The Shell Rock River Watershed District’s
mission is to implement reasonable and
necessary improvements to the water-related
and other natural resources of the District.
2018 Clean Water
Annual Report
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
PROGRAM SUMMARY
LAKE
ICE-OUT DATE
Median Earliest Latest 2018
Albert Lea Lake
Period of Record:
1991–2017
March 31 March 5,
2000
April 18,
2013
> April 27
Fountain Lake
Period of Record:
1912–2018
April 8 March 7,
2000
April 30,
1953
April 27
Winter—It Can be Good for Water
Quality
A harsh winter, with lots of snow and cold can bring water
quality benefits in the spring. These conditions frequently
cause winterkill, a loss of fish that occurs particularly in shallow
waterbodies like White Lake. Under winter ice and snow,
vegetation that produces oxygen through photosynthesis
receives less sunlight. This creates oxygen-starved conditions
that can cause fish to suffocate. In lakes with high numbers
of rough fish (like carp or bullheads) that can be a plus for
water quality. These fish increase phosphorus levels in lakes
by rooting up phosphorus-laden sediment when foraging for
food.
Thick ice and late ice-out can also slow the growth of
troublesome algae. In 2018, ice-out was late on many area
lakes, including Albert Lea Lake, which had its latest ice-
out on record. A range of ice-out dates for Albert Lea and
Fountain Lake are shown in the table below.
White Lake Results
The water quality in White Lake has been improving over the past 10 years, and 2018 was one of the best
years on record. The lake had record low phosphorus levels (summer average of 61 μg/L), easily meeting
the state standard for shallow lakes in southern Minnesota (<90 μg/L), and also met state standards for
water clarity and chlorophyll-a concentrations (indicator of algal conditions). In fact, it was the only lake in
the Shell Rock River Watershed District (SRRWD) to meet state standards for all three of these parameters.
White Lake is a 168-acre lake with about 2.5 miles of shoreline in a primarily residential area on the west
side of Fountain Lake. One unique feature of the lake is its good waterfowl habitat. American
white pelicans (pictured at right) frequently visit during migration and there is a cormorant
rookery on the east side of the lake. While the lake is not stocked with fish, it is home to
black bullheads, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, yellow perch, fathead minnows, and goldfish.
In 2018, pelican feeding was limited on White Lake, which offers one
clue to the lake’s good year. Smaller numbers of pelicans can
indicate smaller numbers of black bullheads. This suggests the lake
was subject to a severe winterkill, which can have a positive effect on
water quality (see story below).
What Makes Good Water Quality?
Pages 4–5 of this report summarize 2018 water quality
in area lakes. When we measure water quality, we
generally look at three parameters:
• Phosphorus: In general, low levels of phosphorus
are an indicator of good water quality. Although
phosphorus is essential for plant life, excessive levels
degrade water quality. Common sources in lakes
are fertilizers and organic wastes from runoff, soil
erosion, and lake sediment.
• Chlorophyll-a: This is a measurement of how much
algae is in a lake. Too much algae reduces clarity
and causes green scums and odors.
• Clarity: Lake clarity (or transparency) is measured
by lowering a “Secchi disk” into the water until it is
no longer visible from the surface. The greater the
“Secchi depth,” the more transparent the water.
Hats off to White Lake (Chapeau Lake)
March 2019 | 2018 Clean Water Annual Report 2
2018
White Lake total phosphorus has shown a decreasing
trend (>98% confidence level) over the past 10 years
Fish Barrier Install
Total Phosphorus (μg/L)
MPCA shallow lake
standard (<90 μg/L)
Phosphorus Near Record Low
2018 was a good year for water quality in Fountain Lake, with
the summer-average phosphorus levels near the record low
and water clarity near the state standard. The improved water
quality was in part due to a very wet growing season (see
graph below), which increases flows to Fountain Lake and
reduces the amount of time water sits stagnant in the lake
accumulating phosphorus from internal loading (released from
lake bottom sediments).
While Fountain Lake water quality and algae conditions were
better than average in 2018, the lake was not immune to
algal blooms. In August of 2018, a blue-green algal bloom
occurred along the north side of Edgewater Bay. Blue-green
algae is a form of toxic algae called Cyanobacteria that tend
to bloom when the lake has high phosphorus concentrations,
high temperatures, and stagnant waters. These type of algal
blooms are more commonly referred to as harmful algal
blooms (HABs). HABs diminish recreational value, as they can be toxic to both humans and
animals if water is ingested. Reducing nutrient loading to waterbodies can reduce the risk of
HABs and keep lakes usable in the warm summer months.
