Water Department

Water services are provided to most City residents.  Some Forest Lake properties obtain their water through private wells and are not served by the municipal water system. 

The City of Forest Lake Water Department provides sanitary, healthful, and economical water to the City’s residents and commercial businesses.  The City owned and operated water system obtains water from the Mt. Simon aquifer through 5 well pumps.  These pumps deliver water to one of the City’s three Water Treatment Plants for processing.  At the plants, the water is chlorinated and fluoridated to meet Minnesota Department of Health standards.  Additionally, the City’s water is softened within the plant before distribution.  Once the water has been treated, it is propelled to one of the City’s two water towers.  The North and South water towers, which hold 750,000 and 500,000 gallons of water respectively, store water to be used at our homes and businesses.

Contact Us

  1. Emergency Sewer/Water Calls

    Phone: 651-209-9743

    Contact us at 651-209-9743 to report a sewer backup, lift station alarm, water leak, meter leak or pressure problem.  You must leave a message for your call to be returned.


Water Quality Reports


As required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the City of Forest Lake is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period of January through December of each calendar year. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers' understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources.


We are proud to report that no contaminants were detected at levels that violated state and federal drinking water standards.

2022 Consumer Confidence Report (PDF)
2021 Consumer Confidence Report (PDF)
2020 Consumer Confidence Report (PDF)
2019 Consumer Confidence Report (PDF)
2018 Consumer Confidence Report (PDF)

Watering and Sprinkling


The City of Forest Lake has sprinkling restrictions in place year-round. These restrictions apply to city-metered water, not well-water. Homes with even numbered addresses may sprinkle their property only on even numbered calendar days. Homes with odd numbered addresses may sprinkler their property only on odd numbered calendar days. The sprinkling restrictions allow sprinkling ONLY between the hours of 4:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. If you have any questions, please call 651-395-5830.

Water Meters


Every business or residence that is using City water is required to have a water meter installed.  These meters are used to monitor the water consumption and are billed accordingly.  These meters are read quarterly by staff using technology that allows them to access information wirelessly without the need to view the meter itself.  There are occasions, however, when utility personnel need to gain access to your home. The two most common occurrences are for the initial set-up of the water meter and for repair work to water meters.  Contact the Utility Billing Department at 651-395-5830 with questions regarding water meter setups.