Improving and Protecting Local Water Quality

Lakeville Environmental Resources partners with local entities to implement water quality protection and enhancement projects within the City including stream restorations, stormwater improvements, lake health monitoring and aquatic invasive species prevention. Funding for projects comes from sources including (but not limited to): Clean Water Fund grants administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources, Conservation Partners Legacy grants administered by the Department of Natural Resources, and Aquatic Invasive Species grants administered by Dakota County. Below are examples of keystone projects implemented since 2018, as well as additional annual water quality protection and enhancement efforts.

Find out more about the Clean Water Fund Amendment.

Stream Restorations

North Creek Channel Improvement

In 2022, the City improved 1.1 miles of North Creek (a tributary to the Vermillion River) through a partnership with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization. The project helped reduce nutrient loading and improve water quality within the historically eroded channel by stabilizing channel banks and reconnecting the channel to its adjacent floodplain and wetlands.

2022 North Creek Channel Improvement (PDF)

Middle Creek Restoration

In 2020, the City began restoration of 1 mile of stream near the intersection of Dodd and Highview within the Pinnacle Reserve development. This stretch of Middle Creek has historically been characterized by eroding banks and defined channel incision. Coupling the restoration with new development has added a new wide stream buffer, rate control ponds and volume control practices to improve water quality. The restoration was completed in 2021.

South Creek Restoration

In 2018, a project restored a tributary of South Creek, a DNR-designated trout stream, separating it from a City stormwater pond. The project benefits included improved water quality, habitat enhancement and fisheries protection.

Fact Sheet
2018 South Creek at Golden Pond Channel Restoration (PDF)

In 2019, the City restored a channelized 1,400 linear feet of the stream. In addition, the project converted six acres of previously cropped land to native vegetation to act as a stream buffer and provide pollinator habitat.

Fact Sheet
2019 South Creek Restoration at Hamburg (PDF)

Stormwater Improvements

Foxborough Park Stormwater Improvement Project

Through a partnership with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO), the City of Lakeville was awarded $346,500 in state Clean Water Funding to construct a stormwater pond within Foxborough Park. Historically, the surrounding drainage area has lacked stormwater treatment, as the neighborhood was developed prior to state stormwater management standards. This project will result in the reduction of nutrient loading, and improved water quality, within North Creek (a tributary to the Vermillion River).

Project Timeline

Winter/spring 2023: Bid opening and subsequent project award
Summer/fall 2023: Project construction (2-3 weeks of active construction)
November 2023: Final project restoration

165th Street Stormwater Improvement

In 2021, the City was awarded $250,000 for water quality retrofits to an existing City stormwater pond located south of 165th Street between Kenrick and Kentucky Avenues. Funds are being directed from the Board of Water and Soil Resources’ Watershed Based Implementation Funding (as part of the Clean Water Legacy Amendment). The project will result in reduced sediment and phosphorus load to area waters and will help slow the flow of water during 10-year and larger storm events.

Fact Sheet

2021 165th Street Stormwater Improvement (PDF)

Lake Projects

Lake Monitoring and Studies

The City conducts annual lake studies on Lake Marion, Lee Lake, Kingsley Lake, Orchard Lake, East Lake and Valley Lake. These studies help to develop innovative water quality enhancements, develop an ongoing database for long-term monitoring and helps to initiate rapid response for aquatic invasive species.

Fact Sheets

Prevention and Control of Aquatic Invasive Species

Approximately 8% of Minnesota waters are infested by aquatic invasive species. The City combats the spread of AIS through:

Watercraft inspections at Lake Marion and Orchard Lake
Treatment of curlyleaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil
Monthly targeted AIS searches

Lake Marion is the only waterbody in the City of Lakeville that is infested by zebra mussels. If you spot zebra mussels while recreating on Lake Marion, please report immediately to the City by following this link.

Fact Sheet

2022 Prevention and Control of Aquatic Invasive Species (PDF)

Rough Fish Management in East Lake

In 2018, the City of Lakeville estimated the biomass of common carp in East Lake. Carp abundance was found to be above 100 kg/ha, which is the threshold at which negative water quality impacts are observed. In addition, tracking devices were installed to determine if carp were able to freely travel outside of the lake. In 2020, the City sponsored a feasibility study to evaluate design alternatives for physical and electrical carp barriers. The study found that the most cost-effective option was a low-voltage electric barrier.

In 2019, the City continued common carp monitoring efforts, and determined that fish were able to freely migrate into North Creek, a tributary of the Vermillion River. Goldfish, which also negatively impact water quality, were also found within the lake.

Fact Sheet
2020 East Lake Carp Assessment (PDF)