WATER RESOURCES & FALL YARD CARE
WATER RESOURCES/FALL YARD CARE
Meter Reading/Leak Info Meter readings are a valuable tool for detecting water leaks because they provide a clear and measurable record of water usage. Here's how they help: Identifying Unusual Water Usage By regularly checking your water meter, you can spot unexpected spikes in water consumption. If your usage suddenly increases without a clear reason (e.g., no extra household activity), it could indicate a hidden leak. Performing a Leak Test You can use your water meter to test for leaks: » Turn off any known running water in your home. » Check the meter and see if it begins to change. If it does, you likely have a leak. If the meter doesn’t change immediately, wait for one to two hours without using any water. » Recheck the meter. If the reading has changed, it suggests water is flowing somewhere, likely due to a slower leak.
Tracking Continuous Flow Many modern water meters have a small dial or indicator that moves when water is flowing. If this dial moves even when no water is being used, it’s a sign of a potential leak. Pinpointing Leak Severity Consistent monitoring of meter readings over time can help you determine the scale of the leak. A slow, steady increase in usage might indicate a minor issue, while a sharp rise could point to a major leak. Common household items that cause leaks » Toilets » Water faucets » Water softeners » Outdoor irrigation systems Regularly checking your meter helps you catch leaks early, saving water and money while preventing potential property damage.
What is Illicit Discharge?
Illicit discharge is any discharge into the public storm sewer system that is harmful to the health or welfare of people, the environment, wildlife or surface waters. Illicit discharges into public stormwater systems are prohibited by federal and state law. The City of Chanhassen is committed to identifying and reducing illicit discharge into its storm sewer system in order to protect our abundant natural resources including lakes, streams and wetlands. Public surface waters are sources of wildlife food and provide such recreational opportunities as swimming, boating and fishing, which can all be negatively affected by stormwater pollutants. Illicit discharges include such items as: » sediment coming from construction sites or other unstabilized (bare) ground » yard waste (grass clippings/leaves) deposited into a storm drain » oil, grease, antifreeze or paint that is dumped or flows into a storm drain, including wash water from cleaning with chemicals » sewage from broken sewer lines or overflow from private septic systems » pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers Illicit discharges could be intermittent (only occurring a few minutes per day or a few days per year), continuous (occurring almost daily) or transitory (only occurring once). If you notice illegal or suspicious discharge into a storm sewer inlet or curb ditch or if you notice any discharge that appears unnatural, you should report the problem in one of the following ways: » Call the city’s Engineering Division at (952) 227-1162 . » Call 911 if you suspect the issue requires immediate attention or is an illegal activity. » Report on the See-Click-Fix app or on the website at ChanhassenMN.gov/SeeClickFix For more information, contact the city's Water Resource’s Technician, Ryan Pinkalla, at rpinkalla@chanhassenmn.gov or at (952) 227-1173
Leaf Litter & Water Quality
Wherever leaves fall, they decompose and restock the soil with nutrients and organic matter. But when there is no soil to land on — such as on a street, driveway or sidewalk — the leaves and all their decomposing bits wash down the street and into the city's storm drains. From there, they go directly into storm ponds, wetlands, lakes and creeks, where the nutrients are food for unwanted algae growth. In addition to a major "ick" factor, algae is a problem because it uses up oxygen and blocks sunlight that fish and native plants need. Please don't "leaf" it up to someone else to dispose of your leaves! Here's what to do with your autumn leaves so that they nourish the soil and do not contribute to unwanted algae and poor water quality: » Rake the leaves that have accumulated along your curb, sidewalk and alley. » Never trash or burn your leaves. » Put leaves in your backyard compost pile. » Use leaves to mulch your garden and lawn. » Drop leaves off at a compost site or consider curbside pick-up for more convenience. Residents may drop off yard waste at our Public Works yardmwaste site Mondays through Fridays during business hours through November 15. More information about the yard waste drop off can be found on page 11 or on our website at ChanhassenMN.gov/yardwaste
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CITY OF CHANHASSEN | FALL 2025
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