Lake Safety

Wastewater Discharge and Marine Toilets

In response to illnesses over 2019’s July Fourth holiday, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) adopted an ordinance to reinforce and clarify existing regulations banning sewage discharge in Lake Minnetonka. Being that Lake Minnetonka is one of the largest and busiest lakes in Minnesota, it is especially important to take additional steps to reduce the risk of outbreaks. The LMCD thanks you for your cooperation in helping to keep Lake Minnetonka a fun and safe place to be.

Ordinance Requirements

The ordinance requires that for any watercraft operating on Lake Minnetonka:

• the macerater/grinder pumps must be removed.
• the discharge valves (“Y-valves”) must be locked to prevent accidental or intentional discharge of sewage
• or other acceptable means to prevent intentional or accidental release of wastewater into the lake.

If your watercraft has been re-piped to satisfy sewage discharge regulations on other waters, you may already be in compliance with the Lake Minnetonka ordinance. Contact the LMCD regarding alternative methods.

Monitoring & Reporting

All boaters on Lake Minnetonka must comply with the ordinance. Lake service providers who launch watercraft or provide pumping services are required to report to the LMCD any situations where marine toilets do not comply with regulations and may not launch any watercraft in violation.

Penalty for Violating Ordinance

Any person launching a watercraft equipped with a marine toilet that is not following the ordinance is subject to a petty misdemeanor.

This information is provided as a guide. For specific requirements, please refer to LMCD Code section 11-1.01 subd. 1 to 5.