Stormwater Management

Ramsey County’s efforts to improve the quality of public waterways includes the construction of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater treatment. Stormwater treatment BMPs improve water quality by reducing pollutants to our lakes, wetlands and streams. Here are some of our completed projects in PDF format:

• Vadnais Boulevard Rain Garden Brochure
• White Bear and Hawthorne Avenues Infiltration Basin Brochure
• Be a Stormwater Hero
• Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park permeable asphalt trail

Ramsey County monitors 30 lakes for pollutants, water levels and water quality. From May through September, these lakes are sampled eight times on a rotating basis. Each lake is sampled for temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, secchi disk readings (water clarity) and pH levels. From June through August, lakes with county operated beaches are safety tested weekly to measure E. coli concentration. In our state-certified laboratory, the samples are tested for phosphorus, nitrogen, chloride, chlorophyll A, zooplankton and phytoplankton concentrations. From December through April, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and chloride concentration are also measured. This data is compiled into a comprehensive historical database and can be found on the websites listed below. 

• MPCA Environmental Data Application
• STORET
• DNR Lakefinder
• MPCA Impaired Waters

Ramsey County works closely with many local agencies to help improve water quality.

Numerous watershed districts within the County provide assistance in improving the County’s water quality through BMP construction, cost sharing with residents for eligible projects, and permit programs. Locate which watershed district you live in here: MAWD

Ramsey Soil & Water Conservation Division works to improve water quality through BMP construction, public education, and cost sharing with the public on eligible projects.

• Install a rain garden or rain barrel on your property - cost share programs are available.
• Participate in the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program.
• Recycle and take your yard waste to local collection sites.
• Remember to clean up your dog waste.
• Report any illicit discharges.
• Notify the county of any construction sites that may be causing an environmental quality problem.