A boil water advisory Golden Valley residents woke up to this morning has expanded to include Crystal and New Hope after a valve malfunctioned in the Golden Valley water tower overnight. On July 13, 2025, the Joint Water Commission (JWC) issued a boil water advisory for all water users in Crystal, Golden Valley, and New Hope effective immediately and until further notice.
Water service is now restored, but a boil water advisory is in place. The disruption began Saturday night when technical issues affected the water distribution system serving all three communities.
Table of Contents
Water Tower Valve Malfunction Triggers Emergency Response
According to the city of New Hope, the issues are due to a malfunctioning valve in the Golden Valley water tower, which occured sometime Saturday night. The mechanical failure caused a significant loss of water pressure throughout the system, prompting immediate action from utility crews.
Crews then fixed the issue and restored water pressure to the surrounding areas. However, the temporary loss of pressure requires safety protocols to ensure water quality meets health standards before residents can safely consume tap water again.
Key Points Summary
- Affected Areas: Crystal, Golden Valley, and New Hope
- Cause: Valve malfunction in Golden Valley water tower
- Status: Water pressure restored, boil advisory active
- Duration: Until Minnesota Department of Health confirms safety
- Population Impact: All residents in three cities affected
Current Safety Guidelines for Residents
This means no one should drink tap water or use it for brushing teeth, making ice, or cooking unless it has been boiled. Health officials have established clear protocols for water use during this emergency period.
Residents are advised to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and let it cool before using it, or to use bottled water. The tap water remains safe for bathing, cleaning, and other non-consumption purposes.
Essential safety measures include:
- Boiling water for at least one minute before drinking
- Using bottled water for drinking and cooking
- Avoiding tap water for brushing teeth
- Not using tap water for making ice or baby formula
Joint Water Commission Response and Infrastructure
The Joint Water Commission is a joint powers board created by the Cities of Crystal, Golden Valley, and New Hope. Since 1963, the JWC has worked to provide its member cities with a secure, reliable, cost-effective water supply. This infrastructure partnership has served the three communities for over six decades.
The water system operates through a coordinated network where the Joint Water Commission (JWC) cities of Golden Valley, Crystal, and New Hope purchase water from the City of Minneapolis, which draws its water supply from the Mississippi River. After treatment and purification, the water is distributed through the regional system.
Health Department Oversight and Timeline
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) must confirm water safety before the advisory is lifted. This testing process ensures that water quality meets all federal and state safety standards before residents can return to normal water usage.
Water quality testing typically involves multiple samples from various locations throughout the distribution system. Laboratory analysis checks for bacterial contamination and other potential health hazards that may have entered the system during the pressure loss event.
The advisory affects thousands of residents across the three suburban communities. Local officials continue monitoring the situation closely while coordinating with state health authorities to expedite the testing process safely.
Community Impact and Ongoing Monitoring
Residents reported the water disruption early Sunday morning through social media and local news outlets. Residents have reached out to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, reporting that their water is not working in Crystal, Golden Valley and New Hope. Community response has been swift, with neighbors sharing information and resources.
Local businesses in the affected areas have also implemented precautionary measures, with restaurants and food service establishments following the same boiling guidelines. Schools and public facilities are coordinating with their respective city officials to ensure compliance with the advisory.
The Joint Water Commission continues working with municipal leaders to provide updates to residents through official channels. Emergency management teams remain on standby to address any additional concerns that may arise during the advisory period.
This water emergency highlights the interconnected nature of regional infrastructure and the importance of coordinated response efforts. As testing continues, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city communications and maintain the recommended safety precautions until the all-clear is given.
Stay connected with your local city officials and the Joint Water Commission for the latest updates on when normal water usage can safely resume in your community.