Council seeks more information after members raise alarm about proposed plumbing-code language on stormwater reuse

Council members on June 16 voiced concern about proposed language from the Minnesota Plumbing Board that, according to council discussion, could restrict use of stormwater or rainwater for irrigation and other nonpotable purposes.

One councilor summarized the proposal as language that "appears to ban stormwater from irrigation and other nonpotable uses through the plumbing code," and urged the council to support a letter or resolution opposing the change. He argued the restriction would threaten widely used, cost-effective practices that protect lakes, conserve drinking water and support local jobs, citing examples such as municipal stormwater ponds and irrigation from collected roof runoff used by golf courses and sports complexes.

City staff said there was a time-sensitive response window and that Shakopee Public Utilities was drafting a letter; staff committed to circulating background materials to the council. A representative citing the Minnesota Department of Health explained the department’s concern that collected stormwater can include runoff containing fertilizer and pet waste and said those contaminants can pose a health risk if irrigated back onto green spaces at high concentrations.

Council members asked staff to provide full background information promptly so the council could consider a formal position before the June 23 deadline. No formal council resolution was taken at the June 16 meeting; staff will return with materials and the draft letter.