Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District
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Posts tagged "phosphorus"

How was lake water quality in 2020?

Posted by PLSLWD Staff - December 26, 2020 - News, Prior Lake, Spring Lake

In a bright spot of 2020, both Spring and Prior Lakes saw improved water quality this year which was a boon to everyone who swarmed to the lake this summer for swimming, fishing and boating. This year marked the first time that all three water quality standards – the goal for a healthy lake – were met on either Spring Lake or Upper Prior Lake.

In the graphs shown below you can see how the levels for each of three water quality parameters have generally improved over time for each lake. The dashed lines show the water quality standards – the goal to meet for good water quality.

Water clarity (Secchi disk depth), total phosphorus concentration and chlorophyll-a concentration are the main standards used by View Full Article →

View Full Article Prior Lake, Spring Lake, Upper Prior, Upper Prior Lake, Water quality, alum, alum treatment, phosphorus, spring

Alum Treatment Complete on Upper Prior!

Posted by PLSLWD Staff - June 5, 2020 - News, Prior Lake

The Upper Prior Lake alum treatment is now complete! The contractor finished the alum application on Wednesday, ahead of schedule. Find more details on the alum treatment website here.

Alum treatments have been identified as a way to address high levels of internal phosphorus stored in the lake bottom sediment on Spring and Upper Prior Lakes. Both lakes are listed by the State of Minnesota as impaired lakes due to the high levels of phosphorus.

While phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants, too much phosphorus can lead to excessive algae growth in lakes. Excessive algae is not only unsightly and undesirable for recreation, it can also reduce lake oxygen levels leading to fish kills and kill beneficial aquatic plants by blocking sunlight. An alum treatment reduces internal phosphorus by applying aluminum sulfate (alum) to the lake; the alum binds to the phosphorus making it unavailable for algae growth.

Alum treatments are only one of many ways the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District is working to improve and protect water quality in your local lakes and wetlands. Reducing the incoming sources of phosphorus and nutrients to the lakes is also important.

We’re looking forward to a cleaner lake!

View Full Article Upper Prior, Upper Prior Lake, alum, alum treatment, phosphorus

Upper Prior Lake Alum Treatment: Begins May 26

Posted by PLSLWD Staff - May 21, 2020 - News, Prior Lake

Barge applying alum on Spring Lake 2018

The first ever alum treatment on Upper Prior Lake will start Tuesday, May 26. The treatment should take 8-11 days to complete, depending on weather conditions. The contractor cannot apply the alum if it is too windy. The Upper Prior Lake alum treatment is largely funded by grant from the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR).

There are no restrictions on recreation on and in the lake during treatment. However, please give the alum barge room to work. The barge applies the alum following computerized tracks across the lake to precisely apply the correct amount of alum to each area of the lake. You can help by moving out of the barge’s way during alum application. The project will be staged out of the lot just north of Charlie’s.

Aluminum sulfate (alum) is used to improve water clarity and reduce algae blooms by reducing phosphorus levels in the lake. Phosphorus is a nutrient naturally found in lakes, however due to development and runoff, excess amounts of phosphorus feed algae blooms. Alum treatments bind phosphorus making it unavailable for algae growth.

Landowners can also do their part to improve water quality:  reduce the amount of turf grass and add native plants to your yard which minimizes your use of fertilizer and improves infiltration. Visit the ‘Get Involved’ section of our website for more information and ideas. We look forward to enjoying a cleaner lake!

For more information and project updates visit the alum treatment project page on our website and the Upper Prior alum treatment website. Contact Jaime Rockney with project questions at jrockney@plslwd.org.

View Full Article Upper Prior, Upper Prior Lake, alum, alum treatment, phosphorus

Tour Spring Lake’s Ferric Chloride Treatment System!

Posted by PLSLWD Staff - May 17, 2019 - News

Dan Kelly, Spring Lake Association (SLA) President and Jaime Rockney, the Watershed District’s Water Resources Specialist teamed up to create a short video to highlight the District’s ferric chloride system which treats water from the upper watershed before it enters Spring Lake.

Find answers to these and other questions in the video:

  • Where does the water comes from before entering Spring Lake? 
  • Is the water treated before entering Spring Lake?
  • Who is working to ensure Spring Lake Water is clean?
View Full Article FeCl, Spring Lake, ferric, ferric chloride, phosphorus, treatment

Join us for the Fall Clean Water Clean-Up!

Posted by PLSLWD Staff - October 4, 2016 - News

17288504701_1a1994dd00_oJoin us for the Fall 2016 Clean Water Clean-Up on Sunday, October 30th from 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Sand Point Beach! We will be raking up leaves in the park to prevent excess nutrients from the leaves and other organic material from running off into Prior Lake.

When it rains, the rainwater can carry phosphorus which has leached out from organic material, like leaves, into the lake. Excess phosphorus, while an important plant nutrient, can also cause large algal blooms which impair recreation and can lead to fish die-offs.

So grab a rake and come help us keep Prior Lake clean for fishing, boating and swimming! In addition to a warm fuzzy feeling, volunteers will also receive a free t-shirt, lunch and are eligible to win many prizes from local businesses. 

Registration is now open for this free event– register HERE!  Visit our Volunteer Events page to learn more about the event or other volunteer opportunities.

View Full Article Prior Lake, clean water clean up, phosphorus, volunteer

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Prior Lake – Spring Lake Watershed District

The District covers about 42 square miles in Scott County, MN. Water in the PLSLWD flows mainly from the southwest to the northeast through Spring, Upper Prior and Lower Prior Lakes, and then north through the Prior Lake Outlet Channel to the Minnesota River near Valley Fair amusement park.
Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment

Prior Lake - Spring Lake Watershed District
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372

Phone: (952) 447-4166
Email: info@plslwd.org

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