Edina Approves Water Treatment Plant Site, Shifts Assessing to County
The Edina City Council approved a location for a new water treatment plant to address water quality issues in the Southdale area and announced plans to transfer property assessment services to Hennepin County, a move expected to save taxpayers $1 million annually.
At its June 16 meeting, the Edina City Council greenlit the site for a new water treatment facility that will be built where Fire Station 2 currently stands. The plant aims to fix taste and odor problems affecting Southdale-area residents who receive water directly from the aquifer without treatment. Officials emphasized the water is safe to drink but acknowledged quality concerns.
The fire station will be demolished in 2026 after firefighters relocate to a larger facility elsewhere. City staff explained the site only became viable once the fire station relocation was planned. Before construction begins, the city will redesign nearby Adam Hills Park and Ridgefield Park in 2026, with public input on the treatment plant design expected in two to three years. Construction could start in four to six years, with the facility designed to serve the community for at least 50 years.
In a significant cost-cutting measure, Edina will transfer its entire assessing division to Hennepin County by July 1, 2026. The consolidation eliminates six full-time city positions and is projected to save approximately $500,000 next year and $1 million annually starting in 2027. Hennepin County already provides property assessment services to most cities in the county, and Maple Grove is also making the same transition.
The council also received updates on a planned pedestrian bridge over Minnesota Highway 62 to replace a 1960s structure that was closed after being struck twice by trucks. The state has committed $6 million for the project, though Engineering Director Chad Milner noted the budget is tight. "We're still going to get a great product at the end with bridges and ramps and most likely not stairs or buried power lines," he said. The design, featuring a steel truss bridge clad in wood slats, is 30 percent complete.
In community news, the Energy and Environment Commission is accepting nominations for its second annual tree recognition campaign through mid-October at bettertogetheredina.org, and the city's Independence Day parade will air live on Edina TV at 10 a.m. on July 4.
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Votes (1)
New Water Treatment Plant in Greater Southdale Area - Site Approval and Planning
The city council approved a site for a new water treatment plant to address taste and odor issues in the Southdale area caused by untreated aquifer water. The facility will be constructed on the current Fire Station 2 site, which will be demolished in 2026 after the fire station relocates to a larger facility at a new location. The design process will proceed after a master plan redesign of nearby Adam Hills Park and Ridgefield Park in 2026. Public input on the plant design will be solicited in 2-3 years, with construction projected to begin in 4-6 years. The new facility will serve the area for at least 50 years and will also reduce the load on Plant Number 6 during maintenance periods.
Notable Quotes (5)
We're right at that budget number right now with just a little bit of contingency for those unknown things that we always find during construction. Could be soils, could be other construction contingencies that we see. a little bit more expensive than we had liked, but we're still going to get a great product at the end with bridges and ramps and most likely not stairs or buried power lines.
There's taste and order issues because we got to use water right from the aquifer that doesn't go through a treatment plant. It's still safe to drink.
We finally zeroed in on the Yorktown Park or where the fire station number two site is because we were starting to build a new fire station. So, we looked at that site previously, but with a fire station there, wasn't enough space to make it happen.
Once we understand what the community wants for the park, then we'll see how we integrate the water treatment plan at that time.
The main goal is to celebrate the trees. And by celebrating the trees, we want to you know uh create awareness of of the benefits that the tree has like you know not only of our well-being but also about the all the environmental services that they give us.
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
Steel truss bridge clad in wood slats; 30% complete; features ADA-compliant ramps; designed to serve as iconic gateway into community.
City council approval for new water treatment plant location at Fire Station 2 site in greater Southdale area.
City council approval for demolition of Fire Station 2 in 2026 to make way for water treatment plant.
Agreement to transfer Edina's assessing division to Hennepin County by July 1, 2026, eliminating six full-time positions.
Online nomination form available at bettertogetheredina.org for second annual tree recognition campaign; accepts nominations through mid-October.
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Other Topics from This Document
Transfer of Assessing Services to Hennepin County
New Water Treatment Plant in Southdale Area
Second Annual Tree Recognition Campaign
Independence Day Parade Broadcast
Also from this meeting
Edina police honor fallen officers at National Police Week
Edina Police Participation in National Police WeekJun 19, 2026Edina Council Scraps Mixed-Use Development Plan for France Avenue
Reversal of Development Plans for The Avenue on France PropertyJun 18, 2026Edina approves Opus Group's move from Minnetonka headquarters
Opus Group Headquarters Relocation and RedevelopmentJun 18, 2026Edina approves neighborhood plan emphasizing green space and sustainability
Lincoln and Londonderry Small Area Plan AdoptionJun 13, 2026Edina Council Reverses Mixed-Use Development Plan on France Avenue
Arnison Acres Park Labyrinth InstallationJun 13, 2026Edina Council approves shift of property assessment to county
Transfer of Assessing Services to Hennepin CountyJun 13, 2026
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