Water Quality

One of the primary missions of the Watershed Commission is to protect and improve the water quality and ecological integrity of water resources – the lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater in the watershed. Where a lake or stream does not meet state water quality standards – for example, nutrient concentrations in a like are too high, or there is too much sediment in a stream – there are goals and a plan for getting to those standards. This plan is called a TMDL – a Total Maximum Daily Load – study. Several lakes and streams in Elm Creek have TMDLs that are currently being implemented. [link this]
 
Some common practices to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff and pollutants are stormwater ponds, infiltration basins, and underground structures to store, filter or infiltrate, and treat that runoff. “Nonstructural” actions help too, such as street sweeping, native plantings and reforestation, using low salt snow and ice control, and educating and reaching out to help others understand what they can do. You may see articles in your city newsletter, displays at city events, or social media post. Watershed specialists visit schools to teach lessons about protecting our waters.
 
MONITORING

The Commission monitors water quality and other conditions in the lakes and streams to track progress towards meeting its goals and to understand trends in water quality. That data is summarized in an annual report. 
 
  • Four lakes - Fish Lake, Rice Lake, Diamond Lake, and Weaver Lake – are monitored annually, and other lakes less frequently on a rotating basis.
  • Three stream sites are monitored annually, tracking flow and water quality in Diamond Creek, Elm Creek, and Rush Creek. Other locations are monitored as needed.
  • The Commission partners with the USGS on flow and water quality monitoring on Elm Creek in the Elm Creek Park Reserve. Elm Creek NR Champlin, MN - USGS Water Data for the Nation
  • The Commission partners with Three Rivers Park District to sample fish in some of the streams in the watershed.
Picture
Monitoring locations in the Elm Creek watershed. (click to expand)