Description
Distribution and management of wastewater and stormwater
In Minneapolis, wastewater moves from homes and businesses into the City’s system. The City’s pipes then connect to the Metropolitan Council’s system. At the Metro Plant in St. Paul, workers treat it before it goes into the Mississippi River.
Homeowners are responsible for the pipes that connect their house to the City’s system. Then we collect and transport wastewater and stormwater throughout the city. We also take care of the systems that move stormwater from our streets to lakes, rivers and streams. Stormwater eventually flows into the Mississippi River. When possible, we use best management practices (BMPs) to clean the water before it reaches the river. Some examples of BMPs we use are:
- Stormwater ponds
- Native plantings
- Grit chambers
Learn more about the work of Public Works-Surface Water & Sewers division
Wastewater treatment emissions
Most emissions from treating wastewater come from running the Metropolitan Council's Metro Plant. A couple of ways to reduce emissions are:
- Making the process more efficient
- Decarbonizing buildings
At the City, we can also help by reducing the volume of wastewater that needs treatment. One way to do this is by reducing clean water from leaking into the wastewater system
What's happening now
We work to maintain our infrastructure to ensure an efficient and healthy wastewater system. This work includes:
- Reducing clean water entering wastewater pipes
- Inspecting pipes to identify issues
- Maintaining pipes and keeping them performing
- Fixing and improving underground pipes and systems to stop clear water from getting into the wastewater system
- Supporting private property owners with managing their private sewer pipes
- Providing grant programs
- Working with a private insurance company to make insurance more readily available
Learn more about our performance on Outcomes Minneapolis-Public Works