Best Practice Action 19.1
GreenStep City Best Practices: Environmental Management
Surface Water No. 19
Improve local water bodies to sustain their long-term ecological function and community benefits.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 1
Consistently monitor surface water quality/clarity and report findings to community members.
- Learn more about the MPCA Citizen Lake and Citizen Stream Monitoring Programs and how community members can participate.
- Cities can reach out to find volunteers from schools/colleges, seniors, service/environmental groups, and can organize a community-wide event to collect stream/river samples.
- Water quality data is available from many sources including:
- Include light readings during monitoring, as this impacts the health of the aquatic ecosystem. Use the International Dark-Sky Association Accessible Applications for Measuring Light Pollution guide. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more.
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Confirm that a governmental entity (watershed district/organization, county, MPCA, DNR, MDH) is routinely sampling water quality/clarity in at least one location within the city/city’s watershed. |
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Post on the city website water quality/clarity data (or a link to data) available for the city/city’s watershed. |
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Recognize on the city website at least one person who is a volunteer water monitor, and assure that they are routinely sampling a river or lake or wetland in at least one location within the city/city’s watershed and sending results to the MPCA; include water quality data and descriptive narrative relevant to proposed projects that will be located in shoreland areas in staff reports for all land use applications (variances, CUPs, plats/PUDs, etc.). |
Who's doing it
Burnsville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
There are eight lakes within the City of Burnsville that are monitored by volunteers through the Metropolitan Council’s Citizen-Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP). The volunteers collect water samples and water clarity and temperature data. The results are posted on Burnsville's website: https://www.burnsvillemn.gov/1598/Monitoring
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.burnsvillemn.gov/1598/Monitoring
For more information contact:
Jason Ludwigson (Contractor) | JDLudwigson@gmail.com | 5073139633
Partners:
Hutchinson -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2003
Implementation details:
Our wastewater treatment facility volunteers to monitor 3 surface water sites through MPCA. These sites are monitored for clarity and other factors of quality. Samples are taken which are tested for pH and BOD. These findings are available on the MPCA website under Lake and stream water quality data.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://webapp.pca.state.mn.us/cmp/stations
For more information contact:
John Paulson (City staff) | jpaulson@ci.hutchinson.mn.us | 320-234-5682
Partners:
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
There are three watershed districts within the boundaries of the City of Maplewood: Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, Capitol Region Watershed District, and Valley Branch Watershed District. All three watershed districts routinely sample waer quality/clarity throughout the watershed. Maplewood includes details on those watersheds on the City's website.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://maplewoodmn.gov/1040/Watersheds
For more information contact:
Shann Finwall (City Staff) | shann.finwall@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2304
Partners: RWMWD, Capitol Region, Valley Branch
Plymouth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Plymouth has a long history of monitoring surface water quality (since 2000 for some sites) and reports this information in our annual Surface Water Monitoring Report in June of each year for the prior year.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.plymouthmn.gov/departments/public-works/surface-water-resources/lakes-wetlands/water-quality-monitoring
For more information contact:
Ben Scharenbroich (City Staff) | bscharenbroich@plymouthmn.gov | 763-509-5527
Partners:
Saint Cloud -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2006
Implementation details:
Throughout the St. Cloud area, several different watersheds are routinely monitored for water quality purposes. According to the Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD), "The SRWD conducts water chemistry sampling and water flow/discharge measurements on several locations throughout the Sauk River, in addition to a handful of primary tributaries to the river. The SRWD also collects water chemistry samples from several lakes each year, above and beyond working with lake associations who wish to collect water quality data." This lets SRWD track, evaluate, and utilize water quality data. The Mill Creek Drainage Area is of particular importance due to its potential to impact St. Cloud's drinking water. They monitor regularly for phosphorus, suspended solids, nitrate, nitrite, and TKNs concentrations, which all affect water quality. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) monitors similar water quality data. Thanks to this monitoring, the MPCA has seen success in restoring water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes. Lake George, in St. Cloud, was removed from the Impaired Waters List due to the lowering of nutrient levels and the implementation of underground stormwater treatment.
Water quality data for local water quality improvement projects is accessible on the City of St. Cloud's website. These projects include the Lake George Water Quality Improvement Project, the Northeast Sediment Reduction Project (which improved water quality in the Mississippi River), the Whitney Streambank Restoration Project (Sauk River), and the High Banks Ravine Project (Mississippi River). Water quality data and updates can be found on St. Cloud's website.
