Vadnais Lake Water Levels temporarily lowered

Each fall, the Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) conducts routine maintenance on the infrastructure leading up to Vadnais Lake. This includes the conduits from the Mississippi (in Fridley), Charley Lake, Pleasant Lake, Sucker Lake, and Vadnais, as well as the channels and conduits that lead to the treatment plant on Rice Street near Lake McCarrons.  Because the public water demand is lower in the fall, the SPRWS uses this as a strategic time to lower the water levels for maintenance, while still providing adequate supply. One reason why water demand is lower in the fall is because of the lack of lawn watering. 

vadnais water level flipped.jpg

This year, two projects in addition to routine maintenance and conduit cleaning have kept the water levels down a little longer than usual.

One project was removing zebra mussels that pile up so extensively they actually block the flow of water into Sucker Lake. For a look at this project, see our zebra mussel video here

The second project is to restore the shoreline of the Sucker Lake channel, just south of Hwy 96 in Vadnais/Sucker Lake Park. Because the shoreline previously lacked a vegetative buffer between land and water, sediment and nutrients were being washed into the lake in addition to the shoreline being degraded over time. To preserve this popular fishing destination and support clean water on the front-end of the drinking water facility, the shoreline project will include native plants, new rock installments, buried logs made from natural materials, and a new walking path. For more on this project, click here

Water levels will fluctuate throughout the winter and be back to average in Spring, 2018.

 

Recent Posts

Slow Mow May: The Balanced Way

An overview of the pros and cons of "No Mow May" and a holistic approach to a year-round yard routine that supports soil, water, and pollinators.

Special Thanks to Jesse Farrell

VLAWMO celebrates Technical Commission Chair Jesse Farrell as he concludes his time serving on the TEC.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Sigmon-Olsen Family

Stories and insights learned from stormwater and soil improvements in White Bear Township.

Special Thanks to Bob Larson

VLAWMO thanks Bob Larson for his time on the Technical Commission.

2022 Watershed Award Recipients

VLAWMO is pleased to present this year's Watershed Award recipients. Check our their stories here!

More news

View all news