Public Utilities

Text: Innovation, Improvement, Excellence, separated by St. Cloud Greater" greater sign logo


Nationally Recognized for Innovation, Improvement and Excellence

Some of St. Cloud Public Utilities Department's core values are of Innovation, Improvement and Excellence. These values have been recognized by other industry professionals, and St. Cloud has been honored to see that reflected in the recognition we have been given for our work in the fields of wastewater treatment, water protection, resource recovery, innovative funding, and more. 

The Public Utilities Department Aerial view of buildings, fields, wastewater treatment ponds with words overlaidincludes drinking water treatment and distribution, wastewater conveyance and treatment, biofuel utilization, stormwater collection and treatment, nutrient recovery, and hydroelectric energy production. It casts a wide net and consists of 55 water quality and energy professionals. A feature in the Central States Water Environment Association details the utility culture that has brought so many innovative, creative and water-focused projects in St. Cloud, and goes into depth on recent projects the City has completed.

"The departmental vision of advocating innovation and continuous improvement in the services provided is well established. ‘Finding a better way’ is discussed and acted on daily. This mindset and culture is accepted, nurtured, implemented, and expanded to help St. Cloud become a national leader in providing innovative public services." The entire article can be read here. 

More features on the St. Cloud Public Utilities Department  include:

Part of the national recognition that St. Cloud has received for their work, includes the following awards:

Take a Virtual Tour

Explore the City’s Solar Energy Sites and Lake George Improvements

City of Saint Cloud's Solar Energy Sites

Take a virtual tour of the City of St. Cloud's sources of solar energy. The City gets solar energy from solar arrays mounted on city-owned properties as well as community solar gardens. Take the tour and explore the solar energy sites here. 

Lake George Improvements

Lake George is a  centerpiece and gathering place for our local community. Learn more about what St. Cloud has been doing to ensure water quality and keep Lake George a vibrant and beautiful part of our city by going to our Lake George Water Quality Improvement Storymap.

Aerial Photo of the St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Facility and it's Solar Farm
Small lake surrounded by a park and homes with businesses and river in background

Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA)

The Clean Water SRF is supported through a combination of federal capitalization grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state matching funds, loan repayments, and bond proceeds from PFA revenue bonds. Since 1989, Minnesota's Clean Water SRF has received $744 million in federal funds. These funds have been leveraged almost 4 to 1 by the PFA to award more than 500 wastewater loans totaling over $2.8 billion. 

  • June 22, 2016: The Minnesota PFA approved a financing agreement to the City of St. Cloud for rehabilitation of the City's main lift station. The PFA's financing package consists of a $4,062,885 Clean Water Revolving Fund 20-year loan with and interest rate of 1.00%. The funds are from Minnesota's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF). The project will help St. Cloud continue to protect and preserve water quality by maintaining and improving the wastewater treatment facilities.
  • October 3, 2017: The Minnesota PFA approved a financing agreement to the City of St. Cloud for improvements to their wastewater system. The PFA's financing package consists of a $16,712029 Clean Water State Revolving Fund 20-year loan with an interest rate of 1.095%. Once completed, the project improved water quality, by improving the solids treatment process and the biosolids recycling (NR2) program.
  • July 15, 2020: The Minnesota PFA approved a financing agreement to the City of St. Cloud for the Advanced Process Improvements and Upgrades Project at the Water Treatment Facility. The PFA financing package includes a $40,055,140, 20 year loan at 1.025% interest. Once completed this project will achieve advanced treatment to meet current and potential future Safe Drinking Water Act regulations for the next 30 years ensuring safe, cleaning drinking water for the customers of St. Cloud and St. Augusta.  

Mission Statement


The mission of the Public Utilities Department is to provide utility services to our customers in a safe, cost-effective manner, while providing excellent customer service and protecting the environment.