The Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services Department helps Anoka County residents protect their drinking water. One way to ensure safe, high-quality drinking water is to have it tested.
About Water
Anoka County - Well Watering Testing
Blue, Green, or Turquoise Water
In almost all cases, water that appears blue or greenish is caused by new copper water lines in your home's plumbing system. Water passing through the lines undergoes natural oxidation, turning it blue. Eventually, the inside of the lines will be coated with minerals naturally present in the water, and oxidation will stop. If you have a water softener that removes many minerals from the water, this natural process will take longer than usual. Some water-softening companies can inject minerals into the water that coat the inside of the lines more quickly than the natural process does.
Water Softening
Water softeners use ion-exchange resins as part of the process. Sometimes, when a softener needs maintenance, it releases this resin into the water, causing tiny orange or gold "beads" or spheres to appear. If this occurs, have the softener serviced by a water softener company and have faucets flushed to clear the resin.
Consumer Confidence/Water Report
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires public water systems to report annually on the quality of the drinking water provided to their customers. The Ramsey Water Utility welcomes this opportunity to communicate with you, the customer, and to inform you about the water product you purchase and use daily.
View the Consumer Confidence Report/Water Report. If you would like a paper copy, please email John Nelson or call 763-433-9861.
Can Ramsey supply water during a power outage?
Yes. Water stored in water towers flows by gravity and does not require power. For the extended power outages, Ramsey has its own power generator that can run the wells to pump 3 million gallons per day, enough for a limited temporary supply. Ramsey also has an interconnection with the City of Anoka, which could be opened to receive water during an emergency.
Is my water safe to drink?
Definitely. Ramsey's water meets all of the Environmental Protection Agency's health and aesthetic standards for safe drinking water.
Is the water in Ramsey hard?
Ramsey's water is classified as very hard, with 15-17 grains per gallon. Water hardness is due principally to calcium and magnesium, and water is generally harder in areas where calcium- and magnesium-rich limestone is present. Ramsey pumps its water from aquifers in dolomite/limestone rock formation.
Is there fluoride in my water?
Yes. The groundwater naturally contains a small amount of fluoride. The Water Department then adds more fluoride to bring the total amount to the Minnesota Department of Health standards.
Should I buy bottled water?
Remember that US bottled water is less regulated than municipal water, and bottled water costs up to 1,000 times more than Ramsey's water.
Should I install a water softener in my home?
Ramsey has very hard water that may cause scale buildup on your fixtures or spots on your dishes. If you are bothered by this, a water softener should help. Soft water rinses off better, and you generally use less soap for your dishes and laundry.
Should I install a water filter in my home?
This is a personal decision. A water filter is not required for the municipal water in Ramsey to meet drinking water standards. If the water is not to your liking, then you may want to consider a home treatment unit. Most filters remove the large chlorine ions, which are added to the water to kill harmful bacteria, and the fluoride ions, which strengthen teeth.
What are the ranges of water pressure levels?
Water pressure ranges from 55 (low) to 70 (high), with an average of 65.
What is the average PH level of the City’s water?
On a scale of 1 to 14, the average pH of acid is 7.
What is the iron and hardness content?
The iron content is 0.4 to 0.6 parts per million. Hardness is 15-17 grains per gallon.
What causes the white scale on my sink and fixtures?
Deposits of calcium and magnesium build up over time. These two minerals make up most of the hardness in your water. Hard water is not harmful.
Where does Ramsey’s water come from?
Groundwater is pumped from eight deep wells, ranging from 320 to 350 feet deep in the Ironton-Galesville aquifer. Ramsey has the capacity to pump over 10.5 million gallons per day if needed.
Why do we store water in water towers?
A large amount of water may be needed to fight a large fire.
When you turn on your faucet, water flows out because the water in the pipes is under pressure and is pushed out. The weight of the water in the water tower provides your house with water pressure. The higher the water is above you, the more pressure you have.
Excess storage means the well can pump water more efficiently. The wells can pump water all night into storage while we sleep, to meet the greater demand when everyone wakes up and gets ready to start their day. Water is also saved on weekdays for weekends, when most people use it for cleaning and laundry. Ramsey's three storage tanks can hold 4 million gallons of water.
Ramsey gets its drinking water from underground sources called groundwater. This water comes from the city’s water system or private wells. Groundwater is kept in underground spaces called aquifers. Even though Minnesota has lots of lakes, there's only so much groundwater. If we use too much or pollute it, it could be harder to get clean water in the future.
The Anoka Conservation District (ACD) made videos that teach about groundwater and surface water. You can watch the series called "Our Groundwater Connection" by clicking the link below.
Rusty Water, Taste & Odor Problem
Ramsey's drinking water comes from deep wells. Well water is typically high in dissolved minerals, which can sometimes cause rust, taste, and odor problems. These problems generally occur on dead-end distribution lines or during construction or flushing activities.
Please call Utilities at 763-433-9893 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to report these types of problems.
Why is my water rusty or dark brown?
Naturally occurring iron deposits have been stirred up within the water main system. This is often a result of water main flushing, which occurs in April and October. Another way this can happen is when a fire hydrant is used, either in the event of a fire near your home or unauthorized hydrant use. Whenever water is moved rapidly through the water mains, the iron deposits that settle to the bottom of the pipe get stirred up. We have also noticed a trend during hot weather, when many irrigation systems are running and creating high water demand. The iron in the system can be stirred up.
Is iron in drinking water harmful, and is it safe to drink?
Human bodies require iron to function properly, but iron, like many substances, is toxic at high dosages. However, you could not consume enough water to cause toxic levels of iron in your body.
The Environmental Protection Agency considers iron in drinking water a secondary contaminant, meaning it does not have a direct impact on health. Although it won’t harm your health, iron will stain clothes and plumbing fixtures. You can keep iron out of your home with an iron filter and a water softener.
What can I do to clear the water?
Run several faucets in your home until the water clears; this should take 30 minutes or less.
Check with your neighbors. If your house is the only one affected, it’s often an internal plumbing issue.
Check your water softener. Do you have salt in it? We recommend iron fighter salt, which is typically packaged in the green bags. Failing water softeners will often accumulate large amounts of iron and start releasing it, possibly along with a sand-like material. If this is the case, please try bypassing your water softener. While the softener is in bypass mode, run several faucets in your home. If the water clears, then your softener should be repaired or replaced.
Is it only the hot water that is yellow or rust colored? Iron will often build up at the bottom of your hot water heater, and if all the hot water is consumed during a high-demand period, it will be released. If this happens, you should try draining or flushing out the hot water heater. Typically, hot water heaters have a hose hookup on the bottom. Be careful! Hot water can cause burns.
Why must my water meter be replaced?
Water meters, like any device with moving parts, eventually wear out.
How long will the exchange take?
The entire process will be between 15 and 30 minutes.
How much will this cost me?
There is no charge for this exchange.
Where is my water meter?
Water meters are located in your basement, typically in the laundry/utility room.
What is a radio-read water meter?
A radio-read meter is a wireless meter that transmits its reading to a drive-by receiver.
Who will replace my water meter?
A City of Ramsey employee will be doing all the work. They will be driving a vehicle with city markings and have a City of Ramsey badge for identification.
When should I call to make an appointment?
You should call as soon as you receive a letter. This will ensure you get a time that is convenient for you.
What number should I call to make an appointment?
You must call 763-433-9839 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What hours are available for this replacement?
Utility personnel will be available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
What if these hours don’t work for me?
Special accommodations can be made.
How long will this new meter last?
The new meter has a twenty-year warranty on the batteries.
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