elk-river-municipal-utilities

ERMU Ensures Safe Water with PFAS Testing

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:55:33 GMT

Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) strives to provide quality and cost-effective utility services to its customers. As a part of that mission, ERMU routinely tests for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). ERMU has conducted PFAS testing in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in 2021 and 2025. We are pleased to report that all results showed no detection above MDH guidance levels.

Monitoring and Testing
Proactive testing protects the health of public water system customers and is the first step to reducing risk from PFAS exposure. As part of its mission, ERMU upholds standards with routine testing of our water quality to ensure services reflect the excellence, dependability, and expertise on which our customers rely.

The Minnesota Department of Health has been investigating the impacts of PFAS on groundwater since 2002 and conducts tests of community water systems. In 2021, the MDH began its Statewide PFAS Monitoring Project to evaluate whether PFAS levels across the state exceeded health guidelines. ERMU volunteered to participate in MDH’s 2021 PFAS testing. All sample results showed no detection above MDH guidance levels.

In 2025, the MDH conducted another round of statewide PFAS sampling. Once again, all ERMU sample results showed no detection above guidance levels. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, a person who drinks water that is at or below the guidance levels would experience little or no risk for health effects.

ERMU will continue to work with MDH to monitor and report PFAS levels in the system as we remain committed to the health and safety of our community. Contact us to learn more about PFAS or our high-quality water standards.

Additional Resources

Tree Trimming in Elk River

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:54:19 GMT

Elk River Municipal Utilities will be conducting tree trimming in the Elk River area this winter. This work is part of our ongoing effort to maintain safe, reliable electric service by keeping trees and vegetation clear of power lines.

For more information about this safety program please visit https://www.ermumn.com/programs-rebates/safety/tree-trimming .

Utility Equipment: Who Owns What?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:05:40 GMT

Have you ever wondered who owns what when it comes to your residential or commercial electric and water utility equipment? It is important to know which is utility owned vs. customer owned for proper maintenance and repair. Simply click on the links below to learn more or contact ERMU’s customer service team at 763.441.2020 if you have additional questions.

Printable Residential Infrastructure Flyer

Printable Commercial Infrastructure Flyer

ERMU Named National Leader in Electric Reliability

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:02:12 GMT

Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has been awarded the Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA), the highest level of recognition for public power utilities committed to reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.

The RP3 designation is awarded based on a rigorous evaluation of utility programs, procedures, and outcomes. Criteria include reliability metrics, safety protocols, employee training, long term planning, and investment in infrastructure and system resilience. ERMU is among approximately 5% of public power utilities nationwide to earn the Diamond level, representing the top tier of performance and continuous improvement in the industry.

“We are incredibly proud to earn this distinguished designation,” said General Manager Mark Hanson. “Our staff is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable service to our community, every home, every business, every day. We see it as leading the way to a stronger community, so it’s nice to see the hard work recognized on the national level.”

ERMU received its first RP3 designation in 2012 and has held the platinum level since 2020. The Diamond designation is awarded to utilities that reach between 98%-100% in scoring criteria. The designation lasts for three years.

Residential Solar Tips: What to Know Before You Buy

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:55:33 GMT

*Although ERMU works with customers that choose to explore solar options, we do not endorse, partner, or affiliate with any solar companies.

Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation is an investment homeowners should thoughtfully consider before making a final commitment. At ERMU, we are here to help. If you’re considering home installation, make an informed decision with these residential solar tips. Learn what to know about PV installation before you buy.

Please note, customers requesting monthly electric usage information must make this request via email at customerservice@ermumn.com for identity verification and allow 24 hours for us to respond.

TIP 1: GET MULTIPLE BIDS

As with any major household purchase, it is important to get multiple bids for comparison. It is also good practice to ask for references from prior clients who are willing to share their experience regarding both installation and customer service satisfaction.

TIP 2: DETERMINE PERFORMANCE WITH THE PVWATTS CALCULATOR

With the PVWatts calculator , homeowners can determine the performance of proposed solar PV installations by evaluating their operation and efficiency. If you are having trouble navigating the calculator, please call ERMU at 763.441.2020 and we can walk you through it.

TIP 3: FIGURE TIME FOR RECOVERING COSTS

Determine how long it will take to recover the cost of installation. Use the total cost of your installation, along with the annual value ($) information from the PVWatts calculator .

Apply the following formula: [Cost of Solar PV Installation] / [Annual Value ($)] = Number of years to recover installation costs

For example, a $22,522 project (cost of installation) with a $785 annual value (from PVWatts calculator) means it will take 28.69 years to recover installation costs.*

*This example does not include any tax credits

TIP 4: OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

You may also want to keep in mind other factors, including:

Age/condition of your existing roof
Number of years you plan to live in the home
How this will affect the home’s resale value
Increase in insurance for the addition of a solar PV system
Annual maintenance costs of a solar PV system
Years of warranty for solar equipment

TIP 5: TRY ALTERNATIVE CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMS

If you are committed to supporting renewable energy but are not sure if you should move forward with solar PV installation, we have options. You may want to consider ERMU’s Clean Energy Choice program. Customers can elect to have 50, 75, or 100 percent of their electricity come from environmentally friendly, renewable sources for only $1 to $3 per month. This program is affordable and predictable, and you can subscribe or cancel anytime.

ERMU IS HERE TO HELP

When it comes to photovoltaic (PV) installation, we hope these residential solar tips provided insight to help you make an informed decision. Please contact us if you have any questions.

MMPA Renewable Energy Portfolio

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:07:48 GMT

Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has received its electricity supply from the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) as a member since 2018. ERMU benefits from a diverse mix of energy sources, including wind, solar, biomass, and hydroelectric power. MMPA’s portfolio of renewable resources supports meeting the Minnesota Renewable Energy Standard (RES) and customer demand for renewable energy. The RES requires 25% of MMPA’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2025.

Let’s take a closer look!

Wind

MMPA’s renewable energy portfolio includes wind energy from the Agency’s 44 MW Oak Glen Wind Farm , as well as power output from the 78 MW Black Oak Getty Wind Farm and the 110 MW Walleye Wind Energy Center . In addition, the Agency’s Hometown WindPower program locates wind turbines in our member communities, as well as at MMPA’s Faribault Energy Park. Elk River’s Hometown WindPower turbines can be found at the Plants & Things Recreation Complex. Wind power is one of the fastest growing energy sources worldwide, and it produces no carbon emissions or pollution.

Biomass

In 2013, MMPA built its 8MW Hometown BioEnergy (HTBE) facility located in the member community of Le Sueur. The facility utilizes anaerobic digestion technology to produce biogas from agricultural and food processing wastes. As one of the largest facilities of its kind in the U.S., HTBE produces dispatchable, renewable electricity, heat, and nutrient-rich byproducts.

Solar

In 2017, MMPA added the Buffalo Solar facility to its power supply portfolio. The 7 MW utility-scale solar project, located near the Agency’s member community of Buffalo, is comprised of more than 25,000 solar panels. The Agency purchases all of the output of the facility under a long-term contract. In addition, the Agency’s Hometown Solar program locates solar installations in our member communities, as well as at MMPA’s Faribault Energy Park. Elk River’s Hometown Solar array can be found at Elk River City Hall.

Hydroelectric

Two of MMPA’s member communities, East Grand Forks and Olivia , purchase a portion of their power from the Western Area Power Administration . Because it produces no waste and causes no carbon emissions, hydroelectric power is a sustainable form of energy.