City of Woodbury Enhanced Street Sweeping
Project Overview
Keeping pollutants out of local lakes and wetlands
Street sweeping does more than keep roads clean. By removing leaves, sediment, debris, and other materials before they enter storm drains, enhanced street sweeping can prevent pollutants from reaching nearby lakes and wetlands.
In 2022, the City of Woodbury, in partnership with South Washington Watershed District, launched an Enhanced Street Sweeping pilot program to improve stormwater management and water quality. Following early success, the program expanded and now targets streets draining to several of Woodbury’s priority water resources.
Why street sweeping matters for water quality
When rain falls on streets and other paved surfaces, stormwater carries leaves, soil, sediment, and debris into the storm sewer system. These materials can eventually reach local lakes, streams, and wetlands.
Of particular concern are total phosphorus and total solids. Excess phosphorus can contribute to algae growth and declining water quality, while sediment and debris can accumulate within stormwater infrastructure and receiving waters.
Studies completed by SWWD have identified significant phosphorus reduction needs for several Woodbury-area lakes, including Colby Lake, La Lake, Markgrafs Lake, and the north and south basins of Wilmes Lake.
Reducing pollutants before they enter the stormwater system is one way SWWD and its partners can work toward these long-term water quality goals.
A more targeted approach to street sweeping
Traditional street sweeping may occur only a few times each year. Enhanced street sweeping uses a more strategic approach, increasing sweeping frequency in areas where removing leaves and sediment can provide the greatest water quality benefit.
Woodbury’s program focuses on streets that drain toward eight lakes and four wetlands identified as key resources in the City’s stormwater planning.
Priority Lakes
- Bailey Lake
- Colby Lake
- La Lake
- Markgrafs Lake
- Powers Lake
- Wilmes Lake
- Battle Creek Lake
- Carver Lake
Priority Wetlands
- Tamarack East
- Tamarack West
- Evergreen Park
- Marsh Creek Pond
Approximately 655 lane-miles of sweeping are completed throughout Woodbury each year, including city streets and important upstream areas that ultimately drain toward these water resources.
Sweeping during the seasons that matter most
Enhanced street sweeping generally takes place from April through October, when streets are most actively contributing sediment, leaves, and other pollutants to stormwater runoff.
This targeted seasonal approach gives crews more opportunities to capture material before rain and runoff can carry it into catch basins, stormwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands.
Woodbury has also expanded its street sweeping fleet since the pilot program began, allowing the City to cover more priority areas throughout the sweeping season.
Impact on water quality
Removing pollutants from the street is significantly easier than removing them after they reach a lake.
At full implementation, Woodbury’s enhanced street sweeping program is estimated to remove approximately:
979 tons
of total solids each year
779 pounds
of total phosphorus each year
By capturing this material at the source, enhanced sweeping reduces the amount entering Woodbury’s stormwater system and helps protect downstream lakes and wetlands.
Street sweeping is also a relatively cost-effective water quality practice. Phosphorus removal through the program is estimated at approximately $300 to $350 per pound, providing communities with another tool for meeting water quality goals alongside stormwater basins, filtration systems, and other infrastructure.
Benefits beyond water quality
Enhanced street sweeping can provide additional benefits throughout the community.
Reduced storm drain clogging
Removing sediment, leaves, and debris helps prevent material from accumulating within catch basins and stormwater infrastructure.
Lower maintenance needs
Capturing solids before they enter the stormwater system can reduce sediment accumulation and help limit maintenance needs downstream.
Cleaner, safer streets
Sweeping removes litter, broken glass, dirt, and other debris from streets and nearby pedestrian areas.
Better performing stormwater systems
Reducing sediment entering ponds, basins, and other stormwater practices helps these systems continue functioning as intended.
Working together to protect Woodbury’s waters
Enhanced street sweeping is one part of a larger strategy to improve water quality throughout the South Washington Watershed District.
Through its partnership with the City of Woodbury, SWWD is helping target pollution at its source while supporting long-term improvements to lakes, wetlands, and the stormwater systems connecting them.
Kyle Axtell
Staff Contact
Questions? Reach out to Kyle Axtell, Planning & Projects Program Manager, at Kyle.Axtell@swwdmn.gov or call 651.728.6124.