Waldorf increases backflushing after elevated gross‑alpha reading; MPCA approves compliance timetable

WALDORF, Minn. — City maintenance staff told the Waldorf City Council on Feb. 9 that elevated gross‑alpha readings in the municipal water supply prompted immediate operational changes and regulatory reporting.

Ron Fischer reported that the city increased backflushing to twice a week and sent water samples to testing after the gross‑alpha detection. He said the city is required to provide community updates until the readings return to normal for one year. The Water/Sewer Report noted 10 full non‑payment accounts and 10 partial payments as of Jan. 31, 2026, leaving $2,289.29 outstanding; three accounts received shut‑off notices and one service remained disconnected.

Council documents show the lift station generator was damaged by mice; repairs totaled $3,500 and a claim was submitted to insurance. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency approved a Schedule of Compliance prepared by Bollig; the council voted to approve the Water/Sewer Report (motion by Jamie Beckstrand; second by Carrie Ferch; vote 5–0).

The council did not take additional immediate action on water infrastructure beyond approving the report; staff and the council are scheduled to continue monitoring and to provide the mandated community updates.