Streets & Utilities

The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of all municipal facilities, equipment, and associated infrastructure.  This includes streets, sidewalks, parks, public buildings, traffic signals and city-owned vehicles and equipment.  Additionally, they are responsible for the city's water and sewer system.
 

Index

 What are your snow emergency parking regulations?

Parking on all city streets following a snowfall of two inches or more is prohibited until snow on such streets has been removed or plowed to full width. Also, parking on city streets between the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM is prohibited from November 1 - April 15. Vehicles in violation will be tagged or towed without warning and at the owner’s expense.  Our Public Works Department performs snow removal from our streets. Their first priority is to clear the main thoroughfares to enable emergency vehicles access into and out of our city. Once they have been cleared, our crews begin clearing less traveled streets. We appreciate your patience throughout this process!

 Who do I call when the alarm is sounding at one of the lift stations?

During regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays), you may contact City Hall at 651-257-4162.  After regular business hours, please page our Public Works Department at 651-706-3466.  A person will be on call to ensure the lift stations are working properly.       

 How often do you flush hydrants?

The Public Works Department flushes all of the hydrants in Chisago City twice annually. The first flushing begins the second or third week in May. The second flushing is done in the fall around the last week in October. This process takes about two weeks to complete and is conducted weekdays from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.  Flushing is good for our distribution systems for a variety of reasons. The main purpose of flushing is to remove sediment and mineral deposits that settle on the bottom of water mains. Residents and businesses may notice discolored water shortly after the hydrants are flushed. This water is not harmful to drink, but could cause laundry stains. Clear your pipes of this water by running cold, hard water taps nearest the water meter to full flow for a short period of time after crews have left the area.  Contact the Public Works Superintendent with concerns or questions.

 When do you sweep the streets?

Chisago City sweeps its streets once annually.  Street sweeping is scheduled the first week in May, weather permitting.  Sweeping usually takes one week.

 Is your water safe to drink?

Chisago City's water is safe to drink.  Feel free to view the results of our water annual testing provided below.  Protecting the drinking water in Chisago City is a high priority for our community. The city has completed a Wellhead Protection Plan and is currently implementing the plan to ensure protection of the aquifers and the water we drink. The plan has identified three Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMA) that encompasses two areas - the East DWSMA covers a total area 212 acres with 3.8 acres in a high vulnerability to contamination.  The West DWSMA comprises of 129.1 acres of medium vulnerability and 59.1 acres of low vulnerability. 
 
To help protect our drinking water, the city is providing outreach programs and continuing education, providing emergency response clean-up, updating equipment, monitoring and collecting data from the city’s wells, identifying and sealing unused and unsealed wells are a few of the projects we’re implementing.  Additional information can be found below on the Wellhead Protection Plan and links to MN Rural Water Association (MRWA) can provide helpful tips on protecting our drinking water. 
2023 Drinking Water Report
Save Water by Fixing Leaks
Local Drinking Water Fact Sheet.pdf
Backyard Practices Fact Sheet.pdf
Landscaping Around Wells Fact Sheet.pdf
Unsealed & Unused Wells Fact Sheet.pdf
Storm Water Management.pdf
Chisago City Well Head Protection Plan 22
DWSMA Maps - East & West.pdf
Brochure - Wellhead Protection Plan

  When are your road restrictions in effect?

Remember to plan your spring construction projects around the load restrictions. During the spring thaw, heavy vehicles can damage streets. To prevent this costly damage, Chisago City restricts the amount of weight allowed on streets during the critical period. In general, spring load restrictions begin in late February to mid-March and are lifted around mid-May. However, this time-frame is based on weather conditions and varies each year. The Lakes Area Police Department enforces the limits. Call 651-257-4162 for more information on these limits.

 What are your requirements for your watermain, sanitary sewer, etc.?

City Standard Plates are general requirements for new developments on replacements of our existing streets and utilities.  Requirements for our watermain, sanitary and storm sewer systems, streets, sidewalks, signs, lighting, and erosion control are available below or at Chisago City Hall.  For any questions on our City Standard Plates, please contact our Public Works Superintendent.
Index - Standard Details
Pipe Installation Details
Erosion Control Details
General Details
Sanitary Sewer Details
Services Details
Storm Sewer Details
Pavement, Curb, Walks Details
Watermain Details
City Standard Plate - ALL