Interstate Valley Creek and its tributaries are located primarily within the City of Mendota Heights; however, Marie Creek originates in the City of West St. Paul and Interstate Valley Creek flows through the City of Lilydale before it outlets into the Mississippi. The contributing drainage area to these three waterbodies also includes portions of the Cities of Sunfish Lake and Inver Grove Heights. The entire contributing drainage area is within the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization.
Statistics
| Mainstem Length | 2.5 Miles |
| Watershed Size | 3,272 Acres |
| Major Watershed | Mississippi River |
| Impairment (2014) | E. coli |
| Year’s Monitored | 3 |
Water Monitoring Data
A volunteer takes water samples from Interstate Valley Creek for lab analysis. The purpose is to identify stream reaches that contribute pollutants and establish baseline stream water quality conditions.
See water monitoring reports for more information.
Contact the LMRWMO Administrator for information on becoming a water quality monitor for a nearby lake or stream.
Creek Impairments
E-coli levels are consistently above, and not meeting state standards.
Next Steps
The creek will continue to be monitored to track water quality. Projects are being implemented in 2024-2026 to reduce peak flows in the stream and reduce erosion.
Water Monitoring Reports
Projects
The LMRWMO performed a 2022 study of the entire Interstate Valley Creek Watershed to identify opportunities to reduce and treat stormwater entering the stream and also identify areas of severe streambank erosion. That study yielded multiple projects to implement to improve the water quality of Interstate Valley Creek. The LMRWMO is partnering with the Dakota County SWCD, the City of Mendota Heights, and Dakota County Parks to implement the six highest ranking projects in Valley Park, along with a Greenway/trail reconstruction. Construction of the six projects and the trail will occur from Fall 2024 through 2026.
