Saint Paul Regional Water Services, or SPRWS, is the public drinking water utility for the city of Saint Paul and surrounding suburbs. We've been a public water utility since 1882, and our origin traces to a private company formed in 1869.
As of 2017, SPRWS serves approximately 446,000 customers, second only to Minneapolis as the largest water utility in the state. In order to meet this demand for reliable, high-quality drinking water, we pump an average of about 39 million gallons of water per day through our distribution system. Our distribution system is composed of more than 1,100 miles of water main, 10,000 hydrants, and 95,000 service lines.
No taxes are used to support the utility. The utility is self-supporting with revenue obtained through the sale of water and payment for services.
More information on the history and development of SPRWS is available in an interactive format.
To provide reliable, quality water and services at a reasonable cost.
To be a regional and national water industry leader emphasizing quality product, services, and cost containment.
Our full 2019 - 2021 strategic plan (PDF - 1.96 MB) is available. In it you can learn more details about our organization as well as our plans and priorities.
We serve more than 446,000 customers in 14 cities. We classify these cities into three different categories:
Retail communities: Saint Paul, Maplewood, West Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale
Wholesale communities: Roseville, Little Canada, Arden Hills
Limited Retail communities: Lilydale, Sunfish Lake, South Saint Paul, Newport
The utility is governed by the Board of Water Commissioners, which consists of:
The utility has four divisions - business, engineering, distribution, and production. Each operates under the direction of a division manager.
Administration:
Patrick Shea - General Manager
Appointed by and responsible to the Board of Water Commissioners. Oversees the utility.
Racquel Vaske - Assistant General Manager
Oversees safety, security, public information, the Business Improvement Unit, and human resources. Acts in place of the general manager when the general manager is not available.
Business Division:
Dolly Ludden - Manager
Oversees customer service, financial services, information services, and meter operations, which includes meter reading.
Engineering Division:
Dave Wagner - Manager
Oversees engineering projects, permit office, utility-wide asset management, and the capital improvement program.
Distribution Division:
Todd Blomstrom - Manager
Oversees construction crews and dispatch office.
Production Division:
Jim Bode - Manager
Oversees McCarrons treatment plant, dewatering and wash water recovery plant, water quality laboratory, and Vadnais Station.
No taxes are used to support the utility. The utility is self-supporting with revenue obtained through the sale of water and payment for services. The Board of Water Commissioners was set up pursuant to Minnesota Special Laws for 1885, Chapter 110, and provides authority to establish rates that are sufficient to pay the expenses and costs for maintenance and repairs, and the interest and principal on debt. State law establishes the Board and provides that the rates are adequate to cover the costs of operation and maintenance, and to retire all bonds.
As of December 31, 2020, the net position for the utility totaled approximately $355 million; operating revenues for the fiscal year were $64 million. The utility currently has approximately 262 budgeted full-time equivalent employees. To ensure the highest quality water, the utility continuously upgrades its operations and facilities to the most efficient and up-to-date methods and equipment available. Utility employees are expected to be conscientious, dedicated public servants, and ready to render helpful and courteous service to all customers.
2019 Annual Report (PDF - 2.90 MB)
Overview of finances and related significant factors for Saint Paul Regional Water Services and it's various divisions.
2020 Audited Financial Report (PDF - 1.75 MB)
Detailed financial information for Saint Paul Regional Water Services.
On November 4, 2016, the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved a financing agreement to Saint Paul Regional Water Services for improvements to their drinking water system. The PFA’s financing package consists of a $7,564,417 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan with a 20 year term and 1.033% interest rate. The project consists of electrical improvements to the McCarrons Water Treatment Plant.
The DWSRF is supported by federal capitalization grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state matching funds. These funds, together with PFA revenue bond proceeds, are used to make low interest loans to cities throughout the state for drinking water infrastructure projects. Since 1999, Minnesota’s DWSRF has awarded more than 400 loans totaling over $800 million.
Last Edited: January 12, 2022
SPRWS Customer Service
651-266-6350
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Monday - Friday