Behind the scenes, above the standard: Albert Lea earns wastewater excellence award
City News November 10, 2026
The Albert Lea Utilities Department and Wastewater Treatment Plant recently received recognition for excellence in operations from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
With only 261 of 1,600 facilities throughout Minnesota receiving this recognition, the award puts Albert Lea among the best in the state as far as treating wastewater.
“This award is a great recognition of the dedication and care that our utilities and wastewater staff put into operating a very complex sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment plant,” said Steven Jahnke, city engineer and public works director.
To qualify, facilities must:
- Demonstrate consistent compliance with monitoring, operations, and maintenance requirements
- Submit accurate, on-time reports to the MPCA
- Employ certified wastewater operations
City staff have sustained a facility many years beyond its life expectancy, demonstrating strong stewardship of investments made in the collection system and treatment plant. The city continues to seek state funding to rebuild the 43-year-old plant to replace aging infrastructure and meet new state requirements.
Every day, the wastewater staff treats an average of 4 million gallons of wastewater before releasing it into the Shell Rock River. Meanwhile, the Utilities Department maintains 127 miles of sanitary sewer and manages 23 sewer pumping stations to keep the system running smoothly.
“Think about that responsibility. These staff members keep an essential part of our community running, and most of us rarely give it a second thought. Their hard work and skill have kept our wastewater facility operating many years beyond its expected life,” said Mayor Rich Murray at the Nov. 9 Albert Lea City Council meeting when he presented the award.
“They continue to deliver excellent service despite aging equipment, increasing demands and new state requirements. That’s dedication, and it deserves our recognition and gratitude.”
For immediate release
Nov. 10, 2026
Media contact: Steven Jahnke, city engineer and public works director, at sjahnke@ci.albertlea.mn.us or 507-377-4325
#
The City of Albert Lea’s mission is to deliver exceptional services that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.
