Rochester’s rapid growth is outpacing its water supply — and surfacing tough questions in a state ‘spoiled’ by abundant water

For over a century, the city of Rochester has pumped its drinking water supply from the Jordan aquifer — a massive, sponge-like underground formation spanning seven states, including the southeastern part of Minnesota.

As its population has grown, the city’s municipal utility has kept pace with demand by drilling new groundwater wells; about 30 of them now poke down into the aquifer anywhere from 400 to 1,000 feet below ground.

But the approach is nearing its limit, state officials say.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources notified Rochester Public Utilities in 2024 that it cannot add any additional wells within city limits because they could imperil streams and wetlands reliant on groundwater. The decision has prompted a long-term study by the city of how it can expand its water supplies to keep up with continued growth.

“We’re looking out over a 40-year period, roughly, of continued [population] ...