The City of Prior Lake operates seven municipal production wells. Six of the wells are directed to the City’s water treatment facility where the water is treated to remove iron and manganese before being dispersed throughout the system. The City also has a cooperative agreement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) for the City to sell water from the remaining well to the SMSC for treatment and use within their system, with the option to purchase up to 2.2 million gallons of water per day back from their system.  Actual purchases from the SMSC average 545,000 gallons per day over the past three years. 

The water from these seven wells is drawn from three aquifers: the Jordan, the Franconia Ironton Galesville (FIG) and the Mt. Simon. Five of the City's wells pump water from the Jordan aquifer and range between 345 and 372 feet deep.  Two wells pump from the FIG which is 630 feet deep. The City's daily maximum pumping capacity is 7.5 million gallons per day (MGD).

Wellhead and Source Water Protection

The Wellhead Protection Program helps to protect areas near City wells where surface water and pollutants can eventually reach the City's water supply. Read this Wellhead Protection brochure for more information.

To help prevent over-fertilizing (which can ultimately damage our surface water and ground water), get your lawn tested to see which nutrients are really needed. Mail-in soil tests are available at the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory.

Helpful Resources

Well Owner’s Handbook
Understanding Your Septic System
Scott County Household Hazardous Waste Website
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minnesota Department of Health

Aesthetic Water Quality

The City of Prior Lake and the SMSC test the water for regulated contaminants and monitor the parameters important to water quality, following all MN Department of Health drinking water standards (the SMSC also reports to the federal EPA). The results of the water testing are available in the annual Consumer Confidence Report. Learn more about how your drinking water is treated at the City's water treatment facility.

Use the following information when selecting and adjusting home treatment systems:
Total Hardness: 19.3 grains/gal (330 ppm)
Calcium: 12.3 grains/gal (150 ppm)
Magnesium: 7.0 grains/gal (120 ppm)
pH: 7.2

Hydrant Flushing

Hydrant flushing is necessary to purge the distribution system of small mineral deposits like iron and manganese and allows maintenance personnel to identify hydrants and valves in need of repair. Public Works crews generally flush hydrants in the spring, starting on the east side of Upper and Lower Prior Lake and Spring Lake, including service areas in Spring Lake Township. Flushing begin on the west side of Upper and Lower Prior Lake about two weeks later. During this time, it's good practice to run cold water and make sure it is clear before washing clothes or using it for cooking. If you have questions or concerns about discolored water, call the Public Works Department at 952-447-9896.

Discolored Water

The Water Treatment Facility removes most of the iron and manganese that cause discolored water, however, it may still occur during hydrant flushing or other times when wells are turned on/off for maintenance. If you are experiencing discolored water, run the cold water tap of your utility tub or lower-level bathroom for several minutes to see if the water clears. If discolored water persists, please call Public Works at 952-447-9896 or email pwadmin@PriorLakeMN.gov