available at$150 deposit and normal rate.
Willmar No automatic remote station.
Utilize hydrant at existing building and normal rate.
Hutchinson No automatic remote station.
Utilize hydrant at existing building.
Hydrant meter available at $40 deposit and normal rate.
Austin No automatic remote station.
Utilize fill station at existing building.
Hydrant meter available at $50 deposit and normal rate.
Rochester No automatic remote station.
Hydrant meter available at normal rate.
Albertville/ Utilize automatic station at water plant at 25¢/85 gallons.
St. Michael
Hibbing No automatic remote station.
Utilize hydrant meter at $75 deposit and normal rate.
Champlin No automatic remote station.
Utilize hydrant by existing building at normal rate.
Maple Grove Utilize automatic station at 250/250 gallons.
Brooklyn Park No automatic remote station.
Utilize hydrant meter at $1750 deposit + $5/day and normal rate.