Eden Prairie
Project Overview:
To improve the health of Bryant Lake, the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District (NMCWD) conducted an alum treatment in 2008 and 2013 to control nutrient levels (phosphorus) in the lake. The alum treatments, in conjunction with a wetland restoration project upstream, resulted in a decrease in phosphorus that improved the overall health of the lake. Because of these projects, Bryant Lake was removed from Minnesota’s impaired waters list.
Through time, alum treatments can lose efficiency. Due to this, NMCWD is currently re-evaluating the health of Bryant Lake to determine whether additional lake improvements are needed. Review of water quality monitoring data from recent years suggests generally good water quality conditions in the surface waters of Bryant Lake. However, samples collected at deeper depths indicate that internal phosphorus loading from lake bottom sediment may be increasing and worsening water quality conditions, namely increasing algal abundance in the lake. The NMCWD seeks to evaluate the extent of internal phosphorus loading in Bryant Lake and identify management recommendations, as needed.
Study Details:
This study will review historical information on water quality, aquatic plants, fish populations, algae, lake levels, and lake-bottom sediments, as well as changes within the surrounding watershed that may influence nutrient runoff.
Consultants will assess the effectiveness of past lake and watershed improvement projects, estimate the amount of phosphorus entering the lake from both watershed runoff and lake sediments, and use models to better understand how phosphorus sources are affecting water quality and algae growth.
Based on the findings, the study will develop recommendations and cost estimates for reducing internal phosphorus loading from lake sediments.
The results will help guide decisions to protect and enhance the long-term health of Bryant Lake.
Community Engagement:
Virtual Community Meeting, July 13, 2026 12-1p
meeting link will be posted here.
Study Timeline:
May 20, 2026- Board of Managers approved the internal loading scope of work (SOW)
August 5, 2026- Staff will review the Internal loading assessment with the Board of Managers
August 19, 2026- Public hearing
Questions:
Contact Erica Erica Sniegowski, Administrator, p: 952-658-9024, e: esniegowski@ninemilecreek.org