Name
Mapping bacterial risk: A novel tool for bacteria TMDL compliance in Minneapolis
Date & Time
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 1:00 PM - 1:40 PM
Description
Minneapolis Public Works has developed a bacteria risk map to help manage and comply with its bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load. Identifying sources of bacterial contamination in lakes, beaches and stormwater infrastructure remains a persistent challenge for municipalities, and urban stormwater systems add layers of complexity to that work.
Working with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minneapolis Public Works revived and expanded the Pathogen Toolbox, a GIS-based mapping and action framework first developed in 2021. The updated tool integrates spatial datasets including beach closure records, pipe shed boundaries, dog park and kennel locations, apartment and population density, goose congregation zones, and sanitary-storm sewer crossing proximity. It also incorporates historical hotspots, infrastructure vulnerabilities and community-reported concerns to prioritize high-risk outfalls and watersheds for monitoring and intervention.
The map provides a defensible, data-driven method to partially meet existing bacteria TMDL requirements without extensive site-by-site sampling, while also supporting public education through spatial risk visualization.
Location Name
M100 F-G
Full Address
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
United States
1301 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
United States