Adopt a Storm Drain Program

Did you know that the City has 2,060 stormwater catch basins (drains)? We have a maintenance program, but would also appreciate your help. As of April, 2021, the City is happy to announce a partnership with the Adopt-a-Drain program! This program allows citizens to "adopt" a stormwater drain to assist with protecting our waterways.

What do I need to do?

Visit Adopt-a-Drain and enter your address. This will give you a map of stormwater drains within Cambridge. To adopt a drain click on the icon that shows the drain's location. The website will tell you if this drain is available for adoption. If it is available, click on adopt and enter the requested information.

Whenever you go past the drain, take a look and see if you spot anything making its way into the drain, follow the directions on the website to make sure you’re safe (safety comes first!) and report whatever is removed on the website!

Your help is appreciated.

City of Cambridge Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

The City is required by the State of Minnesota to have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to establish procedures to control, manage, and enforce measure to protect water from pollution.

The City updates its plan on an annual basis. Click here for the City's current SWPPP.

Click here for the City's stormwater ordinance - Title V Public Works Chapter 53 Storm Sewer.

Rain Garden Controlled Burn

Over the past few weeks, the Public Works team has done a lot to help our stormwater system. One of the things that you may have noticed is the controlled burn performed on the rain garden across from the Cambridge Union Cemetery on Old Main Street. Controlled burns are part of the natural cycle of the prairie that once covered our part of Minnesota. By burning this garden off, new growth can occur! This burn was performed by the Public Works crew along with the assistance of the Cambridge Fire Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Controlled Rain Garden Burn

 

Outfall Repair on 6th Avenue

Another upgrade that our storm system received is the repair of the outfall near 6th Avenue. This storm outlet allows water to exit our storm system into the Rum River. Just like anything, these outfalls need to be updated as they wear down over time. As you can see in the photo, there’s a lot of sediment stuck in the rock outside of the culvert. Once this fills with soil, the sediment can flow over the rock and deposit into our waterways.

 
Stormwater Outfall

The new outfall was dug out, a special fabric is laid under, and large rocks are set into the channel. These rocks act as a way to slow down the water and in turn, prevent sediment from being picked up and deposited in our water bodies.

What Is Stormwater Runoff?

When it rains, water that does not soak into the ground becomes runoff. This runoff collects pollutants from our properties such as vehicle residues, lawn fertilizers, property remodeling, and pet feces, and drains into our stormwater system.

The polluted runoff is NOT treated after it goes into street drains and goes straight to our rivers and lakes, impacting our drinking water, swimming, fishing, and can turn our waters into a stinky, brown-green mess.

How Can We Keep Our Waters Healthier?

You can make a huge impact on local waters just by being aware of what’s coming off of your yard! The City of Cambridge encourages our community to help protect our waterways. View the categories below to learn what you can do in your home to make a difference:

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Managing Stormwater Runoff

The illustrations below show how construction and landscaping play a role in managing runoff.

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Keep a Lookout for Illicit Discharge

Do you see something suspicious being sent down our storm drains? Nothing other than rain water should be going into City storm drains, anything else could be illicit discharge! Please report activity or call (763) 689-1800 if you see anyone dumping down drains, or if you see suspicious colors, smells, or materials getting into or coming out of drains!

For more information and common FAQs on Illicit Discharge, watch the video below.

For a Glossary of Terms related to stormwater management please click HERE