Lake & Water Quality Information

The Nelson Lakeside Park swimming beach is currently open for the season.

During the open beach season, Hennepin County monitors the beach by sampling and analyzing the water regularly to make sure it is safe for swimming. You can view a public beach map showing openings and closings, and learn more information about the beach monitoring program, on the Hennepin County website.

Dialing 911 is no longer just for emergencies.  Whether you're seeing an incident or emergency on the lake you need to report, or whether you want to report something like an off-leash dog in a neighborhood, please call 911.  Hennepin County Dispatch is now linked with public safety agencies reporting systems, saving time for data collection by officers and responders.  Regarding any public safety issues, incidents, or emergencies you witness or experience while on Long Lake or at the public launch that you wish to report for enforcement, please call 911 while the situation is in progress.  Should you have concerns to voice or questions about lake usage rules and regulations, you may also email Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol at sheriff.waterpatrol [at] hennepin.us.

The Long Lake Waters Association was formed in 2016.  The organization's mission is to provide collaborative leadership in improving and protecting the quality of Long Lake and its watershed for the enjoyment of present and future generations.  

The role of any waters association is typically to:

• Learn about the threats to clean water resources and management practices.
• Better understand how water quality and management of lakes and streams can impact recreation, fish and wildlife, property values, and other factors.
• Get involved in protecting and improving the quality and management of lakes, streams, and surrounding areas.

Visit to learn more about the Long Lake Waters Association website.

The City of Long Lake residents play an important role in helping to protect the water quality of Long Lake, smaller wetlands, and creeks.

Phosphorus, a nutrient for plant growth that is naturally abundant in our soils, is the biggest pollution problem for Minnesota lakes.  Fertilizers, grass clippings, leaves, eroded soil, and animal wastes are all sources of phosphorus.  When excess phosphorus is applied to soil, it can wash off into our lakes and creeks where it accelerates algae growth.  One extra pound of phosphorus added to a lake can produce up to 500 pounds of algae!  Excessive algae growth diminishes water quality and can cause problems for fish and other aquatic life.

Minnesota lawmakers passed the Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer law in 2003 restricting the use of phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizer.  Effective January 2004, lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus may not be used in the seven-county metropolitan area, including Hennepin County.  Long Lake residents must use non-phosphorus fertilizers.

• Rake and sweep up!  Grass clippings, tree seeds, leaves, and other lawn debris are sources of phosphorus.  Mow so that grass clippings are directed back into the lawn and not into the street.  When done mowing, sweep sidewalks, driveways, and streets clean of grass clippings.  In the fall, rake the street clean of leaves along with your yard.
   
• Use phosphorus-free fertilizer.  Adhere to Minnesota's phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer law and use fertilizers conservatively.  Slow-release fertilizers are excellent alternatives to soluble fertilizers and are less likely to create a flush of nutrient-laden runoff pollution.
   
• Keep the soil in place.  Control soil erosion around your home.  Bare soil is easily washed away with rain, carrying phosphorus with it.  Prevent soil erosion by keeping soil covered with vegetation or mulch.  Soil piles from landscaping and construction projects can be covered with tarps to keep them from washing away.
   
• Pick up after pets.  In addition to containing phosphorus which turns lakes green with algae, pet waste contains bacteria which can lead to beach closings.  Collect pet waste in plastic bags and place them in the garbage.  Never use storm drains for disposing of pet waste.
   
• Dump no waste.  Never use storm drains for disposing of materials such as engine oil, antifreeze, or cleaners.  When you wash your vehicle or lawn equipment, wash it on your lawn so dirt and soap don't run into the storm drain.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is a local unit of government responsible for managing and protecting the water resources of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed in parts of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its western suburbs.  The MCWD is responsible for 181 square miles that drain into the Minnehaha Creek and ultimately the Mississippi River. The watershed includes Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, and Minnehaha Falls. There are eight major creeks, 129 lakes, and thousands of wetlands within the MCWD. The MCWD also includes all or part of 27 cities (including Long Lake) and two townships in Hennepin and Carver counties.

The MCWD uses scientific research and monitoring, public education, grant programs, permitting, and collaborative initiatives with local governments, agencies, and residents, to protect the region’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Protecting and managing these resources is important for recreation, fish and wildlife, the environment, and property values.

Established in 1967, the MCWD was created under the Minnesota Watershed District Act. The 1955 act charged watershed districts with integrating water management efforts among city, county, and state agencies. Districts receive funding through local property taxes.

To learn more about the MCWD, or about what you can do as a property owner to make a difference in improving water quality, please contact and visit the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District at 952-471-0590.