Location
The Elm Creek Watershed lies wholly within the north central part of Hennepin County. The Crow and Mississippi Rivers demarcate the northern boundary. Although some areas in the north drain to the Crow and Mississippi Rivers, they are within the legal boundaries of the Elm Creek Watershed. The watershed covers approximately 130.5 square miles and is located entirely within Hennepin County. Portions of, or all of, eight governmental units are within the watershed and are listed below:
| Local Government Unit | Area Within Watershed (Square Miles) | Percent of Watershed |
| 3.1 | 2% | |
| 36.1 | 28% | |
| 25.0 | 19% | |
| 21.4 | 16% | |
| 26.3 | 20% | |
| 9.3 | 7% | |
| 4.5 | 3% | |
| 4.9 | 4% |