Hastings Water Rates Are Going Up Again
TLDR
A 10% water rate increase is proposed for July 1. First reading at the May 18 council meeting.
The city is currently at a 33% cumulative increase. Without more state funding, the total could reach 150%.
Over $23 million in grants and funding has been secured so far — but the treatment plants cost far more.
The city hired Pawa Law Group for potential litigation against PFAS polluters, but that's a long-term play.
If you live in Hastings, your water bill has already gone up. And it's about to go up again.
At Monday's city council meeting, City Administrator Dan Wietecha delivered the monthly PFAS update and laid out the math. A 10% water rate increase is proposed for July 1. The first reading is at the next council meeting on May 18.
Why It Keeps Going Up
Here's the short version: Hastings has PFAS in all six of its municipal wells. The city needs three water treatment plants to get the water below federal limits. Those plants cost tens of millions of dollars. And despite securing over $23 million in grants and settlement funds so far, it's nowhere near enough.
Wietecha put it bluntly: if the city gets nothing more from the state, residents are looking at a 150% total increase in water rates. Right now, we're at about 33%.
Where the Money Comes From
The city has been aggressive about chasing every dollar it can find:
$23 million+ already secured from various sources including the East Metro 3M Settlement, MPCA grants, and the PFA loan program
$5 million anticipated from the emerging contaminants grant for the eastern treatment plant
State bonding request pending — the legislative session ends May 18
Lobbying effort underway with Senator Seeberger and Representative Dippel
Pawa Law Group hired for potential litigation against one or more defendants (likely connected to 3M disposal sites)
The single biggest thing that could reduce your water bill right now? State bonding money. That's why Wietecha urged residents to contact their state legislators directly.
The Litigation Path
Council Member Leifeld raised the Pawa Law Group hiring during the meeting. City Administrator Wietecha clarified: the city has contracted with the firm for potential litigation against one or more defendants. No lawsuit has been filed yet, and no specific defendant has been named publicly.
This is not a quick fix. Litigation against a company like 3M could take several years. But it's another tool the city is using to try to offset the costs that are currently landing on ratepayers.
Construction Update
Here's where the three treatment plants stand:
Central plant (N. Frontage Road): Raw water main installation nearly done. Magney Construction is forming and pouring footings. Walls expected up in June. On schedule.
Eastern plant (Spiral Boulevard): Site plan and specs approved Monday night. Bids going out now. Contract award expected in August. Construction starting September.
Western plant: Site still being finalized. Discussions underway on property west of General Steven Drive.
Hastings won't have fully PFAS-free water until all three plants are operational. The central plant should be first, followed by the eastern plant in May 2028. The western plant timeline is still TBD.
What You Can Do
Wietecha was direct: call your state legislators. Senator Seeberger and Representative Dippel both support Hastings' funding request, but they need constituent pressure to keep it front and center with their caucuses.
The exact quote from the meeting: the city wants legislators to be able to tell their colleagues that their town is demanding help.
The next council meeting is May 18 at 7 PM. The proposed 10% water rate increase will have its first reading that night.
FAQ
How much will my water bill go up?
The proposed increase is 10% starting July 1. On top of the increases already in effect, the city is now at a cumulative 33% increase.
Is this the last increase?
Almost certainly not. Without more state or federal funding, additional increases are expected. The total could reach 150% over time.
Is the city actually suing 3M?
Not yet. The city hired Pawa Law Group to evaluate potential litigation, but no lawsuit has been filed and no defendant has been publicly named. Any litigation would take years.
When will we have clean water?
The central plant is on track for late 2026/early 2027. The eastern plant is targeting May 2028. The western plant timeline isn't set yet. All three need to be running for full PFAS removal.
Can I filter PFAS at home in the meantime?
Yes. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends filters that meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 for PFOA and PFOS removal. Point-of-use under-sink filters or whole-home systems both work.
