Flooding

Emergency Response and Preparedness

While Washington County Emergency Management coordinates community-level flood response activities, your city or township is your first call for help in coordinating disaster/emergency preparedness actions. Request sandbags from your city or township to protect buildings at risk of flooding. If they don’t have them available, contact a private company or check online for sand and bags.

What is BCWD doing?

  • Working with Local Government to regulate new & re-development to adhere to stormwater runoff standards
  • Anticipating water level increases
    • Increase level monitoring during periods of high water
    • Localized groundwater measurements
  • Knowledge sharing
    • Current state of the science in flood response planning
    • Linking residents with available guidance & informational resources
    • Important Links:
      • Washington County - Emergency Management
      • MN Department of Public Safety - General Flood Preparedness
      • MN Department of Natural Resource - Lake Finder (lake levels are updated monthly using BCWD data)
        • Enter your lake name or ID # to find out most recent lake elevation
        • The following 100 year high water levels are listed for assistance in determining your flood risk:
          • Bass Lake East 82012400 - 963.8 feet
          • Bass Lake West 82012300 - 957.0 feet
          • Benz Lake 82012000 - 956.51 feet
          • Brewers Pond 82002200 - 894.1 feet
          • Goggins Lake 82007700 - 974.5 feet
          • Heifort Pond 82048500 - 887.4 feet
          • July Ave Pond 82031800 - 980.66 feet
          • Kismet Basin 82033400 - 946.81 feet
          • Long Lake 82002100 - 895.1 feet
          • Lynch Lake 82004200 - 1008.65 feet
          • Lake Masterman 82012600 - 958.29 feet
          • North School Section 82014900 - 974.5 feet
          • Pat Lake 82012500 - 948.61 feet
          • Plaisted Lake 82014800 - 974.5 feet
          • Sinnets Pond (former Jackson WMA Pond) 82030500 - 894.94 feet
          • South School Section 82015100 - 974.5 feet
          • Wood Pile 82013200 - 972.5 feet
      • National Flood Insurance Program - floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531
      • MnDNR Floodplain Management Group -Technical & Non-technical resources on mapping, insurance, flood preparation
      • Lake & Flood Elevations Online - Interactive map with FEMA & MN Department of Natural Resources flood related layers
      • FEMA Map Service Center - Official floodplain map, study, insurance
      • ASFPM Reduce Flood Risk - Flood facts & mitigation resources for all audiences
      • Washington Conservation District - flood prevention and mitigation information

Flood Mitigation Strategies (Low Tech)

  • Runoff/Snow & Ice Management
    • Direct/store away from the structure where it will not cause erosion
    • Clean and maintain conveyances (gutters, ditches, culverts)
  • Landscape to Protect Structure
    • Hold/direct water away from structures
  • Sump Pump with Secondary Power Source
    • Consider a secondary portable pump for removing water more quickly
  • Exterior French Drain
    • Direct discharge away from structure
  • Apply Waterproof Sealants or Membranes
    • In addition to other mitigation strategies
  • Sandbag Barrier
    • Temporary & requires advance notice
    • Address internal drainage
  • Purchase Flood Insurance: Consider enrolling in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to supplement your homeowner’s policy. A standard homeowner’s policy does not provide flood coverage and you only get disaster assistance if the President declares a disaster. Paying for flood insurance is less expensive than paying back a disaster loan. Talk to your insurance company or contact NFIP at floodsmart.gov or 1-888-379-9531.

Flooded Septic Systems

If your septic system is flooded, you must stop using it until floodwaters recede and the soil has drained. If you have a pump tank, disconnect the circuit that controls the pump to avoid risk of electrical hazard. Avoid digging around the septic tank or driving heavy equipment over the drain field while the soil is water-logged. Before flooding, cover drains with a sheet and sandbag to prevent floodwaters from rising up into your home. Learn More

Flooded Wells

Check to ensure that your well casing extends above the 100-year flood level. If flooding is imminent, disconnect the power supply for your well and install a watertight cap or cover on your well. Be prepared to have your well disinfected and tested after flood waters recede. Learn More

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