Sauk Rapids Seeks $6 Million in State Bonding After PFAS Contamination Shuts Down Two City Wells

(KNSI) – Sauk Rapids is once again asking lawmakers for over $6 million in state bonding money to pump more water to residents after two wells were shut down due to PFAS pollution.

City Administrator Ross Olson told KNSI News that the city had to close Wells Two and Three after tests in late 2022 showed they exceeded both the Minnesota Department of Health and federal EPA standards for PFAS concentrations. “We did the right thing, and we shut them down. We moved up the drilling of a well that we had in our capital improvement plan. But that well was not for additional capacity.”

Ross explained the new well was meant to add to the city’s water infrastructure, not replace anything. That means Sauk Rapids is still two wells short, making it vulnerable in a drought due to the capacity crisis.

Olson talked about how the city’s water infrastructure is complicated by its design. “Our infrastructure in Sauk Rapids was separated into two distinct systems, a high pressure and a low pressure. And to connect those, to remedy this, takes a lot of money and a lot of engineering.” That’s why he says they need state help.

The bonding request, similar to one that didn’t make it into last year’s bonding bill, would fund additional wells and the infrastructure needed to connect them to the water treatment plant.

Olson expressed optimism about this year’s request, noting that the city has been selected for a legislative bonding committee tour in September. During the tour, he, the mayor, and a city engineer will present their case directly to lawmakers.

Olson also plans to be actively involved in lobbying efforts when the legislative session begins, working to make sure state legislators understand Sauk Rapids’ water infrastructure needs. The city won’t know if its efforts are successful until the end of the 2026 Legislative session, which is set for May 18th.

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