New Brighton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of New Brighton, Minnesota, operates a municipal water utility serving 22,902 residents in Ramsey County. The utility draws its water supply exclusively from groundwater, specifically the Twin Cities aquifer system. Water is treated through filtration, pre-oxidation with chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, and UV light disinfection before distribution to customers. The Public Works department can be reached at 651-638-2100 or 651-638-2114 for water quality inquiries, and the utility publishes annual Consumer Confidence Reports in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

New Brighton's groundwater originates from the Twin Cities aquifer, composed of Ordovician and Cambrian-age sandstones and carbonate formations. The underlying geology includes highly soluble dolomite and limestone — particularly the Ordovician Platteville and Glenwood formations — which naturally dissolve significant quantities of calcium and magnesium into the groundwater. This carbonate-rich geology is typical of the Minnesota River Valley region and is the primary driver of the supply's very hard water character.

At the very hard level, residents experience significant mineral buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures. Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines are particularly affected, with scale accumulation reducing efficiency and shortening equipment lifespan. The utility recommends residents with water softeners set them at or below 24 grains per gallon, as over-softening can make water corrosive and damage internal plumbing. Most New Brighton residents historically maintained individual home water softeners to manage mineral content. The utility has reported three contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines (MCLGs); residents experiencing water discoloration are advised to contact the City at 651-638-2050.