West St. Paul water reservoir back open after temporary closure due to vandalization
UPDATE 11/21/24: The reservoir which was temporarily shut off in West St. Paul is back up and running now that test results show that water is safe for consumption.
Staff with the St. Paul Regional Water Service (SPRWS) told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on Thursday morning that tests were done by the Minnesota Department of Health to make sure there weren’t any contamination concerns after a hatch was forced open late Tuesday night.
Those tests results came back negative for concerns, according to SPRWS officials, who add the reservoir was back in service on Wednesday afternoon.
Racquel Vaske, the general manager for SPRWS, issued the following statement on the incident:
“These types of incidents are treated very seriously as they have the potential to involve purposeful contamination and affect water safety. We’ve treated this matter with the utmost urgency and care to ensure the continued safety of our community. Our team worked through the night alongside the Minnesota Department of Health to evaluate the reservoir and collect water samples. We appreciate the support of the local law enforcement and the Minnesota Department of Health to address this situation quickly.”
INITIAL REPORT 11/20/24: Police say officers have arrested multiple people — both juvenile and young adults — after responding to a break-in at the St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) holding tank in West St. Paul late Tuesday night.
According to the department, officers were called to the tank on Imperial Drive around 10 p.m. When police arrived, they found multiple people leaving the scene.
Due to the amount of people considered to be suspects, other departments were called in to help with the search, which included the use of a drone and a helicopter.
When officers found a lid to the water reservoir was vandalized, members of the St. Paul Regional Water Services isolated and temporarily shut off the reservoir as a precaution until they could test the water. Police say they don’t have a reason to believe the suspects meant to tamper with the water supply.
Police say residents in West St. Paul may experience a decrease in their water pressure until the reservoir is back up and running.
In a later update, the Minnesota Department of Health says tests came back negative for drinking water quality concerns. The reservoir will be back in service Wednesday afternoon.
“These types of incidents are treated very seriously as they have the potential to involve purposeful contamination and affect water safety,” said Racquel Vaske, SPRWS general manager.
Formal charges are still pending.