Rochester Studies New Water Sources
Rochester Public Utilities is evaluating alternative drinking water supplies as state limits constrain existing aquifer use.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Utilities
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Rochester Public Utilities is studying new drinking water sources, including the Mount Simon Aquifer and regional rivers, after the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources banned new Jordan Aquifer wells in 2024. The study covers a roughly 1,500-square-mile area.
Why it matters
The Jordan Aquifer has supplied local drinking water for more than a century, and Rochester Public Utilities has already sacrificed two wells to maintain compliance with primary drinking water standards. Customer water use is projected to keep rising, making a long-term supply plan necessary for the city.
Rochester Public Utilities currently pumps about 5 billion gallons of water per year, with consumption projected to reach an estimated 8.1 billion gallons by 2065. Modeling covers a 1,500-square-mile area, but the costs of each candidate source remain unknown.
The players
Rochester Public Utilities
The municipal utility that provides water and electric service to Rochester, Minnesota, and is leading the water source study.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The state agency that regulates groundwater use and banned new Jordan Aquifer wells in Rochester in 2024.
The details
Computer modeling of three scenarios for future wells is evaluating the Mount Simon Aquifer, which lies about 1,000 feet underground in some areas, as well as surface water from the Zumbro and Mississippi rivers. Added treatment would be required if the city relies on a surface water source, and state access limits apply to the Mount Simon Aquifer.
Timeline
- 2024: Minnesota DNR banned new Jordan Aquifer wells in Rochester.
- Nov. 23: Next report scheduled at a Rochester City Council study session.
- December: Planned discussions with Minnesota DNR staff.
- Early 2027: Work begins on estimating infrastructure needs and costs.
- 2065: Projected water consumption reaches 8.1 billion gallons annually.
Utilities Context
The search for new sources follows a 2024 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ban on new Jordan Aquifer wells, which pushes Rochester toward the deeper Mount Simon Aquifer and surface water. Rochester's situation reflects the broader pressure on municipal groundwater systems as state regulators limit withdrawals from aquifers that cities have relied on for generations.
Rochester customers may face changes to their water supply and rates as the utility shifts to new sources to meet growing demand. Residents should watch for updates from the Public Utility Board, which is expected to receive monthly reports on the long-term plan.
The takeaway
Long-term water planning is becoming a necessity for growing cities facing state restrictions on existing sources. Rochester residents can follow the monthly Public Utility Board updates to track how the city chooses its next water supply.
What happens next
The next report on the water study is scheduled for a Rochester City Council study session on Nov. 23, with planned discussions with Minnesota DNR staff in December and work on infrastructure needs and costs beginning in early 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Utilities in Rochester to see how regional water and power providers plan for long-term demand.
More information
Learn more on the RPU Water for Tomorrow community information page about the utility's long-term water plan.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rochester Post Bulletin.
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