Scum from a blue-green
algal bloom
Graph showing the cumulative precipitation through October of 2018, including several large storm
events that exceeded an inch throughout the summer.
Dredging Project Update
2018 was a big year for Fountain Lake. After over 10 years of planning and
fundraising, dredging was conducted to address the long-term sediment build-up
and water quality issues that caused this important resource to land on the MPCA’s
list of impaired waters in 2008. Starting in the south portion of Edgewater Bay, about
250,000 cubic yards of material were removed by a hydraulic dredge. This material
was transported by pipeline to a Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) about 1 mile north
of Fountain Lake’s Bancroft Bay. Sediment in dredge slurry settles to the bottom of
the CDF and clarified lake water is conveyed back to the lake.
Weather permitting, dredging in Edgewater Bay will resume in mid-April and
continue into October. This activity is anticipated to improve water quality and
habitat and improve the fishery. 2018 monitoring did not detect any negative impacts
on water clarity in waters downstream of the dredging activity.
Cumulative Precipitation Depth
(inches)
MPCA shallow lake
standard (>2.3 feet)
Fountain Lake Restoration Project
March 2019 | 2018 Clean Water Annual Report 3
Fountain Lake
While Fountain Lake failed
to meet the MPCA shallow
lake phosphorus and water
clarity standards, phosphorus
levels were near record
lows. Both phosphorus
concentration and water
clarity were also better
than long-term summer
averages. The SRRWD will
continue its watershed and
lake management efforts,
including the dredging
project, to improve water
quality.
White Lake
2018 was also a record
year for White Lake in
terms of low phosphorus
levels. The summer
average of 61 μg/L met
the state standard
(<90 μg/L) and was well
below the lake’s 12-year
average (161 μg/L). Water
clarity in the lake (2.4
feet) also met the state
standard after missing it
in 2017.
Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake had mixed
water quality results
in 2018. Phosphorus
increased slightly over
2017 levels, failing to
meet the state standard,
but water clarity (3.7 feet)
increased by over 1 foot
and met the standard.
Both phosphorus levels
and water clarity were
better than long-term lake
averages as the District
continues to work on
reducing phosphorus and
sediment inputs from the
surrounding area.
Albert Lea Lake
Phosphorus levels in
Albert Lea Lake decreased
year-over-year and were
better than the long-term
average, but still failed
to meet state standards.
Water clarity failed to
meet state standards and
continued to decline year-
over-year—measured at
2.8 feet in 2016, 1.1 feet in
2017, and 0.9 feet in 2018.
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
Long-term avg. Long-term avg.
Phosphorus
Concentration (μg/L)
Water
Clarity (feet)
2018 2018
Value of Water Monitoring
The SRRWD regularly monitors its lakes for several water quality indicators, including phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and
water transparency. Average summer values are computed based on measurements from June through September. The
water clarity and phosphorus concentrations observed in SRRWD lakes during the summer of 2018 are summarized on
this page, in comparison with historic water quality and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) standard for
shallow lakes in this region of the state. These comparisons provide valuable
information, allowing the SRRWD to track the impact of previous projects,
gain a better understanding of natural variability in water quality due to
climatic conditions, and identify waterbodies that need attention.
Across the Watershed: Lake Water Quality
2018
4
Upper Twin
Lake
Clarity and phosphorus
levels on Upper Twin Lake
were similar to 2016 and
2017, failing to meet MPCA
shallow lake standards.
Phosphorus levels were
better than the long-term
summer average while clarity
was worse.
Lower Twin lake
As in 2017, Lower Twin
Lake failed to meet state
standards for summer-
average clarity and
phosphorus concentrations.
Similar to Upper Twin Lake,
phosphorus levels were
better than the long-term
summer average while clarity
was worse.
Halls Lake
In 2018, Halls Lake failed
to meet state standards
for phosphorus levels and
water clarity a year after
meeting both. In addition,
measurements for both
of these parameters were
worse than long-term
summer averages.
School Section
Lake
Although phosphorus levels
declined significantly
(266 μg/L in 2018 vs.
393 μg/L in 2017) and water
clarity improved slightly,
School Section Lake failed
to meet state standards and
continues to suffer from poor
water quality. A reclamation
project on this lake has been
funded and will begin in the
near future.
