Water | City of Minnetonka, MN

Contact us

Reduce stormwater runoff

Direct downspouts toward your lawn, trees, shrubs or other vegetation, rather than down your driveway. This slows the water and allows it to be absorbed into the soil. Avoid redirecting runoff towards adjacent properties or your home.
A rain garden is a planted low area that allows rainwater runoff to soak in from hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, walkways and parking lots. The University of Minnesota has excellent resources for planting your own rain garden.
Keep paved surfaces clean and maintain vehicles to prevent contaminants from washing into the street. Avoid applying fertilizers and herbicides to your lawn just before it rains.
Roadways often serve as collection points for runoff, and any material that washes into the street is passed downstream. Rather than blowing grass clippings and leaves into the street, direct them back onto your lawn or bag them for composting.
Adopt a drain. (And pledge to keep it clean.)

Follow these snow/ice removal best practices for reducing your winter salt use:
- Nine Mile Creek Watershed District
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Water meter replacement project (2024 and beyond)

Beginning in 2024, Minnetonka Public Works will begin a multi-year process of replacing water meters throughout the city. Old water meters are nearing the end-of-life and will be replaced with modern meters with modern conveniences. These meters will be replaced at no cost to you.

Why replace my water meter

Old meters are nearing the end-of-life
Batteries from old meters need replacing
Old meters require a drive-by system
- They only collect data once per month
- They require about 40 hours of staff time monthly to capture readings

Advantages to new meters

Readings are fully automated
New meters send readings every 4-6 hours
Residents can monitor water usage through a new online portal
- Allows residents to track and manage water use and compare to previous usage
- Quicker leak detection

Further details about the water meter replacement will be available soon. Stay tuned to this page for updates.

Drinking water reports (Consumer Confidence Reports)

The city publishes an annual water quality report to summarize drinking water quality, help residents understand their water and raise awareness for protection of water resources. The previous 10 annual reports are included below. Please call 952-988-8400 with questions or to request a paper copy of the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

Water treatment

Like most cities, Minnetonka treats its drinking water to improve its quality before it’s delivered to residents and businesses. The city’s water treatment procedure includes:

Disinfection: Chlorine (one drop per gallon) removes microscopic organisms.
Fluoridation: Flouride is added at state-mandated levels to support oral health and reduce tooth decay.
Iron Removal: Iron isn’t a health threat, but we remove it from the water to improve the color, taste and usefulness.
Corrosion Control: We add a corrosion inhibitor, which coats the inside of your plumbing to prevent lead or copper corrosion and contamination.
Hardness: Calcium and magnesium cause “hard water.” Our treatments do not reduce hardness levels. Residents and businesses may choose to use home-softening devices if hardness is an issue.
Flushing: Each spring the city flushes fire hydrants to remove iron and manganese from the system. During flushing, it’s normal to experience some discolored water. This water is safe to drink and can be cleared up by running cold water in your laundry tub. Call 952-988-8400 with questions or to learn more.

Water issues

Water main breaks

Water mains are susceptible to breaks from ground movement when the ground freezes or thaws. If you see water running out of the ground, through cracks or behind the curb, report the issue to the city immediately.

Business Hours: 952-988-8400
After Hours: 952-258-5321

Low or no water pressure

If there is a significant change in your water pressure, report the issue to the city immediately. Call 952-988-8400 during business hours. Outside business hours call 952-258-5321.

Frozen pipes

Frozen water pipes are rare, but this can occur when winter temperatures are exceptionally cold. Follow these tips to prevent and deal with frozen pipes:

Run cold water continuously from the lowest point in your home. The stream should be about the width of a pencil.
Open your cabinets to allow heat to reach your pipes.
Insulate your pipes.
If your pipes have already frozen, running water continuously is essential. You can also use a hair dryer or space heater to warm frozen pipes.
If you don’t have water service due to frozen pipes, call public works at 952-988-8400.

Leaks

The city analyzes water usage for each property and attempts to identify potential leaks. If we discover a potential leak on your property, we will mail a postcard with details.

Please fix leaks as soon as possible. It will help you save money and benefit the city’s water supply. Call 952-988-8400 with questions or to learn more.

Slow drains

If your water is draining slowly, call 952-988-8400 for assistance.

Lawn watering restrictions

Follow the city’s lawn watering restrictions between May 1 and Sept. 30.

No watering between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Even addresses can only water on even-numbered days, odd addresses can only water on odd-numbered days.
Private water sources and wells can be used anytime. They must be registered with the city and have a yard sign. Call 952-988-8400 to learn more and register.
Watering new sod, seed or shrubbery can take place outside restricted times with a permit. Call 952-988-8400 to learn more and obtain a permit. Watering new sod, seed or shrubbery by hand-held hose can be done anytime.
Penalties may be imposed for each day of violation.

Water main flushing

Lake water