04 – Chloride and Stormwater Infiltration
Description
Excessive chloride concentrations in groundwater restrict its use for drinking and may degrade aquatic habitat if groundwater discharges to surface waters. Trend analysis indicates chloride concentrations in shallow groundwater in urban areas of Minnesota are increasing and may reach levels of concern in the future. Stormwater runoff in urban areas typically has high concentrations of chloride. Many government units require or encourage infiltration of stormwater runoff, but impacts to groundwater resources are unknown. An analysis of potential impacts of widespread use of stormwater infiltration practices on chloride concentrations in groundwater would aid in developing stormwater management practices that are protective of groundwater.
Scoping Document
Questions, please contact Andrew Streitz at andrew.streitz@state.mn.us