Spring Reminders

Hydrant Flushing

Typically in early May, all the hydrants throughout the City are flushed to clear out impurities, particularly iron deposits, that build up over the winter months. The flushing process may create a temporary interruption to your water service and/or discolor the water coming out of your faucet. In the case of discolored water, run the cold water for a few minutes.

Load Limits

During the spring thaw, the City’s streets are weakened by water that becomes trapped in the gravel base below the pavement. The weight of vehicles can cause the road to bend, and if the surface is bent too far or too frequently, it cracks. As pavement ages, it becomes brittle and less able to withstand weight and movement and deteriorates at an accelerated pace. 

Weight restrictions are implemented each year in early spring in an effort to minimize the wear to the streets and to allow the base adequate time to stabilize. During this time, we ask that you avoid scheduling deliveries and remodeling projects. Please contact the Engineering Department at 651-730-2734.

Parking by Mailboxes

To allow for the unobstructed delivery of mail, vehicles must park at least 10 feet away from either side of all mailboxes between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Sewer Back-ups

Anyone experiencing a problem with their sewer system should notify the Public Works Department immediately at 651-730-2740. Call the City before you contact a drain cleaning service. The main sewer line will be investigated and the necessary action taken. 

If, however, the problem exists in the sanitary sewer service that connects the structure to the main sewer line, it would be the property owner’s responsibility to have the problem corrected. If the correction involves cutting tree roots in the service line, property owners are asked to first call the Public Works Department at 651-730-2740. 

Note: many homeowners insurance policies exclude sewer back-ups, so homeowners are encouraged to talk to their agent about protection.

Storm Sewers

Only Rain in the Drain. If yard waste (leaves, grass clippings), automotive fluids, and pet waste are allowed to enter storm drains, they flow directly to our lakes, rivers, and ponds. Urban storm water runoff is a major source of pollution. Do your part, one drop at a time!

Sump Pumps

Please route out! The flow that enters the sanitary sewer system through toilets, wash tubs, and floor drains is sent to the treatment plant in Saint Paul. The flow is metered and Oakdale and its utility customers are charged for additional flow. If you use a sump pump, please note that it is illegal to discharge sump pumps into the sanitary sewer system (toilets, wash tubs, floor drains). Route discharge outside to your yard, the street, the storm sewer, or waterway.

Wetlands & Ponds

Please remember to keep grass clippings, leaves, and animal excrement away from areas adjacent to any body of water and out of streets and storm sewers. Grass clippings and other materials adversely affect the water quality in our wetlands and lakes. Also, the area surrounding wetlands/ponds (generally 25 feet around the perimeter) is owned by the City or state and should not be maintained as an extension of a private yard. The natural growth around wetland serves as a filter to reduce or eliminate harmful sediments from entering the water and creating algae.