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90
μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
161
61
WhiteAlbert Lea Lake
Fountain Lower Twin Pickerel Upper Twin
Halls School Section
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.5
2.4
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
249
138
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.0
2.2
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
193
153
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.4
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
199
129
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA sandard
(< 90 μg/L)
2.5
3.7
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
300
244
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.2
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
114
2005-2018
Average
2018
μ
MPCA standard
(< 90 g/L)
2.1
1.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
418
266
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.0
0.8
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
234
182
2005-2018
Average
2018
MPCA standard
(< 90 μg/L)
1.8
0.9
MPCA standard
(> 2.3 feet)
139
Meets or exceeds
the standards
Does not meet the
standards
Long-term avg. Long-term avg.
Phosphorus
Concentration (μg/L)
Water
Clarity (feet)
2018 2018
Value of Water Monitoring
The SRRWD regularly monitors its lakes for several water quality indicators, including phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and
water transparency. Average summer values are computed based on measurements from June through September. The
water clarity and phosphorus concentrations observed in SRRWD lakes during the summer of 2018 are summarized on
this page, in comparison with historic water quality and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) standard for
shallow lakes in this region of the state. These comparisons provide valuable
information, allowing the SRRWD to track the impact of previous projects,
gain a better understanding of natural variability in water quality due to
climatic conditions, and identify waterbodies that need attention.
5
March 2019 | 2018 Clean Water Annual Report
Carp Management and Streams Update
2018
Carp Management Update
Mike Mertins, a commercial fisherman, has been fishing
for carp his whole life: it’s his job to rid area lakes of these
invasive fish that degrade water quality. Their foraging
behavior, rooting in the lake bottom to search for food,
releases large quantities of nutrients from the sediment.
This, in turn, spurs algae growth and destroys habitat for
waterfowl and other fish.
Mike set about thinning the “above-average” Albert
Lea Lake carp population in 2018. Using fish-finding
equipment, he and his father, Jim, located large groups
of fish and dropped their long seine nets (vertical nets) to
harvest them. Smaller fish pass through the holes of the
net and larger game fish, like northern pike and walleye,
are immediately released. Carp, however, are keepers,
and in 2017 there were 97,000 pounds of keepers. What
do they do with the fish? Well, as is often the case,
one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. These
unwanted carp are sold for about 20 cents per pound
to customers in New York and Nebraska for human
consumption.
bluegill survive winterkill, increasing their availability as carp
predators. A recent study by researchers at the University
of Minnesota looked at using bluegill sunfish as a control
method for carp and found that they can help control
juvenile stage carp effectively, but that other factors affect
end-of-season carp populations.
In recent years, the District has been using PIT (passive
integrated transponder) tags to track carp movements
throughout its lakes. This monitoring can help guide Mike
to locations where carp aggregate during the winter so that
harvesting is more successful. Analyzing carp movements
gives the District a better overall understanding of carp
behavioral patterns. The goal is better carp management
and, subsequently, better water quality.
Fish barriers and aeration also help manage carp. A fish
barrier at Fountain Lake prevents the carp from reaching
shallow waters outside of the lake to spawn, which makes
carp eggs and larvae more susceptible to predation by
fish like bluegill sunfish. The aeration system helps the
A tracking device is installed in carp from Fountain Lake
to track the carp’s movements.
Successful carp removal from Albert Lea Lake
in November 2018
An aerator is installed in Edgewater Bay, Fountain Lake in
November 2018 to help maintain oxygen levels and
prevent winterkill of desirable fish species.
Fish Barrier
Installations:
2008
Mud Lake
2009
Wedge Creek,
White Lake
& Fountain Lake Dam
2015
Albert Lea Lake Dam
2016
Goose Lake
6
Pickerel Lake Water Quality
March 2019 | 2018 Clean Water Annual Report
Clearer Waters in Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake has maintained relatively good water quality since
the 2009 restoration project when carp were removed and a fish
barrier was installed. Following the restoration project, conducted
in partnership with the Minnesota DNR, the water clarity in the lake
improved dramatically, meeting the state standard in 7 of the last 9
years, including 2018.
Pickerel Lake still struggles to meet the state standard for phosphorus,
meeting the standard in only 3 of the 9 years since the reclamation
project.
A Healthy Fishery
As part of the 2009 restoration project, thousands of desirable game
fish were brought in to help maintain a healthy ecosystem. The success
of these efforts was evident with results from a 2018 Department of
Natural Resources fish survey. The survey indicates that yellow perch
are abundant and northern pike, while low-to-medium in population
density, are good sized (most caught will be over the new 24-inch slot
limit, ranging up to 40 inches). Other fish noted were walleye and black
crappie.
