Mission Statement:
Provide safe drinking water and wastewater services to the citizens of Wabasha. Maintain our infrastructure to make these services last for the future.
The City of Wabasha Utilities Commission oversees the operation of the Municipal Water System and Municipal Sanitary Wastewater System. The water system has a pumping capacity of 1400 gallons per minute, with a storage capacity of 790,000 gallons. Wabasha’s sanitary system consists of one activated sludge wastewater treatment system located southwest of town with a collection system and three final lift stations to pump wastewater to the site. The treatment plant currently has a capacity of 604,000 gallons per day.
Notice of Public Funding – Wabasha
The City of Wabasha has a long-term capital plan for its water and sewer facilities. To read the plan, click here → Water and Sewer Facility Analysis
Utilities Contact: Pat Mueller, WWTP Supervisor
Email Utilities
Phone: (651) 565-3818
WELLHEAD PROTECTION PLAN
What is Wellhead Protection?
Wellhead Protection is the effort to keep our drinking water safe by preventing contamination before it reaches the City’s public wells.
Wabasha’s drinking water comes from groundwater stored in underground formations called aquifers. Groundwater forms when rain and snow soak into the ground and move down through soil and rock. This water fills spaces in sand, gravel, and bedrock, creating aquifers that supply water to the City’s municipal wells.
Activities on the land surface can affect this water over time. By managing how land is used near our wells and reducing potential sources of pollution, we help protect the water we all rely on.
Why Protect Our Drinking Water?
Contaminants on the surface can move into groundwater and affect drinking water quality. Protecting these sources helps:
- Keep our water safe and reliable
- Reduce the need for costly treatment
- Protect future water supplies
To do this, the City focuses on protecting areas around our public wells known as the Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA).
How the City Protects Drinking Water
Wabasha has an approved Wellhead Protection Plan that outlines actions to protect the City’s drinking water. Key efforts include:
- Maintaining and properly sealing unused or abandoned wells
- Managing properties that may have potential contaminants
- Working with neighboring communities to protect shared aquifers
- Promoting public awareness and education
- Evaluating land use within the DWSMA
- Collecting and reviewing data to guide future decisions
What You Can Do
Everyone plays an important role in protecting Wabasha’s drinking water. Simple actions at home can make a difference:
- Never dump waste, paint, or chemicals into storm drains or on the ground
- Properly dispose of household hazardous waste
- Maintain septic systems and underground storage tanks
- Use lawn and garden care products responsibly
- Fix leaks and use water wisely
- Report spills or unusual conditions near wells or storm drains
What About My Private Well?
If you have a private well, you are responsible for keeping it safe and properly maintained. Important steps include:
- Proper well construction & maintenance
- Regular testing for contaminants
- Sealing unused or abandoned wells
Storage Tanks
Proper operation and maintenance of storage tanks located within the DWSMA is important for protecting groundwater.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provides helpful guidance on underground storage tanks here: Underground storage tanks | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Additional Resources
Utility Billing Information and Rates
City of Wabasha water and sewer services are billed on a monthly basis and bills are due by the 15th of the month.
**Effective 1-5-2026, Water & Sewer Rates increased by 4%
- Sewer Rate: $13.43 per 1000 gallons
- Minimum usage per month is 2,000 gallons
- $26.85 (minimum charge per month)
- Minimum usage per month is 2,000 gallons
Residential Water Rates
minimum 1000 gallons (all rates per month):
| Base Rate: | $8.04 |
| 1000-6,000 gallons | $3.20 per 1,000 gallons |
| 7000 – 12,000 gallons | $4.04 per 1,000 gallons |
| 13,000 – 24,000 gallons | $5.03 per 1,000 gallons |
| 25,000-40,000 gallons | $6.31 per 1,000 gallons |
| 41,000 – and above | $7.56 per 1,000 gallons |
Business/Industrial/Commercial Water Rates
minimum 1000 gallons (all rates per month):
| Base Rate: | $8.04 |
| 1,000-30,000 gallons | $4.12 per 1,000 gallons |
| 31,000-60,000 gallons | $5.13 per 1,000 gallons |
| 61,000 and above | $6.45 per 1,000 gallons |
Per Ordinance, residential sewer rates are set with the April bill (March billing cycle) and based on the average of your first three months water usage of the year and that rate is carried thru the December of the current year. When purchasing a new residence or moving into a new residential property during the year policy is that your sewer rate is set based on the first full month of usage until your rate can be set per ordinance.
Snowbirds – If service is shut off by the city for the winter months only – there will be a $50.00 reconnect fee and payment of the street light fee for each month you were gone when it is turned back on and someone must be present when water is turned back on.
Snowbirds may also choose to not have your water turned off during the winter months but you must come into City Hall and sign a waiver form. You will not be billed the monthly minimum, however you will have to pay a $50.00 fee and the street light fee for the months you were gone when water is back in use.
Also, if service is shut-off due to non-payment, there is a $50.00 reconnect fee. The reconnect fee and outstanding bill amount are payable before service can be reconnected.
