Minnesota § 444.25 - WATER AVAILABILITY; STANDBY CHARGES
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 444.25 — WATER AVAILABILITY; STANDBY CHARGES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 444.25. WATER AVAILABILITY; STANDBY CHARGES
Subdivision 1.Definitions.
For the purpose of this section the following terms have the meanings given them.
(a) "Water availability or standby charge" means an additional charge or fee imposed by a water utility on the owners of structures because the structures are equipped with fire protection systems such as stand pipes, hydrants, or automatic fire protection sprinkler systems.
(b) "Water utility" means the owner or operator of a public or private waterworks, whether authorized under chapter 110A for a rural water user district, section 368.01 for a town, section 412.321 for a statutory city, this chapter for a city generally, chapter 456 for a city of the first class, chapter 471A when the waterworks has been transferred to private ownership or operation, or other law relating to authorization of waterworks.
Subd. 2.Charges limited.
No water utility may impose a water availability or standby fee or charge on an owner of a structure containing a fire protection system that is in addition to the fee or charge for water actually used and beyond the actual cost to the utility of providing installation, inspection, and maintenance for the system. Nothing in this section prohibits a water utility from recovering the cost of supplying water to an area when the cost is spread proportionately among all the structures in the benefited area.
Subd. 3.Appeal.
An owner of a structure containing a fire protection system may appeal to the water utility any amount charged that is in violation of this section.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 444.25
What does Minnesota Statutes § 444.25 cover?
Section 444.25 ("WATER AVAILABILITY; STANDBY CHARGES") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 444.25?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 444.25" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 444.25 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.