For more information on the water system
serving Golden Valley, Crystal, and New Hope,
check out the Joint Water Commission (JWC) Web Site.
Water System
Golden Valley purchases its water from the City of Minneapolis. This treated river water (not ground water) is considered soft (5 to 7 grains) and has a measured pressure of 65-75 psi (pounds per square inch).
The system that brings water to your house involves miles of piping. The City is responsible for maintenance and repair of the water system up to the right-of-way line, as well as the water meter itself. The homeowner is responsible for maintenance and repair of the water system from the right-of-way line inwards. This includes the service pipe that carries water to the house from the water main service at the street and all plumbing (pipes, fixtures, etc) in or attached to the house.
Information on Lead
How Does Lead Get Into My Water?
Usually, lead gets into your water after it leaves your local treatment plant. The most likely source of lead in your household water is lead solder, or brass fixtures in your own plumbing.
Lead dissolves continuously into the water. Water that stands idle in pipes for long periods of time may have higher concentrations of lead than water that passes through without stopping.
What is Golden Valley Doing About This Problem?
Golden Valley's Utilities Maintenance Department tests the City's water at the entry points for lead contamination, and it works with the City of Minneapolis to treat the water in the system to reduce the amount of lead absorbed from plumbing.
What Can I Do?
Let it run! Don't drink or cook with water that has been in your plumbing for more than six hours. Clear your pipes by letting the cold water run until it is cold to the touch, usually 30 to 60 seconds. Letting the water run will usually reduce lead to acceptable levels. Because hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water, do not use it for anything other than bathing. Do not use hot water for mixing baby formula. If you need hot water, draw it from the cold water faucet and heat it.
Water Main Breaks
When winter approaches and the ground begins to freeze, and in the spring when the frost goes out, water mains are prone to break. Any time you see water bubbling out of the ground, through cracks in the pavement, or from behind curbing and other places, call Utilities Maintenance at 763-593-8075 (M - F, 7 am - 3:30 pm). After hours call Police Dispatch at 952-924-2618.
Questions?
Contact Utilities Maintenance at 763-593-8075 if you have questions about Golden Valley's water system, water quality, lead levels in the water, or to report frozen meters or request meter repair.
