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The Carver County Water Management Organization is beginning an annual bulletin to update residents on the health and water quality of Lake Waconia. This bulletin will be sent out every summer. If you would also like to receive our monthly newsletter for more frequent updates on our projects and programs, or, if you would like to unsubscribe from our newsletters, please visit: www.carvercountymn.gov/government/e-notifications. We appreciate your interest and dedication to keeping our local lakes healthy!
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Water Quality Updates
Lake Waconia received a B grade for water quality in 2022, which means the lake has good water quality with some algae blooms that may make recreation undesirable late in the summer. This rating is similar to previous years, as Lake Waconia has not experienced significant changes in water quality over time.
The graph shows water quality results from 2022 for phosphorus and chlorophyll-a concentrations, and transparency measurements. The dashed lines indicate the water quality standards set by the state. Values higher than the standards for phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, or transparency indicate poorer water quality conditions. Lakes are listed as impaired when the average summer values for a given water quality metric are higher than the standard.
 Lake Waconia water quality results from 2022. The phosphorus (yellow) and chlorophyll-a (green) axis is on the left side of the graph, and the transparency (blue) axis is inverted and on the right side of the graph. We want to see each water quality metric line remain below the dashed standard lines for the best lake health.
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 Phosphorus
This nutrient is necessary for lake health, but in high concentrations it can cause algae blooms. Phosphorus levels increased past the standard of 40 µg/L in late July, but were low earlier in the year. Lake Waconia was not impaired for phosphorus in 2022 with a summer average of 38.4 µg/L.
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 Chlorophyll-a
This compound is produced in plants and is a measurement of how much algae is in the lake. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were higher than the water quality standard of 14 µg/L in late summer, but were low in spring and fall. Lake Waconia was impaired for chlorophyll-a in 2022 with a summer average of 16.3 µg/L.
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 Transparency
We measure transparency using Secchi disks. The deeper into the water the disk is still visible, the greater the water transparency value. Water transparency was good throughout the year, with a few measurements that did not meet the visibility standard of 1.4 m in late summer. Lake Waconia was not impaired for transparency in 2022 with a summer average of 2.8 m.
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Lake Ecosystem Updates
Fish Survey
Many anglers likely know this already, but Lake Waconia has a very healthy fish community with many popular catches. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources technicians performed a fish survey in August 2022. They found healthy populations of many fish species, including walleye, black crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill.
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Historic drought
The drought in 2021 was the worst in Minnesota since 1988. This drought continued into 2022 and caused water levels to recede to near historic lows. Record amounts of snow this past winter improved drought conditions in the spring, but now much of Carver County and the state are again experiencing abnormally dry conditions. We will continue to track impacts of this prolonged drought as we monitor our aquatic ecosystems this year.
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Algae and dead plants on Lake Waconia in 2022
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Protect Lake Waconia
What can you do to keep Lake Waconia healthy?
The ways we live on and around lakes have large impacts on water quality. Check out this video from the Anoka County Soil and Water Conservation District to see how we impact lake health, and what we can do to ensure we are good stewards of our water.
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Lake Waconia bike path native plant restoration
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Turf to Native
In 2022, sites at Lake Waconia Regional Park, Waconia Public Works, Interlaken, and along the bike path near Lake Waconia were converted from turf grass to native plants. These new native plant landscapes will help improve water quality by preventing stormwater runoff from reaching the lake, and will provide habitat and food resources to native Minnesota pollinators. This June, we will be adding over 1,000 more plants to the native planting at Waconia Regional Park.
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Stormwater Reuse
The City of Waconia has multiple stormwater reuse systems that capture water from rain to be used in irrigation. In 2016, a stormwater reuse station connected to a stormwater retention pond was installed that irrigates lawns along Highway 5 in Waconia.
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Waconia stormwater reuse station
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There are several programs and opportunities for you to help keep our water clean!
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Water Quality Cost-Share Program
The Carver County Water Management Organization wants to help you protect our water! If you have a project you would like to implement that will improve water quality, we can match 75% (up to $5,000) of the cost of your project. These projects include raingardens, shoreline restoration, water reuse projects, and more!
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Pollinator Conservation Program
The Carver County Soil and Water Conservation District has funding to help you install new pollinator gardens! These gardens provide food and shelter to native pollinators and keep our water clean by preventing soil erosion and stopping runoff from reaching lakes and streams. You may receive up to $2,000 to create this beautiful habitat!
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Shoreline Habitat Program
How healthy is your shoreline? Native plants keep runoff out of our lakes and streams better than turf grass. The Carver County Soil and Water Conservation District has funding to convert your turf grass shoreline into native habitat. You may receive 75% (up to $2,500) to establish native shorelines that keep our lakes clean!
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Rachio Smart Sprinkler Discount
The Carver County Water Management Organization has partnered with Rachio to save Waconia residents $130-160 off a new Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. These controllers use local weather data to know the best times to water your lawn and garden, saving you money and conserving water.
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Love your aquatic plants, here's why...
Native aquatic plants are key to maintaining high-water quality and promoting lake ecosystem health! Lake Waconia is home to 23 species of native aquatic plants, including water stargrass, flatstem pondweed, slendar naiad, and white water lily. These plants have several roles in protecting Lake Waconia, which we will explore below.
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Preventing lake shore erosion
Aquatic plant roots hold soil in place and prevent waves from kicking up sediment. This prevents shoreline erosion and helps keep water clear.
Providing food and shelter to aquatic animals
Plants are the basis of the food web and provide shelter for many animals, which allows Lake Waconia to support a community of fish, amphibians, insects, and waterfowl.
Filtering water
Aquatic plants remove phosphorus and nitrogen from the water to grow, which prevents algae blooms from developing during the summer.
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What if plants interfere with recreation?
It may be unenjoyable to swim and boat in areas of the lake with many aquatic plants. But it is also unenjoyable to recreate on lakes with very poor water quality. In some circumstances, it is against the law to destroy or remove aquatic plants from lakes without a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Always check with the DNR before removing aquatic vegetation and leave as many aquatic plants as possible that do not interfere with recreation.
Invasive aquatic plants
Unfortunately, not all aquatic plants are beneficial for lake health. Invasive aquatic plants can take over lakes and kill native plants. Lake Waconia currently contains two species of invasive aquatic plants: Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed. We can prevent the spread of these plants by supporting diverse native aquatic plant communities, which makes it harder for invasive plants to establish in a lake. Always make sure to check your boat and fishing equipment for aquatic hitchhikers when moving between lakes to prevent further spread of invasive species in Carver County.
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You can make a big difference in the quality of Lake Waconia! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, comments, or concerns about lake and stream health in Carver County.
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