Middle Fork Crow River
WATERSHED DISTRICT
Water Quality
There are numerous lakes, wetlands, river miles, and resources in need of protection throughout the Middle Fork Crow River watershed. It is impossible for the staff and board of the MFCRWD to know everything that is happening throughout the 275 square mile area. Therefore, volunteers are an essential component to learning and managing our water resources. Additionally, the District recognizes that citizens who learn about and care for their resources are the best way to protect those resources as they have experience and connection to the resource. Through day to day interaction, volunteers can be aware of changes, problems, or improvements to their lake or river area.
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There are several sites along the streams, rivers, and waterways that the MFCRWD monitors. By examining the water quality data from the stream monitoring sites with the data collected in the lakes, we will be able to develop a better understanding of water quality throughout the watershed. Having data will help determine not only where there are water quality issues requiring further investigation, but also evaluate water quality trends over time and more accurately prepare for future projects.
Lake Monitoring
The District currently monitors 15 lakes in the watershed: Diamond Lake, Elkhorn Lake, George Lake, Green Lake, Hubbard, Schulz & Wheeler Lakes, Lake Monongalia / Mill Pond, Long Lake, Nest Lake, and Tadd & Upper Lake. To evaluate lake health within the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD), we monitor four key water quality parameters: Total Phosphorus (TP), Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and Secchi disk transparency. Each of these indicators provides important insights into the ecological condition and recreational suitability of a waterbody. Surface-integrated samples (taken from the upper 6 feet of the water column) are used to provide this insight into the chemical condition of the water body and determine its suitability for fisheries and recreational use. They also become an important indicator of potential land use problems in the watershed. Lake samples are collected monthly or bimonthly from May through September and tested for TP, TSS, and Chlorophyll-a.
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Total Phosphorus (TP) is a vital nutrient for aquatic plant growth and a natural component of healthy ecosystems. However, elevated phosphorus levels can lead to excessive algal growth, reduced oxygen levels, and impaired water quality. Managing phosphorus is critical to preventing harmful algal blooms and maintaining clear, clean water. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is a pigment found in algae which serves as a direct indicator of algal abundance. High chlorophyll-a concentrations often correlate with increased nutrient levels and reduced water clarity. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) measures the concentration of particles suspended in the water, such as silt, algae, and organic matter. High TSS levels can reduce water clarity, affect aquatic habitats, and interfere with recreational uses. Lastly, Secchi Disk Transparency is a simple yet effective method measures how deep light penetrates the water. Greater Secchi depths generally indicate clearer water and lower levels of suspended materials and algae.
All monitored waterbodies within the MFCRWD are evaluated against established water quality standards. For a lake to be considered healthy, these parameters must remain at or below set thresholds. The continued monitoring and analysis of these parameters help guide management efforts and protect the long-term health of George Lake and the watershed as a whole.
For further information, click on the links below to view more water quality data:
Calhoun Lake
Diamond Lake
Elkhorn Lake
George Lake
Green Lake
Hubbard, Schulz & Wheeler Lakes
Lake Monongalia / Mill Pond
Long Lake
Nest Lake
Tadd & Upper Lake
Stream Monitoring
The District monitors 13 total stream locations throughout the watershed: MFC1, MFC3, MFC4, MFC5, CD37, JD17, CL3, DL1, DL6, DL7, SWL2, Manannah, and Paynesville (stream sites depicted as yellow diamonds in map above).
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At each of these stations, we monitor water quality parameters (i.e. Total Phosphorus, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, and Total Suspended Solids), stream height, conditions, and clarity. Together, these readings help the watershed district understand the overall river health and how it affects the surrounding environment. These results are used to take appropriate action to protect and restore water quality.
Water Quality Reports
We have consistently monitored all of our sites from 2008-2025. All of these monitored bodies within the MFCRWD are evaluated based off four key water quality parameters: Total Phosphorus, Chlorophyll-a, Total Suspended Solids, and Secchi disk transparency. These parameters provide insight into the conditions, chemistry, and recreation suitability of a waterbody. Results from these are evaluated against the Minnesota Pollution Control Aency's water quality standards and must stay within thresholds. Continued monitoring and data analysis guide the district's management efforts to protect the long-term health of our lakes, ecosystems, community, and district as a whole.
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The following files are yearly updated water quality reports of all of the lakes within our district. These reports give insight into our water quality background and results, what they mean, recommendations for improvement, and key takeaways. For more information, please contact our Water Resources Specialist Erin Vruwink at 320-796-0888 or erin@mfcrow.org.
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2025 Water Quality Reports:
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