Stormwater Management

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Water Quality Initiative 

"Clean H2Owatonna" is the City of Owatonna's Stormwater Management Program comprised of various program elements and activities designed to reduce stormwater pollution and eliminate prohibited non-stormwater discharges through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal stormwater discharge permit. Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act, the NPDES Phase II is a national program for addressing sources of stormwater discharges which adversely affect the quality of our nation's waters. For more information on the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. Instead, it flows from rooftops, across paved areas, and through sloped lawns. As stormwater moves across these surfaces, it can pick up and carry along pollutants such as: 

  • Chemicals
  • Grease and Oil
  • Bacteria and Pathogens
  • Sediment and Debris
  • Yard Waste
  • Pet Waste
  • FertilizersStormwater Infographic (Credit: MPCA)Image Credit: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

We are situated in the Cannon River Watershed. All stormwater enters our community storm system and eventually flows to:

  • Crane Creek
  • Maple Creek
  • Willow Creek
  • Straight River

From the Straight River it makes way to:

  • Cannon River
  • Mississippi River

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program

Our community is governed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit called MS4 Permit. 

Take the opportunity to learn a little bit about what the City of Owatonna has been working on as well as the opportunity to comment on the City of Owatonna’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan as part of the communities MS4 Program. You may comment by filling out a survey on the City’s website. Your input is greatly valued!