The Waterfront Runoff Program began as part of Balsam Lake’s Long Range Plan completed in 2006. Waterfront runoff is a concern because of the nutrients and sediment that are carried in the water to the lake. Nutrients and sediment impact lake water quality. Phosphorus causes algae blooms in the lake, and sediment smothers habitat and can increase nuisance aquatic plant growth.

The Waterfront Runoff Program offers free site visits and analysis for reducing runoff from your Balsam Lake property. Visits and designs have been offered from 2008 through 2010.

Many owners around the lake have installed projects to reduce runoff and pollutant loading to the lake. To learn more about the types of landscaping practices click on this link.

To see project installed on Balsam Lake click here.