SPRING ALUM TREATMENT

An important project to reduce harmful nutrients in Wassermann Lake will be kicking off next week. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has planned alum treatments for Wassermann Lake and nearby Wassermann West Pond, which will significantly increase both the health and clarity of the lake.

The first alum treatment of the lake and the pond will begin the week of May 10th, and it is anticipated the work will be completed by May 14th. Under DNR authorization, the Wassermann Lake public boat launch will serve as a storage and staging area for the alum treatments. While the lake and boat launch will remain open during the treatments, people using the launch may experience short delays when the alum application boats are refilling tanks or adjusting equipment. Delays will be minimized as much as possible.

Watercraft with large tanks will apply alum to the water surface in a precise, GPS tracked pattern to ensure appropriate coverage. During application, the water will temporarily appear cloudy as the alum sinks to the beds of the lake and pond. Over the course of the treatment, the water clarity will increase as nutrients are captured and contained by the alum.

This fall, the District will provide an update to the community on the lake’s response to the alum treatment to date. A second and final treatment for the lake is planned for the fall of 2022. The results of the alum treatment project will be a significantly clearer and healthier Wassermann Lake with far fewer algae blooms.

For additional questions about this project, contact Laura Domyancich-Lee at LDomyancich-Lee@minnehahacreek.org.