Governor Signs Bill Eliminating Tiered Water Pricing

ST. PAUL -- Governor Dayton has signed into a law a bill that eliminates a state mandate to create a tiered water pricing system.

The bill, sponsored by State Representative Tim O'Driscoll of Sartell and Senator John Pederson of St. Cloud, lifts the mandate which would have taken effect January 1st. Under that law, cities of more than 1,000 people would have been required to implement a tiered water pricing system, increasing rates for larger water users.

In a release issued today, O'Driscoll says "The mandate would have had a negative effect on schools, hospitals, hotels, beverage bottlers and other water dependant users." The legislation also encourages water conservation methods