Carver County Water Management Organization

09/02/2026

Blue-green algae blooms are popping up again. Along with Waconia, staff suspect blooms at Lakes Benton, Hazeltine, Jonathan, and Grace.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can't be fully identified unless under a microscope, but you can get a good idea just by observation. If the water looks like spilled paint or pea soup, or if you poke a stick in only to have it come out looking like its covered in paint, it is likely blue-green algae.

When in doubt, stay out! https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/blue-green-algae-and-harmful-algal-blooms

Beach at Lake Waconia Regional Park Temporarily Closed Due to Suspected Blue-Green Algae

Out of an abundance of caution, the beach at Lake Waconia Regional Park is temporarily closed to all water recreation until further notice due to a suspected blue-green algae bloom in Lake Waconia.

The following activities are not permitted at the beach during the closure:

• Swimming
• Wading
• Launching watercraft

Thank you for your patience as we work to help keep visitors safe. We will share updates as more information becomes available.

Learn more about blue-green algae and harmful algal blooms from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/blue-green-algae-and-harmful-algal-blooms?fbclid=IwY2xjawUDwIdwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWNJNG1YVkJETW9ZV2JqNWFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEej953RlV00mUW_BN77yXNk5WjJIfPIbBRlm_9JQhaCWh50ohjwRNQvo8ic4k_aem_IzhaJb-IXJs8kk-Kyj1YWw

08/27/2026

New look at Lake Bavaria

For many years, a type of red rock gravel has covered the surface of Lake Bavaria's public access. This gravel can break down and erode into the lake causing sediment pollution. Last week, the surface was replaced with crushed granite. Granite is a harder rock that does not break down as easily as red rock, reducing sediment pollution in the lake. Six inches of granite was placed on top of the current red rock and will be compacted in place by traffic.

Photo: Lake Bavaria public access showing both the old red rock and the new crushed gravel being put down.

06/04/2026

Carver County made many news headlines in 2019 when our water management team discovered thousands of goldfish in a creek north of Big Woods Lake in Chaska. Our team has been studying and removing the goldfish since.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently published a video featuring our local aquatic invasive species program coordinator, Andrew Dickhart, and many of our goldfish management practices.

Watch the video to learn how goldfish are impacting our lakes and rivers and what is the best way to rehome a pet.

Goldfish, often illegally introduced by well-meaning pet owners, ar...

05/27/2026

We are thrilled to announce we will be hosting a MN GreenCorps member starting in September and the application for Minnesota GreenCorps members is now open! We are looking for a member who is interested in learning about native plants, chloride pollution, and stormwater practice monitoring. The position will work on education and outreach projects as well as monitoring projects. There are up to 58 positions statewide and the service term is September 2026 through August 2027. Learn more by visiting the link Minnesota GreenCorps bio!

05/07/2026

Looking for summer employment and enjoy working outdoors?

Carver County is seeking watercraft inspectors for the summer to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Inspectors work at public boat launches doing inspections, educating visitors on aquatic invasive species prevention, and ensuring local and state regulation compliance. FT/PT and flexible hours!

https://www.carvercountymn.gov/departments/employee-relations/job-opportunities

05/01/2026

Carver County provides smart irrigation controllers to residents at reduced costs through the Rachio redemption program. Smart controllers use local weather forecasts to get the right amount of water to lawns and gardens and save you money.

Get an additional $20-25 off during the upcoming bonus week, May 18 -25.

Grass only needs 1 inch of water a week and that came come from rain or a hose. Making sure systems aren't overwatering or watering during wet periods preserves our groundwater - where we get our drinking water from - and prevents excess runoff.

Visit https://www.carvercountymn.gov/departments/public-services/planning-water-management/water-management/get-involved/smart-water-program

04/08/2026

There is still time to get your rain barrel ordered before they are ready for pick up at the Carver County Environmental Center.

Carver County residents can receive $20 off a rain barrel while supplies last.

Order with Recycling Association of Minnesota at www.recycleminnesota.org. Select Carver County as your pickup location use code "carver20" to receive your discount. Discount valid for Carver County residents only. One discount available per household, while supplies last.

Rain barrels can be picked up at the Environmental Center 116 Peavey Circle, Chaska, MN 55318 during regular business hours starting April 15, 2026.

04/06/2026

High acetochlor levels have been detected in Silver Creek, with most spikes happening after heavy rainfall early in the season (early May- early June). Elevated acetochlor can damage aquatic plants, reduce habitat quality, and negatively impact sensitive fish and invertebrates. Continued spikes could lead to future restrictions on acetochlor use in the watershed.

If you farm or rent out land in the 25,000-acre Silver Creek watershed, your early season decisions can help protect the creek and keep acetochlor available for future use.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture recommends
• Use non acetochlor herbicides early in the season
• Incorporate pre plant applications
• Avoid applying before heavy rain
• Use the lowest effective label rate and premixes
• Maintain vegetative buffers along waterways.

Small changes now can protect local water quality and prevent future restrictions.
For more info, questions or assistance, contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, [email protected], or 651-201-6029.

More info on best practices athttps://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/inline-files/acetochlorbmps.pdf