Monroe Village

Water sources for both tap and bottled water typically include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water moves across land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water may include: microbial contaminants, inorganic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive materials. To ensure safe tap water, the EPA and New York State establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide comparable public health protection.

Our water supply comes from the Mombasa Pond reservoir in Monroe and Well #4 within village limits. During 2017, we experienced no water source restrictions.

System Information:
The Monroe Village Water Department serves approximately 8,314 residents across the Village and parts of the Town of Monroe through 2,915 service connections. Water is drawn from Mombasa Lake reservoir and a well at Smith Clove Park. The reservoir water undergoes treatment at our filtration facility, while well water receives chlorination on-site.

At our treatment plant, we use P.A.C.L.-108 (Polyaluminum chloride) as a coagulant, Ortho-Polyphosphate for corrosion control, and sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. Daily averages include withdrawal of 853,985 gallons from Mombasa Lake Reservoir and 172,949 gallons from our well, with 827,306 gallons distributed through metered sales.

Water Rates (2017):
• Village residents: $4.35 per 1,000 gallons
• Town customers: $12.88 per 1,000 gallons
• Commercial customers: $6.53 per 1,000 gallons

System Improvements:
We continue upgrading our meter reading systems, installing wireless radio read meters throughout the Village. When working in your area, we'll leave notices about installation and inquire about irrigation systems, which require backflow preventers as mandated by the NY State Department of Health.

Our ongoing distribution system improvements include upgrading piping and repairing/rebuilding fire hydrants as funding allows. In 2017, we installed four new insert valves to better control water flow, replaced six Kennedy fire hydrants with Mueller Super Century models, and performed maintenance on Well #4 including new chlorine injection equipment and pump refurbishment.

1. How can I request a traffic signal installation?

   Requests for signals on county highways go to the Anoka County Highway Department. For city roadways, specific engineering criteria (warrants) must be met, including traffic volume, pedestrian activity, delay patterns, and accident history. Engineering analysis determines if warrants are met, after which installation may be added to the Capital Improvement Program based on priority and funding.

2. What's the process for getting a streetlight on my residential street?

   Residents must submit a petition showing support and financial participation from all adjacent residents. City staff will identify benefiting properties for assessment calculations. Following a public hearing, the City Council votes on the request, and upon approval, local utility providers install the lights.

3. How do I request a stop sign installation?

   Petitions are required for stop sign requests. The Engineering Department conducts a traffic study, then sends a report to City Council for final decision. Research shows inappropriate stop signs may create safety hazards rather than prevent them, as drivers often reduce speed but don't fully stop, endangering pedestrians and other motorists who expect compliance.

4. Can I get the speed limit reduced on my street?

   Speed limits are established by state statute, not by local municipalities. Contact the Anoka County Sheriff's Department (763-427-1212) with concerns about excessive vehicle speeds. Alternative speed control methods like educational programs and pavement markings may be recommended instead of reduced limits.

5. Are "Children at Play" signs available for residential streets?

   These signs are limited to areas directly adjacent to schools, parks and playgrounds where child presence is typically highest. Using them in other locations reduces their significance and may create a false sense of security. For more information, contact the City of Andover at 763-755-5100.

European Pine Sawfly Question: Will my tree die if larvae consume all the old growth needles?
No, your tree should survive since new growth remains unharmed. This will cause setback and possibly stunt growth, but monitor for additional stressors that could compound the damage.