Surface Water | City of Shakopee

Surface water is water that collects on the surface of the ground and carry only surface runoff, street wash and snow melt from the land. Surface water storm sewers are completely separate from those that carry wastewater (sanitary sewers) and municipal water (tap water).

The Surface Water Maintenance Division maintains the city’s surface water drainage system, which includes catch basins, storm sewers, creeks, ponds, wetlands, lakes, lift stations and ditches to manage surface water runoff.

The surface water drainage system is designed to accommodate the quantity of water runoff, thus protecting residents from flooding and removing significant amounts of pollutants from the water.

Surface Water Drainage Map [PDF]

Surface Water Drainage Policy [PDF]

Local Surface Water Management Plan 2019 [PDF]

Responsibilities include:

Mowing and spraying drainage ditches
Sweeping streets
Maintenance of ditches and retention/detention ponds
Maintenance of catch basins
Maintenance and repair of storm sewer pipes

Find information on the city’s surface water rates.

What is surface water runoff? How is it collected?

Surface water runoff is the rain and melting snow that flows off streets, rooftops, lawns and farmland. The flowing water carries salt, sand, soil, pesticides, fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, oil, litter and many other pollutants.

Surface water storm sewers collect runoff mostly through a network of pipes often located beneath streets and parking lots, but occasionally they are located in backyards in surface water retention ponds and ditches.

Do not fish or swim in surface water ponds

Who owns surface water retention ponds?

My neighbor has redirected water onto my property. What can the city do to help?

Please contact the Public Works Department at 952-233-9550. While matters such as this are generally civil in nature, a representative from the Surface Water Maintenance Division will conduct an inspection of your property and may act in an advisory capacity to assist you with possible solutions to the problem. A community service officer may also be contacted to investigate any potential code violations pertaining to the flooding.

There are leaves covering the drain in the street. Who should I call?

Contact Us

Public Works Department, 400 Gorman St. | 952-233-9550