Public Health and Environment
Surface Water
Keep it Clean! Protecting the lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and aquifers of Washington County
Bound by the St. Croix River on the east and the Mississippi River on the south, Washington County boasts 70 major lakes, including White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, Big Marine Lake and Lake Elmo. The region is also home to five designated trout streams, including Brown's Creek and Valley Creek, and several smaller ponds, marshes and wetlands. Eight of the 10 cleanest lakes in the metro area are in Washington County, and the St. Croix River, a National Scenic and Recreational River, has higher water quality than other major rivers in Minnesota. Unfortunately, many of the lakes, rivers and streams in the county are listed as impaired by the Minnesota Pollution Control agency, meaning that pollution limits fishing, swimming and recreation in these waters. In addition, even the cleanest lakes in our area are susceptible to pollution, especially as the population in the county continues to grow. Some of the more common water pollution problems include excess nutrients, dissolved and suspended sediments and mercury contamination. Unfortunately, many of the lakes, rivers and streams in the county are listed as impaired by the Minnesota Pollution Control agency, meaning that pollution limits fishing, swimming and recreation in these waters. In addition, even the cleanest lakes in our area are susceptible to pollution, especially as the population in the county continues to grow. Some of the more common water pollution problems include excess nutrients, dissolved and suspended sediments and mercury contamination.
Links to Learn More About Surface Water
Metropolitan Council Lake Grades Report
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency List of Impaired Waters
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Lake Finder
Washington Conservation District
Groundwater/Surface Water Management
Stormwater
Stormwater pollution prevention is a big effort throughout Minnesota. To learn more click on:
SWPPP
– Click here for information about Washington County's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program
Preventing Stormwater Pollution
– Click here to learn how you and your neighbors can help to keep our water clean
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