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Water Service <br />Water service refers to the provision of a safe and adequate <br />water supply in Elk River. This means that when city <br />residents and businesses turn on the faucet, clean and <br />drinkable water is distributed every time. It also means <br />that adequate water pressure and supply is maintained for <br />fire protection. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) operates the water <br />system for the City of Elk River. ERMU takes water from <br />eight groundwater wells drawing from the Mt. Simon - <br />Hinckley aquifer. The ERMU also operates six water treat- <br />ment plants, with capacity to treat eight million gallons of <br />water per day. In addition, ERMU has the capacity to store <br />four million gallons of water in four water towers located <br />throughout the city. ERMU also maintains more than 119 <br />miles of water mains and 1,200 fire hydrants in the city. <br />Consider Further Studies to Evaluate <br />Water Service Capacity <br />The water pipeline system in Elk River has been stable over <br />time. This is primarily due to sandy soils in the citywhich <br />means there are fewer problems with corrosion impacting <br />pipelines. If a break occurs in the system, its impacts are <br />felt over a small area. Two pressure zones are in the ERMU <br />system providing the community with reliable water <br />pressure. Some of the city's existing system is served by <br />4-inch watermain pipes that may need to be replaced with <br />larger mains to accommodate future demands as the city <br />grows. The city should continually monitor such demands <br />in order to incorporate replacements into its Capital <br />Improvement Program. <br />Expansion of the Urban Service Area may lead to chal- <br />lenges in maintenance of the water supply system. Some <br />areas of the system will be especially susceptible to the <br />stresses associated with this growth. The northeast section <br />of Elk River is identified as a risk area for experiencing <br />lower water pressures in its water supply. A study may be <br />needed to evaluate options for increasing pressure and <br />delivering water to this part of Elk River. <br />W Current Water Service Area <br />0 Existing Urban Service <br />Area <br />Proposed Urban Service <br />Area Extensions <br />In addition, the southeast portion of Elk River has potential <br />for rapid growth as development occurs along the Highway <br />10 corridor. An evaluation of capacity and expansion needs <br />outside of the current Urban Service Area maybe needed <br />in order to ensure an appropriate supply is supported. <br />While the combination of existing development and <br />potential new development surrounding the Ranch Road <br />corridor in northwestern Elk River may warrant studies for <br />providing more water pressure or the addition of a water <br />towers in this region of the city. <br />Infrastructure • Elk River Comprehensive Plan <br />IDICL\arr07C1OWN l�VAVKOI01WO <br />