In the fall of 2017, the Pickerel Lake dam was completed, including
the installation of a fish ladder to encourage and ease fish passage to
the shallower Mud Lake for spawning. The fish then return to Pickerel
Lake in the summer for better
dissolved oxygen conditions.
Fish ladders, characterized by a
series of shallow, stepped pools
constructed at a gradual slope,
are commonly installed at dams
located along primary spawning
and migration routes to allow for
easy passage. The installation
of the ladder at the Pickerel
Lake dam has improved the
northern pike and yellow perch
recruitment potential in the lake,
indicated by the recent DNR
fish survey showing good age
classes of these two species.
Fish ladder
One Watershed, One Plan
In 2018, the SRRWD, Freeborn County, Freeborn County
Soil and Water Conservation District, and the City of
Albert Lea began development of a comprehensive water
management plan. This plan, referred to as One Watershed,
One Plan (1W1P), is funded by the Minnesota Board of
Water and Soil Resources. The vision for 1W1P is to align
local water planning based on major watershed boundaries
rather than political boundaries.
The plan is expected to take two years to complete
and will include strategies to prioritize and target water
quality implementation actions. A key focus of the plan
will be establishing measurable goals for water quality
improvements. The SRRWD’s monitoring program will play
a vital role in establishing and tracking progress toward
these goals.
Bald eagle swoops down to capture a
fish from Pickerel Lake.
Total Phosphorus (μg/L)
Secchi Depth (feet)
MPCA shallow lake
standard (>2.3 feet)
MPCA shallow lake
standard (<90 μg/L)
7
Formoreinformation:www.shellrock.org
Lakesinthe
SRRWD:
Pickerel and Mud
White (Chapeau)
Fountain
Albert Lea
Goose
School Section
Upper and Lower Twin
Halls
Sugar
Church
Eberhart
Cities/Towns
intheSRRWD:
Albert Lea
Hayward
Glenville
Twin Lakes
Manchester
Clarks Grove
(partial)
BoardofManagers
Gary Pestorious, Chair
Mick Delger, Vice Chair
Alan Bakken, Treasurer
Dan DeBoer, Secretary
Brad Kramer, Manager
Mike Hanson, Manager
Joe Pacovsky, Manager
Staff
Andy Henschel, Administrator
Carmen Christensen, Financial Clerk
Scott Christenson, Conservation Technician
Courtney Phillips, Resource Technician
Leah Stadheim, Administrative Assistant
AbouttheShellRockRiverWatershedDistrict
The mission of the Shell Rock River Watershed District is to implement
reasonable and necessary improvements to the water-related and other
natural resources of the District.
2019 Fishing Opener
Since 1948, the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener has
marked the beginning of the fishing season. This year’s
opener should spur some local excitement, with Governor
Tim Walz casting his line in Fountain Lake on May 11.
The opener will give the community a great opportunity
to showcase area lakes. While most of the weekend’s
events will be open only to invited guests (primarily media
representatives), a community picnic will also be held. This
event is open to the public and will include a dinner, family
fun activities, and a program.
Another way to get involved is to act as a “boat host” on
one of the area lakes. The position is open to outdoor and
fishing enthusiasts who are willing to host guests registered
for Saturday’s fishing challenge. Fishing expertise is not
required—just a functioning, licensed boat and willingness
to share your knowledge of the area. For more information,
go to http://www.mngovernorsopener.com/boat-host-info.
Fun Fish Facts
• Species of fish found in Minnesota: 162
• Approximate number of anglers in Minnesota: 1.4
million
• Approximate number of anglers expected to
participate in the fishing opener: 500,000
• Number of fishing lakes in Minnesota: about 5,400
• Miles of fishable rivers and streams in Minnesota:
18,000
• Coldest fishing opener: 24 degrees in International
Falls (1996 and 2004)
• Warmest fishing opener: 92 degrees in Saint Cloud
(1987)
• The last time a governor was unable to attend an
official opener: 1975, Wendell Anderson
2018 – Willmar Lakes Area
2017 – Greater St. Cloud Area
2016 – Big Sandy Lake, McGregor
2015 – Lake Vermilion Area
2014 – Brainerd Lakes Area
2013 – Park Rapids
2012 – Waconia
2011 – Grand Rapids
2010 – Lake Kabetogama
2009 – White Bear Lake
Last 10 Opener Sites
Prepared for the Shell Rock River Watershed District by Barr Engineering Co. • March 2019
On the Water
2018