Note from the District

September 2025

As summer turns to fall, the new season brings fresh opportunities to care for our watershed. Our water resources team is wrapping up the field season of regular lake and stream monitoring. They will spend the next few months analyzing the data they've collected to determine if any water quality standards were exceeded this year and to track water quality trends over time. Aluminum sulfate (alum) treatments occurred on Rice Marsh Lake and Round Lake last week, which will reduce internal nutrient-loading of lakes—and therefore the growth of algae—by trapping the nutrient phosphorus in sediments, making it unavailable as food for algae. 

We couldn't do this work without the support of an engaged community. Help shine a spotlight on local champions by nominating a friend or neighbor (or yourself!), who has gone above and beyond for clean water, for our Outstanding Watershed Steward award. Next Wednesday, September 24, join us at the Preserve Association Barn for a Discover Your Watershed Party with Nine Mile Creek Watershed District and enjoy free barbeque, games and resources. We also invite you to help shape the future of watershed management by providing input on our 10-year Plan Update Survey, which closes at the end of September. As leaves begin to fall, don’t forget that small actions make a big difference - adopting a storm drain near your house and keeping it clear of leaves and debris helps protect our lakes, streams, and wetlands all year long.