Air & Water Quality
Air Quality
Summary: More than 80% of the days in Red Wing have good air quality. However, that percentage has decreased by 8% over the last 5 years. More research would help us learn why so we can find ways to reverse the trend. The good news is there are no days with air that rate as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
Details: Good Air Quality is defined as satisfactory air with air pollution posing little or no risk. Moderate Air Quality is defined as acceptable but some pollutants may pose a moderate risk to a small number of people. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups means the general public will not be affected, but some in sensitive groups, such as those who have asthma, may experience negative health effects.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index, 2013-2023
Quality of Drinking Water
Summary: Our drinking water is healthy, with contaminant levels below the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Radium is found at higher levels across southeast Minnesota, due to our geography. The water treatment plants on Pioneer Road and Charleson Crest were built in 2004 to treat radium and other contaminants, ensuring that everyone has safe, healthy water to drink.
Details: Radium and Gross Alpha are radioactive contaminants found in drinking water from the erosion of natural deposits. Chlorine: Low levels of chlorine are added to drinking water to remove bacterial pathogens, but higher levels can be harmful. Haloacetic Acids & Trihalomethanes are formed during the disinfection process and can be harmful at higher levels. Testing for Haloacetic Acids happens every three years. Read more in the City’s water test results.
Source: City of Red Wing, 2023
Quality of Red Wing’s Wastewater Entering the Mississippi River
Summary: The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant treats 2 million gallons of wastewater every day before delivering it into the Mississippi River. The City ensures all pollutant concentrations are far below the federal discharge limits. The limits are set conservatively to protect all downstream rivers, streams, and lakes.
Details: Wastewater is water that has been used by businesses and residents for everything from manufacturing and industrial processes to personal laundry, toilets, and showers. Treating wastewater before it’s delivered back into our waterways is an important part of protecting and preserving our rivers, streams, and lakes. The Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on East 5th Street.
Source: City of Red Wing, 2023
Removing Sand, Leaves, and Phosphorus from Stormwater Runoff
Summary: Sand, leaves, and phosphorus (from degraded leaves) are not good for our waterways, so the City prioritizes street sweeping in the spring and fall—spending between 800 and 1,200 hours each year sweeping. The amounts of leaves and sand swept up along streets vary annually based on weather, rainfall, and homeowner habits. The pounds of leaves swept up between 2020 and 2022 decreased by 56% - and the amount of phosphorus removed mimics that trend. The amount of sand swept decreased significantly after 2019 and has increased only slightly over the last three years. Winter’s icy roads require using some sand, but to limit the amount, the City uses a pre-treatment on some streets so less sand (and salt) are needed throughout the season.
Details: Street sweeping removes garbage, sediments, heavy metals, and nutrients from leaves and prevents them all from being flushed into storm drains when it rains.
Source: City of Red Wing, 2023