Sewer and Water

The Shorewood Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining safe drinking water and reliable sewage disposal. This department operates and maintains the City’s seven water wells, two storage reservoirs, the water distribution system and the sanitary sewer collection system. Staff is also responsible for the water meter reading and repair program.

Sewer Maintenance

The Division also manages the operation and maintenance of the City’s approximately sixty miles of sanitary sewer collection system. Each year 1/5th of the sewer system is cleaned and suspected problem areas of pipe are televised for inspection and repair purposes. The system contains thirteen sanitary sewer lift stations.

Water Maintenance

The City of Shorewood obtains its water from seven wells. The water is then pumped into the distribution system following chlorinating and fluoridating. Chlorine and fluoride levels are tested regularly and water samples are sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for bacteria testing.

The City of Shorewood currently has two water towers located on the East and West ends of the City. These elevated tanks serve two purposes: the first is to provide adequate water pressure in the distribution system; and the second is to provide storage for the City’s water supply.

  • Hydrant Flushing
  • Watering Restrictions
  • Water Quality Report
  • SWPPP
  • Sewer & Water Emergencies
  • Televising Sewer Lines

City water mains are flushed semi-annually in the spring and the fall. Flushing is done to remove mineral deposits that have accumulated in the water pipes. Upon request, some areas are flushed more frequently to maintain fresh, clear water. Call us at 952.960.7900 with any questions.

Spring '09 Flushing Schedule

  • Waterford: May 4-8, 11-15
  • Amesbury: May 18-21
  • Woodhaven: May 7-8
  • Boulder Bridge: May 11-15, 18-20

Households may experience rusty water, discoloration or other problems during flushing. City crews take precautions to limit problems. However, if you do experience rusty water, running the cold-water tap will clean out your system. Call the Utility Division at 952.960.7900 if you have a problem related to flushing that does not clear up within 48 hours.

Lawn watering uses a significant portion of our water supply. It is important that residents and businesses follow the City's Watering Ordinance. This allows Shorewood's water system not only an adequate opportunity to replenish the supply in the City's water storage tanks, but also ensures there is enough water for all uses, some of which include vital services such as firefighting.

The City's ordinance states that residents and businesses can water before 11:00 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.

Fees for violating the Water Use Restrictions are determined by the number of water restriction violations issued to the owner and are as follows:

  • First offense - $50 fee
  • Each additional offense - $25 fee increase (e.g. 2nd violation $75, 3rd violation $100, etc.)

Water Use Restrictions are enforced from May 1st to September 30th and violators will be fined. No warnings are given for violation of the watering restrictions.

EXEMPTIONS - Private wells are exempt from the City ordinance, however, the City encourages homeowners to conserve their own water resources during peak daytime hours. Activities such as play toys, car washing, and hand watering of flower beds are also exempt, as long as the activity is attended.

2009 Drinking Water Report - The City of Shorewood is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2009. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers' understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources.

If you have any further questions on the municipal water system contact the Public Works Department at 952.960.7900.

Residents of Shorewood can participate in the storm water pollution prevention management process designed to maintain or improve the quality of our natural resources

Sewer and water emergencies consist of the following:

  • A red light at any well lift (waste water pumping) station.
  • Sewer backup in a house or street.
  • Very low or no water pressure or very high water pressure.
  • Water coming up in the street or yards.
  • Open manhole.
  • Overflow of any water tower.

If you experience any of these situations during our regular office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, please 952.960.7900. If the emergency occurs outside of these hours, call the Utility Emergency Pager at 612.534.3975. This is a digital pager. Your call will be returned shortly thereafter.

Televising sewer lines is an invaluable way of assessing the condition of area sewer. It can reveal blockages from debris, roots or grease; show cracks, and show breaks or deterioration of a pipe. It allows for a detailed diagnosis without the need for excavation, saving time and money.

The televising is performed by a robotic camera that is lowered into a sewer line through a manhole or a home’s clean-out. Some residents might be contacted about access to the clean-out on the lower level of their home. The camera is attached to a cable that runs back to a truck where crew members can control the camera's speed, move it forward or back, change its angle of perspective, and digitally record and document a visual image of a pipeline's interior.