Water quality data for local water quality improvement projects is accessible on the City of St. Cloud's website. These projects include the Lake George Water Quality Improvement Project, the Northeast Sediment Reduction Project (which improved water quality in the Mississippi River), the Whitney Streambank Restoration Project (Sauk River), and the High Banks Ravine Project (Mississippi River). Water quality data and updates can be found on St. Cloud's website.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.ci.stcloud.mn.us/1685/Water-Quality-Improvement-Projects
For more information contact:
Liz Kramer (City staff) | elizabeth.kramer@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 320-255-7226
Partners: Sauk River Watershed District; Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Benton County Soil and Water Conservation; Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District; Central Minnesota Water Education Alliance
Bemidji -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
The Beltrami County Soil and Water Conservation District does consistent monitoring of quality and clarity of surface water within the watershed. The community of Bemidji also has volunteers that record water clarity metrics and report them to the MPCA.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Michelle Miller (City staff) | michelle.miller@ci.bemidji.mn.us | 218-759-3561
Partners:
Coon Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The Coon Creek Watershed District and the Anoka Conservation District conduct monitoring/sampling in the city. We also have a lake area association (private residents) that monitor and perform projects on Crooked Lake (funded by the residents, grants, and cities of Andover & Coon Rapids).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Olivia Dorow Hovland (City Staff) | odorowhovland@coonrapidsmn.gov | 763-767-6458
Partners:
Detroit Lakes -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
PRWD does annual lake monitoring, including clarity and reports it to the public and LIDs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kelcey Klemm (City Staff) | kklemm@cityofdetroitlakes.com | 2188475658
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Annually participate in Met Council's Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program; contract for lake water quality monitoring annually; cooperate with RPBCWD to monitor water quality on Purgatory and Riley Creeks.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Partners:
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2012
Implementation details:
In partnership with our 2 watershed districts governing regions within City boundaries, the Nine-mile Creek Watershed District and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District provide and continuously document water quality and clarity monitoring data which is available to the public on each of the District's websites. Annual water monitoring reports are published each year and are made accessible to the public.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.ninemilecreek.org/whats-happening/lake-creek-monitoring/
For more information contact:
Grace Hancock (City Staff) | ghancock@edinamn.gov | (952)826-1621
Partners: Nine-mile Creek Watershed District, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
Fergus Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1992
Implementation details:
Water quality monitored by MPCA and Citizen Lake Monitors on Lake Alice since 1992 includes secchi transparency, user perception, nitrogen and nitrite, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, fecal coliform, total suspended/volatile solids.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://webapp.pca.state.mn.us/surface-water/search?dataType=All%20Stations&wid=56-0867-00
For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
Partners:
Robbinsdale -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Unknown
Implementation details:
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency routinely monitors water quality of the three lakes in Robbinsdale.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://arcg.is/DifbW
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654
Partners: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Savage -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2000
Implementation details:
The City began monitoring the water quality in McColl Pond in 2020 and the City has been monitoring 4 stormwater ponds throughout the City starting in 2019. The Credit River and Eagle Creek are currently monitored by the Metropolitan Council since the early 200s. The City will evaluate the water quality data to help guide future decisions regarding the management and protection of its water resources.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The continuous monitoring at Eagle Creek and Credit River shows long-term water quality trends regarding stream flows and chlorides, which may make the City realize how changes in land use or land use practices might be impacting overall stream health, etc.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: Eagle Creek Monitoring Station: https://eims.metc.state.mn.us/Site/EA0008
Credit River Monitoring Station: https://eims.metc.state.mn.us/Site/CR0009
For more information contact:
Jesse Carlson (City Staff) | jcarlson@cityofsavage.com | 9528822686
Partners: Metropolitan Council, Scott Soil and Water Conservation District
West Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018 plan published
Implementation details:
Local Surface Water Management Plan (Of 2040 plan)
Assessments and monitoring in stormwater basins and local ponds/lakes; See comprehensive plan
Assessments and monitoring in stormwater basins and local ponds/lakes; See comprehensive plan
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.wspmn.gov/Search?searchPhrase=2018+Local+Surface+Water+Management+Plan+(pdf)
For more information contact:
Kristy Otte (Community Volunteer) | dr.otte2013@gmail.com | 6512076303
Partners:
West Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018 plan published
Implementation details:
Local Surface Water Management Plan (Of 2040 plan)
Assessments and monitoring in stormwater basins and local ponds/lakes; See comprehensive plan
Assessments and monitoring in stormwater basins and local ponds/lakes; See comprehensive plan
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.wspmn.gov/Search?searchPhrase=2018+Local+Surface+Water+Management+Plan+(pdf)
For more information contact:
Kristy Otte (Community Volunteer) | dr.otte2013@gmail.com | 6512076303
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Daniel Petrik, Land Use Specialist, MN Dept. of Natural Resources: 651/259-5697, Daniel.Petrik@state.mn.us