Cost share program

Cost share programs promote and help fund residential and business projects that protect and restore lakes and rivers, seal unused wells and provide pollinator habitat. and rivers. Some examples of projects are raingardens, shoreline restorations, native plantings, water retention and water reuse systems. 

Pollinator habitat program 

The pollinator habitat program is managed by the Carver County Soil & Water Conservation District. Residents can apply for funds to help convert their turf or landscape into pollinator habitat.

Private well testing

All Carver County residents use groundwater for their water supply, either from a municipal water source or a private well. Public water systems are tested regularly for a variety of contaminants. Private well tests are up to the well owner. Residents can get well testing information and kits. 

Well sealing program 

Unused wells that are not properly sealed pose a safety, health, and environmental threat to families and communities as well as a potential legal risk to the homeowner. The State of Minnesota requires that abandoned or unused well be sealed by a well contractor licensed in the State of Minnesota. Carver County's well sealing program offers financial assistance to help residents seal unused wells. 

Well sealing program eligibility criteria

Well sealing program application

Adopt a Drain

The Adopt-a-Drain program is a metro wide volunteer program that asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, creeks, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and other pollutants. Adopting a drain takes about fifteen minutes, twice a month, for cleaner waterways and a healthier community. 

Lawns to Legumes

The Lawns to Legumes program provides funding to convert areas of turf to habitat for native plants, bee-lawns, and prairie restoration projects to provide food and habitat for pollinators. Minnesota is home to the endangered Rusty-Patched bumble bee and many spots in the metro area have a high chance of helping it survive.

Smartwater program 

Carver County Water Management Organization's Smartwater program provides smart controllers for irrigation systems to residents in partnering cities at a reduced cost. The program is available to Carver, Chaska, Mayer, Waconia, Watertown, and Victoria residents currently. Visit Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller for Residents - Rachio. 

Presentations

Carver County Water Management Organization staff can provide interactive lessons and presentations for K12 classes, scout groups, church groups, etc. Contact Madeline Seveland to request. 952-361-1026 or mseveland@carvercountymn.gov. 

Adopt a Drain

Adopt-a-Drain is a metro wide volunteer program that asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, creeks, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and other pollutants. Adopting a drain takes about fifteen minutes, twice a month, for cleaner waterways and a healthier community.
 

Online learning links 

There are many online learning opportunities and water curriculum available. Here are a few. 

The Project Wet program is a national organization for water education. 

The Water Ways online book was developed by the MN Department of Natural Resources. 

The Water Project website is a compilation of a number of online learning links and resources for water. 

Citizen Advisory Committee

The Carver County Water Management Organization's Citizen Advisory Committee works with staff to make recommendations to the County Board on the following matters. 

• Projects and project prioritization
• Funding and water levy
• Water Management Plan, Groundwater Plan & Solid Waste Plan
• Water quality and total maximum daily load programs and projects
• Education program and projects
• Feasibility studies

 There are no current openings on the committee.  

Adopt a drain 

Adopt-a-Drain is a metro wide volunteer program that asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, creeks, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and other pollutants. Adopting a drain takes about fifteen minutes, twice a month, for cleaner waterways and a healthier community. 

Community clean-ups for water quality

Every fall, you can prevent algae and other water pollutants from reaching your local lakes and streams by organizing or participating in Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality. Gather neighbors, friends, church groups, scout groups, schools, and more and help clean up streets with leaves, grass clippings, and other sources of phosphorus.

Salt Watch 

Volunteer to help us monitor for chloride (salt) pollution. Volunteers receive easy to use test kits from Izaak Walton League of America’s Salt Watch program and sample water flowing off and around their neighborhood streets during warm winter days when there is snow melt. Wintertime brings a surge of chloride pollution into our lakes and rivers. When we use de-icing salt on our sidewalks, driveways, and roads, much of that salt ends up in bodies of water where it dissolves into chloride. Learn more about chloride pollution and monitoring in Carver County. 

There are many ways to help protect lakes and rivers. Here are a few listed below. 

Use commercial car washes

Washing a car in a driveway sends soapy, grimey water into a nearby stormdrains and thus into surface waters. Instead, take vehicles to a commercial car wash. The wastewater goes to a wastewater treatment plant where many pollutants are removed. Car wash facilities conserve water too, using up to 60% less water per wash.

Don’t release pets

Many aquarium pets are not native to Minnesota.  They often have no natural predators and can reproduce rapidly. They compete for resources with our native Minnesota animals, taking food and shelter, and they can carry diseases, killing native fish and animals that are not used to the new germs.  In Carver County, we are working on a goldfish removal project that is a likely result of people releasing goldfish into lakes. 

Direct your downspouts

Make sure your gutter downspouts exit onto grass or gardens, not sidewalks or driveways. This will help more water soak into the soil and create less water runoff.

Fertilize only if needed

Have a soil test done before applying fertilizers. The University of Minnesota has a great soils lab that will do residential soil tests for a fee. Use organic and slow-release fertilizers or compost to add nutrients and organic matter. Don’t use weed and feed mixes as they may not be effective for your specific conditions.

Mulch fall leaves and grass clippings

This provides free fertilizer for your lawn. If grass clippings end up on the street or sidewalk, blow them back onto the lawn. In the fall, rake and sweep leaves our of the streets. These actions will prevent the extra nutrients found in leaves and grass from getting into our waters and causing algae blooms.

Water wise

Lawns use 4x more irrigation than corn crops in the United States. Using water wisely on your lawn creates less runoff and conserves drinking water. If you have an irrigation system, get a smart irrigation controller that will tie into local weather data. Visit the University of Minnesota Extension Water Wise website for more tips on conserving water.

Shovel first, shovel often

Many lakes and streams in the Twin Cities Metro Area are polluted with too much salt from de-icing materials. Salt cannot be removed from a water body once it gets in. Shovel early and often during a snowstorm so that the snow does not have time to become compacted and turn into ice. Always shovel first before applying either salt or sand. More tips on smart salting and protecting waters in winter.

Plant trees and native plant gardens 

Mature tree canopies intercept thousands of gallons of water each year. Native plant gardens with deep rooted native flowers and grasses absorb stormwater runoff. These plants are easy to take care of, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and are hardy to the Minnesota temperature extremes.

Manage your shoreline 

A forgotten but important area, the shoreline of a lake is a special habitat. It’s where land and water meet, providing a rich life zone for birds, pollinators, fish, and other animals. Poorly managed and mowed shorelines lead to muddy waters, algae blooms and poor fisheries. Healthy native shorelines protect a lake and maintain the good water water quality, fisheries and wildlife found there.

Get funding for projects that protect waters 

Our organization has cost share programs to help residents and businesses with projects like raingardens, restoring natural shorelines, building habitat for pollinators and more. 

Newsletters

Learn more about events, projects, and activities in the Water Management Organization by subscribing to our annual lake and stream bulletins and our monthly water and environment newsletters. To subscribe, register your email with Carver County’s E-Notification subscription service and select which newsletters you would like to receive.

Check out our previous newsletters below. 

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