Reflecting on Plymouth’s Commitment to Clean Water

Every city has a responsibility to protect its natural resources, and in Plymouth, that means taking care of our lakes, wetlands, and streams. The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) is our city’s roadmap for doing just that. Required under the federal Clean Water Act, this plan outlines how Plymouth will reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff, meet state and federal water quality standards, and preserve the health of our water bodies for future generations. It’s not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

As the city council liaison to the Environmental Quality Committee, I recently had the opportunity to review the City of Plymouth’s 2025 SWPPP. After going through the plan in detail with the committee, I’m proud to say I’m genuinely encouraged by the city’s proactive and comprehensive approach to improving water quality.

Storm water drains lead to our lakes.

Plymouth is home to an incredible network of lakes, wetlands, and streams—natural resources that define our community’s character and quality of life. The SWPPP outlines a clear, science-based strategy to protect these waters from pollutants and manage stormwater runoff more sustainably.

One of the most impressive aspects of the plan is how it addresses Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements for impaired waters. The city is actively working to reduce phosphorus, chloride, and bacteria levels in key water bodies like Medicine Lake, Parkers Lake, and Shingle Creek. These efforts include everything from stream restorations and erosion repairs to alum treatments and wetland enhancements.

I am especially pleased with our city’s commitment to “smart salting” practices. Reducing chloride pollution from winter road maintenance is no small task, but Plymouth is tackling it head-on with calibrated equipment, operator (and business) training, and ongoing research into salt alternatives. These are the kinds of practical, forward-thinking solutions we need to protect aquatic life and preserve water quality.

One of our street sweepers.

Another strategy that deserves recognition is our robust street sweeping program. It may not sound glamorous, but sweeping up debris, leaves, and sediment before they enter storm drains is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollutants—especially phosphorus—before they reach our lakes and streams. Plymouth sweeps all city streets multiple times a year, prioritizing areas near water bodies. It’s a simple, cost-effective practice with a big impact. Personally, I’d love to ride along on a street sweeper someday to see this work in action—it’s a behind-the-scenes effort that truly keeps our city cleaner and our waters healthier.

The plan also highlights the city’s investment in green infrastructure. Rain gardens, shoreline buffers, and stormwater ponds are being used not just to manage runoff, but to restore ecological balance. Many of these projects have already led to measurable improvements—Schmidt, Pomerleau, and Bass Lakes, for example, have been removed from the impaired waters list thanks to targeted restoration work.

Equally important is our emphasis on public education and community engagement. From school programs and volunteer initiatives to multilingual outreach and public meetings, Plymouth is making sure residents are informed and involved. As someone who values civic participation, I find this especially encouraging.

Finally, I want to highlight our city’s strong regulatory framework. Ordinances, inspection programs, and development guidelines ensure that both public and private projects contribute to our shared water quality goals. It’s a great example of how policy and practice can work hand in hand.

In reviewing this plan with the Environmental Quality Committee, I came away with a deep appreciation for the city staff, partners, and volunteers who are making this work possible. Plymouth’s SWPPP isn’t just a regulatory document—it’s a roadmap for a cleaner, healthier future.

If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to take a look at the plan or better yet consider how you can be part of the effort. Whether it’s adopting a storm drain, attending a workshop, or simply being mindful of what washes down your driveway, every action counts.