The Drain is Just for Rain

The only thing that should be entering our City street drains is rainwater! That’s because these drains go directly to our lakes, rivers and streams.

Be an advocate for your water quality and water recreation activities! Be on the look out for any strange colors, smells, or materials getting into our drains or entering our water bodies!

If you see anything suspicious, or have questions about something that might be harmful to our waters, call our Public Works Department at (763) 689-1800.

What is an illicit discharge?

An illicit discharge is any discharge into the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of rainwater. Examples include:

• Soil or material discharge into storm drains from remodeling, construction, or industrial/commercial areas
• Illegal dumping, spills, and other polluted sources
• Vehicle washing wastewaters
• Pool draining
• Any car liquids from vehicle maintenance or service stations
• Autobody/repair facility waste
• Carpet cleaning wastewater
• Manufacturers wastewater
• Open sewage/sanitary sewer disrupted connection waste
• Fertilizer, grass clippings, or yard waste
• Laundry or household product waste
• Pet waste

What is not an illicit discharge?

The following non-stormwater discharges are not considered illicit discharge by the City:

• Discharges from firefighting activities
• De-chlorinated water flushing or draining
• Lawn watering
• Water from crawl space pumps
• Uncontaminated water from foundation, sump pumps, or footing drains
• Routine external building or street washing without detergents or solvents
• Air conditioning condensate

Illicit Discharge Reporting