Stormwater Run-off

Our homes contribute to stormwater run-off in numerous ways: water on driveways and buildings may run into the streets or our yards may saturate or flood and the excess drains into the storm sewer or nearby creeks.

Here are the requirements of homeowners in the city as well as ideas on how you can help to reduce run-off from your property, keep chemicals out of our waterways, and reduce soil erosion.

Construction projects

The Stormwater Management Plan requires homeowners to obtain a permit for new construction or when changes are made to the grading of the property in order to minimize the impact of stormwater run-off and soil erosion.

Guidelines for Newly Constructed Homes (PDF)

Storm drains

If a storm drain near your home is clogged with debris you can try to clear it with a shovel. However, if you feel that the situation is too dangerous or you are unable to clear the obstruction, you may call the City Street Department at 507-645-3045 to ask for assistance.

Household and yard chemicals

Stormwater run-off is not treated before it enters our rivers and streams. This means that any chemicals from your home (fertilizers, pesticides, gasoline or oil, etc.) that enter the storm sewer system will end up in the Cannon River.

What you can do to help keep our ponds and rivers healthy

• Keep trash, leaves and grass clippings off streets and out of storm drains, streams and lakes
• Pick up and bury or flush pet wastes
• Keep cars tuned up and repair leaks
• Properly dispose of hazardous wastes
• Don’t pour oil, pesticides, paint or other materials down the storm drain
• Minimize the use of pesticides, fertilizers and de-icing materials
• Test your soil and use zero phosphate fertilizer if possible
• Wash your car on the lawn or use a commercial car wash