Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 § 15.163
LIABILITY OF THE CITY (Bloomington Buildings and Structures Code)
Operative Text
This Division D shall not be construed to relieve or lessen the responsibility or liability of any party owning, operating, controlling or installing any wells and water supply systems for damage to persons or property caused by any defect therein; nor shall the city be held as assuming such liability by reason of the inspection authorized herein. (1958 Code, § 58.05) (Added by Ord. 194, passed 11-10-1952; Ord. 196, passed 11-25-1952; Ord. 201, passed 2-3-1953; Ord. 37, passed 3-23-1954; Ord. 74, passed 11-21-1955; Ord. 76, passed 3-5-1956; Ord. 124, passed 8-19-1957; repealed and new Division added by Ord. 135, passed 4- -1958; Ord. 71-23, passed 4-12-1971; amended by Ord. 93-29, passed 6-7-1993)
Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15.163 establishes that the city's authority to inspect wells and water supply systems does not transfer legal responsibility away from the parties who own, operate, control, or install those systems. If a defect in a well or water supply system causes harm to people or property, the responsible party remains liable regardless of whether a city inspection occurred. The city does not assume liability simply by exercising its inspection powers under Division D.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 15.163, property owners and operators who own, control, or install wells and water supply systems retain full responsibility for ensuring those systems are free of defects that could cause harm. A compliant operator generally maintains systems in safe working order, documents maintenance and repairs, and does not treat a passed city inspection as a substitute for ongoing due diligence. City inspections authorized under Division D do not shift liability for damages away from the responsible party.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 15.163 makes clear that tenants who experience harm caused by a defective well or water supply system may look to the party who owns, operates, or controls that system for accountability — not to the city. The city's inspection activity under Division D does not insulate a landlord or operator from responsibility for damages. Tenants who believe a defective water system has caused harm may wish to document the issue, contact local housing or public health authorities, or consult a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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