SAVE THE LAKE - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Permit, Water Quality Management Plan & Stormwater Pollution Prevention

The Minnetonka Beach City Council has adopted a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program as required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and EPA.  In compliance with the provisions of the federal Clean Water Act, and state statute, the City of Minnetonka Beach is required to maintain a general permit to discharge stormwater associated with Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (small MS4). The permit includes minimal control measures to prevent pollutants from entering the storm sewer and downstream surface waters like lakes, streams and wetlands. Click on the MS4 Permit link below to see the plan.  The plan requires the City solicit input on the plan annually. Residents wishing to comment on the plan may do so by emailing City Hall at info@ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us  between June 1 and June 30th each year. Comments received will be considered as part of the annual program review. 

See the additional links below for more information. 

 

Save the Lake

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater runoff is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, lawns and other surfaces. The runoff soaks into the ground through infiltration or discharges into lakes, rivers and streams. The water picks up pollutants such as bacteria, pesticides, salt, oils, trash, fertilizer and other pollutants. This pollution can cause damage to our natural water resources, primarily Lake Minnetonka. 

 

Clean water is a necessity for drinking, swimming, fishing and protecting wildlife. Not only does it benefit our community, but it benefits the entire water bodies and land which make up the watershed. Click on the links for additional information. 

MS4 Permit

In compliance with the provisions of the federal Clean Water Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapters 115 and 116, and Minnesota Rules Chapter 701 and 7090, the City of Minnetonka Beach is required to maintain a general permit to discharge stormwater associated with Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (small MS4) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS). The permit includes minimal control measures to prevent pollutants from entering the storm sewer and downstream surface waters like lakes, streams and wetlands. This collection of best management practices, procedures, ordinances and maps is known as the Stormwater Pollutions Prevention Program (SWPPP). Staff must review the program annually and give residents the opportunity to provide feedback. 

Click on the link to view a copy of the current MS4 general permit

Adopt a Drain

SIGN UP to adopt a storm drain in your neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, grass clippings, trash, and debris. This improves water quality. It takes approximately 15 minutes, twice a month. "Natural" debris - grass clippings, leaves, and pet waste - become pollution when they hit water. They feed algae, causing water to become green. This impacts water quality, and harms beneficial vegetation, wildlife and recreational activities. 

Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt a storm drain and keep it clear of leaves, trash and other debris to reduce water pollution. 

Illicit Discharge Information

City officials inspect, clean and repair storm drains at least once per year as a preventative measure, however, illicit discharge can happen anytime. Residents should contact city hall to report suspected illicit discharges, and be prepared to state exactly what they are seeing and where. When a complaint is received, city staff will contact the Public Works Director who will investigate the complaint and determine the appropriate action to take. The goal is to respond to an illicit discharge report in a timely manner. City field staff are trained annually on how to spot and report possible illicit discharges. There are levels of response based on the size of the discharge. Bottom Line – if you see suspicious material like that shown in the photos below and that appears to be seeping into or near any storm drain, call City Hall immediately at 952-471-8878. If after hours, call 9-1-1.

Click the links below for more information. 

Last updated 6/2/2026 12:35:52 PM