The City of Ellsworth will be flushing out the water hydrants today (Tuesday, April 15, 2025) and will continue to flush all hydrants within the city until all hydrants are flushed. Expect cloudy or discolored water. We recommend NOT running HOT water until your COLD water starts to run clear.

We recommend that you DO NOT WASH A LOAD OF WHITE CLOTHES UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE A LOAD OF DARKS FIRST!      Please be cautious of the Ellsworth employee working in the streets and observe traffic diversions.

FACT:  Hydrant Flushing is the quick release of water from fire hydrants. The purpose of flushing the water lines is to clear the water mains of small amounts of sediment like iron or manganese that settles in water mains over time. By flushing the hydrants, we are helping to maintain water clarity and quality in the distribution pipes. We are also testing the hydrants to make sure adequate flow and pressure is available. This controlled procedure is vital to the general maintenance of the City’s water distribution system. The hydrants are also checked to see that they are in working order for fire protection.  Residents may temporarily notice low water pressure while the mains are being flushed.

FACT:  The discoloration of water during hydrant flushing is caused by iron and mineral deposits from inside the water mains getting stirred up. The source of the iron naturally occurs from ground water wells and deposits in the ductile iron pipe that make up the underground water system. During flushing your household water may appear rust-colored but the water is safe to use and consume, however it may stain laundry. If you happen to wash whites and they look yellow, you can get iron out from your local hardware stores. Also, we understand that it may be an inconvenience to have discolored water during flushing. However, if we did not flush the outcome would result in rust-colored water always, possible hydrant failure, lower water pressure and perhaps many other costly problems.

FACT:  There are ways to minimize water discoloration during hydrant flushing operations.  If possible, limit your water use.  Wait until flushing has subsided in your area, then run the cold water tap until the water runs clear. If you have a water softener and are experiencing discolored water, place the unit into regeneration or cleaning mode after hydrant flushing is completed. When flushing, it can take as little as 2 minutes for the water to run clear or as long as 30 minutes, depending on the hydrant!

FACT:  The City of Ellsworth is required by the Minnesota Department of Health Environmental Health Division – Safe Drinking Water, to test the water in the system at various times throughout the year according to mandated parameters. The results of these tests are outlined in the annual Water Quality Report.  (The report is sometimes called the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).)   

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Update on 2^nd phase of THE New Community Center & Fitness ROOM

The Community room/ fitness room bid was considerably higher than anticipated. We need your help to complete this project. We are at 80%. Will you help reach our goal? FARMERS you can donate a portion of your harvest at the New Vision Elevator in Ellsworth. Let the elevator know that your donation will be going to the City of Ellsworth for the Ellsworth Multi-Purpose project. You will be sent a tax form after payment has been recieved by the Southwest Initiative Foundation. 

Included is the drawing and the pledge form.  Click on Link or see form below. PLEDGE FORM 8 16 2023

If you have any questions, please contact the city hall at 507-967-2373 or Mayor Colette Smythe 507-920-6901.

Sump Pump Discharge Notice:  Any resident with sump pumps draining their water into the sanitary sewer line and NOT disposing it properly out into the storm sewer drains on the street, may be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $700 dollars or jail time. City Ordinance 910.07 Use of Public Services, Subd. 1, Unpolluted Waters.