Water Quality

This Local Surface Water Management Plan will serve as a comprehensive planning document to guide the City of Farmington in conserving, protecting, and managing its surface water resources. This report builds upon previous Surface Water Management Plans and addendums completed by the city in 1985, 1997, and 2006. This plan may be periodically amended to remain current with local practices and policies.

This plan has been created to meet the requirements detailed in Minnesota Statutes 103B and Minnesota Rules 8410, administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. This plan is consistent with the goals and policies of the Metropolitan Council's 2030 Water Resources Management Policy Plan.

This plan is also consistent with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Watershed Plan (PDF), adopted by the watershed in November 2016. The VRWJPO plan provides a summary of water and natural resources within the district and recognizes the impact of urban development on the hydrology of the Vermillion River and adjacent resources. The City of Farmington shares in the benefits and responsibilities of addressing those issues.

Vermillion River

The section of the Vermillion River that runs through Farmington is a designated trout stream. The area is mostly developed and includes the downtown business area and residential section of the City of Farmington. The city is part of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization which was created to protect and manage the Vermillion River watershed. The approximate watershed area is 1,110 acres.

Learn more about Trout Fishing on the Vermillion River.

North Creek

North Creek is a tributary to the Vermillion River. The area has gentle slopes that lead to flat topography which drains poorly. The approximate watershed area is 2,195 acres. Sections of North Creek are designated as a trout stream.

Middle Creek

Middle Creek is a tributary to the Vermillion River. The area consists of mostly agricultural lands on generally rolling hills, with some residential. The total drainage area of Middle Creek is approximately 8,050 acres. Trout stream designation applies to sections of Middle Creek.

South Creek

South Creek is a tributary to the Vermillion River. The area is generally rolling hills in agricultural lands. The total drainage area is approximately 980 acres. All areas of South Creek that are within the City limits are designated as a trout stream.

Prairie Waterway

The Prairie Waterway is a natural stormwater collection area that acts as a wetland wildlife habitat and park. This area is located on the east side of Highway 3 north of Highway 50.

Wetlands are those areas (with a depth of 8.2 feet or less) inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adopted to life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands act like giant sponges during heavy rainfall, reducing flooding downstream, and filtering sediment and harmful pollutants. 

Wetlands in Minnesota are regulated by the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), which was passed in 1991, with the purpose of avoiding impacts to wetlands and increasing quantity, quality, and diversity of wetlands. WCA regulates the draining, filling, and excavation of all wetlands in Minnesota