6.1h ERMUSR 03-11-2025UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
ERMU Commission Dave Ninow – Water Superintendent
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
March11, 2025 6.1h
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
Delivered a water meter, installed a Smart Point module, and took curb stop ties for 4
new water services.
Completed 20BACTI/Total Chlorine Residual Samples
o All confirmednegative for Coliform Bacteria
o Bacteriological/Disinfectant Residual Monthly Report submitted to the MDH
Completed 19 routine fluoride samples
o All samples met MDH standards
o Submitted MDH Fluoride Report
o Completed one MDH validation fluoride sample
Submitted Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) for the diesel generation plant to the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Submitted Tier II Annual Reports to the Department of Homeland Security for the diesel
generation plant and all the water treatment plants.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) mandates the EPA to issue a list of unregulated
contaminants to be monitored by public water systems (PWS) every five years. The fifth
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5), published in 2021, requires
sample collection for 30 chemical contaminants between 2023 and 2025. UCMR 5 aims
to improve the understanding of the occurrence and levels of 29 per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium in the nation's drinking water systems. In
August 2024, water samples were collected from each Elk River municipal well for
UCMR 5 testing. We have received the results, and we are pleased to report that no
contaminants were detected in any of these samples.
The repair of the 12" water main stub on Polk Street was successfully completed on
Monday, February 24. Upon investigation, it appears that a deteriorated coupling nut,
which connected the threaded rod holding the pipe plug in place, failed and caused the
leak. The plug was reinstalled with new hardware and reinforced with concrete blocking
to help it remain in place.
The water operators have spent much of their time performing annual preventive
maintenance on the water treatment plants.
______________________________________________________________________________
Page 1 of 2
151
On February 25, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) district engineer
conducted a sanitary survey of the Elk River municipal water system. All community
water systems (CWS) are subject to sanitary surveys by MDH every 18 months. These
surveys evaluate the adequacy of the water source, facilities, equipment, operation, and
maintenance to ensure safe drinking water distribution.The survey found that there are
no issues with the water system that need to be addressed.
st
annual Minnesota Rural
Lead Water Operator Derek Palmer and I attended the 41
Water Associationtechnical conference in St Cloud. Some of the topics covered at the
conference were lead and copper rule revision updates, PFAS updates, source water
protection, and cybersecurity.
ATTACHMENTS:
February 2025 Pumping by Well
______________________________________________________________________________
Page 2 of 2
152
2025GOVERNANCE AGENDA
Tuesday, January 14:Tuesday, February 11:
Annual Review of Committee ChartersReview Strategic Plan and 2024 Annual Business
Plan Results
Tuesday, March 11:Tuesday, April 8:
Oath of OfficeAudit of 2024 Financial Report
Election of OfficersFinancial Reserves Allocations
Annual Commissioner Orientation and ReviewReview 2024 Performance Metrics
Governance Responsibilities and Role
Tuesday, May 13:Tuesday, June 3:
Annual General Manager PerformanceAnnual Commission Performance Evaluation
Evaluation and Goal Setting
Tuesday, July 8:Tuesday, August 12:
Review and Update Strategic PlanAnnual Business Plan – Review Proposed 2026
Travel, Training, Dues, Subscriptions, and Fees
Budget
Tuesday, September 9:Tuesday, October 14:
Annual Business Plan – Review Proposed 2026Annual Business Plan – Review Proposed 2026
Capital Projects BudgetExpenses Budget
Wednesday, November 12:Tuesday, December 9:
Annual Business Plan - Review Proposed 2026Adopt 2026 Official Depository and Delegate
Rates and Other RevenueAuthority for Electronic Funds Transfers
Adopt 2026 Fee ScheduleDesignate Official 2026 Newspaper
2026 Stakeholder Communication PlanApprove 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule
Adopt 2026 Governance Agenda
Adopt 2026 Annual Business Plan
154