Plans have been in the works for more than 10 years for Willmar Municipal Utilities to construct a new water treatment plant at its northeast facility. Bids will be opened Thursday. Construction is estimated to take 18 months.
Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission received the final water rate report at its meeting Monday, and the recommended increases will nearly double residents' water bills by 2026.
Willmar Municipal Utilities may be asked to help with emergency power generation and conservation measures this summer as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator expects energy shortages due to rising heat waves.