Everyone knows that trash is no good for lakes, rivers, and streams. But do you know that natural debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and pet waste also pollute the waterways? When these natural pollutants are swept into the storm water system, they end up in the nearest body of water. Eventually, the organic matter will break down, release phosphorous, and stimulate the growth of algae. You can help keep our water clean by adopting a storm drain in your neighborhood and commit to keeping it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris.

Adopting a drain is easy.
Sign up and claim your drain at adopt-a-drain.org. You can even give it a special name! Make sure to care for your drain year-round, with special care in the fall to sweep leaves around the drain and sweep away road salts in winter.

Safety
While caring for your storm drain, please put safety first. Never lift or remove the covers of the drains or reach directly into them. If your drain is plugged, contact Public Works at 952-224-3400.

One of the primary requirements of the MPCA's MS4 permit is the development and implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan or SWPPP. The SWPPP details specific activities by the City to address each of the Minimum Control Measures identified in the MS4 Permit. The SWPPP is shared with residents annually through a meeting during which public comments are welcome. 

View the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

Erosion Minimization and Sediment Control Plan Checklist

Construction Site Pollution Prevention Notes

The Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) has been developed to detail the management of storm water in Savage. It also ensures compliance with the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act, Minnesota Rules 8410, and the requirements of the local watershed districts and watershed management organizations. This document provides a comprehensive inventory of water resource-related information that affects the City and management of those resources. The WRMP is different than the SWPPP and MS4 permit in that it identifies specific problem areas in the city, establishes specific goals and policies, and provides detailed design and performance standards.

The Water Resource Management Plan is currently being revised.  View current draft.

*The Land and Water Resource Inventory is unavailable at this time due to its large file size.

The Nondegradation Report was prepared by the City of Savage as a requirement of the MPCA. The report identifies the previous, current and estimated future development in the city and the result of this development on the quantity and quality of stormwater discharged. The report shows that, due to the stormwater management practices implemented by the City, the quantity and quality of stormwater discharged will be improved, relative to previous discharge. The City’s full Nondegradation Report can be viewed by clicking the following links.

• Introduction and Purpose
• Procedures and Methods
• Determination of Impacts/Mitigation Plan
• Summary

Appendixes

• Appendix A - Daily Rainfall Data
• Appendix B - Comments
• Appendix C - Excerpt from H/H and Pollutant Loading Study
• Appendix D - National Stormwater Quality Database
• Appendix E - Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas
• Appendix F -Minnesota Stormwater Manual, Chapter 8
• Appendix G - Excerpts from Hydrology Guide
• Appendix H - Phosphorus Removal
• Appendix I - Runoff Volumes
• Appendix J - Stormwater Ordinance
• Appendix K - Calculation of Infiltration
• Appendix L - Sample Calculations
• Appendix M - Glossary of Acronyms

Wetlands play an important role in stormwater management while providing a habitat for wildlife. Local, state and federal regulations ensure wetlands are protected. The City is responsible for administering the Wetland Conservation Act under Minnesota Rules Chapter 8420. In addition, the City's wetland protection requirements are outlined in the Environmental Overlay District of the Savage Zoning Ordinance.