Drinking Water

Most of Rochester’s water is supplied from the Jordan Aquifer, which is accessed by wells that are 400–1,000 feet deep. Water is pumped directly from the wells into the distribution system, where it is lightly treated with chlorine, fluoride, and a liquid blended polyphosphate (to sequester hard water minerals) before being distributed to homes and businesses in Rochester. 

Conserving water lowers utility bills and reduces the depletion of the Jordan Aquifer. View the many ways Rochester households can reduce their water usage. 

Protecting groundwater from contamination is also vital for the sustainability and resiliency of the water source. Wellheads are necessary to extract water from aquifers, but they can also serve as conduits for surface contaminants to enter the aquifer. The Minnesota Department of Health requires all communities and owners of water distribution systems to complete a Wellhead Protection Plan and to review and amend it every 10 years. For more information on groundwater protection, visit Rochester Public Utilities’ Water Quality website.