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Water Quality Protection and Improvement
Water Quality Monitoring
The PLSLWD supports volunteer monitoring on Spring, Upper Prior, Lower Prior, Cates, Fish Lakes through the Metropolitan
Council Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program
(CAMP). District staff also periodically conduct more in-depth monitoring
of the lakes in the District. Streams within the District are also measured, especially County Ditch 13 in Spring Lake
Township, which provides most of the water entering Spring Lake. The data generated through these monitoring efforts is
used to help the District track the health of our local water resources and investigate and address water quality problems.
Water Quality Improvement Projects
Several lakes within the PLSLWD have poor water quality due to excess sediment and nutrients (mainly phosphorus) that
promote the growth of algae – those microscopic plants that turn our lake water green. To address water quality problems,
the PLSLWD has implemented a number of projects designed to limit the amount of phosphorus reaching the lakes. Implementation
of water quality projects has been driven by recommendations of a 1991 Diagnostic/Feasibility Study completed for Spring and
Prior Lakes. The following are examples of water quality improvement projects underway or completed in the watershed district.
West Spring Lake Wetland Enhancement Project – This project, constructed from 2004-2006, involved the restoration
and enhancement of an existing ditched wetland located on the west side of Spring Lake, to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.
Spring Lake Curlyleaf and Carp Control – This project is focused on helping to improve the quality of Spring and Upper Prior Lakes by controlling carp and curlyleaf pondweed to promote the growth of native aquatic plants. Spring Lake was aggressively treated for Curlyleaf Pondweed from 2002 to 2006. Plant surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 indicate that the pondweed is nearly absent from the lake. Upper Prior Lake also received Curlyleaf pondweed treatment in 2006 and 2007, and is currently in an assessment phase.
Sustainable Lakes Management Planning – The District worked with interested stakeholders to develop a sustainable lakes management plans for Spring and Prior Lakes. The plans, which were completed in 2004, include a discussion of current lake conditions, detailed strategies and goals for the future of the lake, and an action plan designed to achieve those goals.
Fish Lake Management Plan – During 2004 and 2005 the District worked with local stakeholders to fill in monitoring gaps and provide watershed information to assist residents and resource managers in identifying goals, evaluating management options, and developing a sustainable lake management plan for Fish Lake. The plan was completed in 2006. This project was being supported in part by a Challenge Grant from the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
Homeowner Projects – These ongoing project involve working with local home and business owners to identify and implement storm-water management BMPs. Projects include providing technical and design assistance for the installation of rain gardens, shoreland restoration and other innovative water management features such as permeable pavers and infiltration systems. Annual costs vary depending upon home and business owner interest. Cost share and grant funding is available for approved projects, click here for more information.
Ferric Chloride Treatment System – This system was constructed in 1998 to improve the quality of the water entering Spring Lake from the large subwatershed to the south and west of the lake. The system involves adding an iron solution to the water flowing towards the lake. The iron binds with phosphorus in the water and most of the iron-phosphorus particles created are captured in a sedimentation basin prior to reaching the lake.
District Permitting Program
The PLSLWD also implements watershed rules via a permitting program designed to protect the water resources of the District as well as downstream interests. Click here for more information about the District’s permitting program.
Watershed Education Program
The PLSLWD has a number of projects and efforts aimed at increasing awareness of watershed and water quality issues and helping residents implement practices that protect and improve our water resources. These efforts range from providing information at community events including Lakefront Days and Fall Community Festival, to proactively working with area schools, to hosting informational workshops and tours. Contact the District and watch the local paper for upcoming events.
Would you like more information on this topic? Please email: info@plslwd.org
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