Edina
Project Overview:
Indianhead lakes are landlocked lakes surrounded by residential properties in Edina. Recent District lake studies show poor water quality below state standards in both lakes. The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board of Managers ordered the Arrowhead Lake and Indianhead Lake Improvement Project in November 2023. The projects on these lakes are designed to improve the water quality by reducing the amount of phosphorus, an algae producing nutrient, in these lakes. Phosphorous in the water column can promote algae growth.
Project Details:
The district plans a combination of activities in 2024 to help reduce the nutrients contributing to poor water quality in Indianhead Lake and improve overall lake health:
The district plans a combination of activities in 2024 to help reduce the nutrients contributing to poor water quality in Indianhead Lake and improve overall lake health:
In-Lake Aluminum and Iron Sediment Treatment
- District water quality studies revealed that most of the phosphorus in Indianhead Lake is coming from the lake bottom sediments.
Lake Aeration
- Aeration of the lakes will help ensure that there are adequate oxygen levels in the lake to enhance and prolong the effectiveness of the aluminum and iron treatments.
Enhanced Street Sweeping
- Collecting organic material from streets before it enters the storm drains that lead to Indianhead Lake reduces the amount of phosphorus and other pollutants entering the lakes. The City of Edina has already started sweeping more frequently in the Indianhead sub-watersheds, the district will assess if more sweeping is necessary.
Project Updates:
2025 water quality monitoring shows Indianhead Lake is meeting MPCA water quality standards since 2024. The 2025 Water Quality Monitoring report will be posted here later this summer.
Community Engagement:
A community meeting was held on October 9th, 2023, at Edina Public Works. At the meeting, City staff shared the results of the lake level study for flood risk reduction and watershed district engineers shared the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District plans to improve water quality in Arrowhead and Indianhead lakes. Previous community meetings were held during the development of the water quality study.
Watershed District Water Quality Presentation
Project Timeline:
- August 2022: Water quality study complete
- October 2023: Feasibility study complete
- November 2023: Project ordered by watershed district
- May 2024: Aluminum and iron treatment-Completed
- October 2024: Aeration system installation-Completed
- 2024 and beyond: Monitoring and evaluation
- 2024 Water Quality Monitoring Report 2024:
Resources
Arrowhead and Indianhead Feasibility Study Report
Arrowhead and Indianhead Frequently Asked Questions
2022 Indianhead Fisheries and DO profiles survey REPORT
Questions?
Contact Jordan Wein, Water Resources Project Manager, at 952-800-8307 jwein@ninemilecreek.org