Safe Drinking Water Fee

The Minnesota Legislature has approved an increase in the drinking water service connection fee from $6.36 annually to $9.72 annually.

The drinking water service connection fee was established in 1993 to help fund program activities related to compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. These activities include sanitary surveys, sample collection and analysis, compliance determination, wellhead protection, enforcement, and various technical assistance services.

The fee had not changed since it was established in 1993. However, new federal Safe Drinking Water regulations have continued to be implemented. Program expenses were exceeding the revenue generated by the fee. In order to continue providing the services necessary to help water utilities remain in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, an increase in the fee was needed.