Rain and snow melt run over the many hard surfaces in urbanized areas — roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, roof tops, etc. — and pick up pesticides, fertilizers, oils, metals, road salt, sediment, trash, and other pollutants and carry them into storm drains. Storm drains discharge directly into lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands (the water is not treated first so stormwater runoff is a leading source of water pollution.)
In addition, stormwater runoff from hard urban surfaces travels quickly and in large quantities, which results in damage to rivers, streams, and wetlands; destruction of aquatic habitats; and elevated pollutant levels reaching surface waters. Pavement and other hard surfaces also prevent stormwater from soaking into the ground and recharging groundwater. Local public entities that own or operate municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) play a key role in preventing stormwater runoff from harming Minnesota’s valuable water resources.
The City of Champlin contains natural and manmade ponds, rivers, lakes, and wetlands within its boundaries. The City actively works to manage stormwater, improve water quality in our surface waters, and provide residents with educational materials and opportunities to protect water quality.
