Big Sand’s clear water is our lake’s greatest treasure, and volunteers have tracked it since the association began.

Water quality monitoring

Each season, BSLA volunteers measure water clarity with a Secchi disk, measure lake level and temperature, monitor calcium and oxygen levels, and do water quality testing by collecting samples for phosphorus and chlorophyll. RMB Environmental Laboratories analyzes the samples as part of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Citizen Lake Monitoring Program.

We conduct zebra mussel sampling and settlement monitoring and inspect docks and lifts in the fall. We also regularly hire professional services for early AIS detection and aquatic plant mapping.

• RMB Laboratories Big Sand Lake Information and Water Quality Report
• 2024 RMB Lab 7-Year Water Quality Report
• 2017 and 2012 RMB 5-Year Reports
• DNR Clarity Averages, 1975–2008

Lake Management Plan

In 2005, BSLA created a Lake Management Plan with support from the Initiative Foundation’s Healthy Lakes and Rivers Partnership. It set goals in nine areas, from water quality and fisheries to shoreland, wildlife, and public access. The 2026 AIS Management Plan now guides our invasive species work.

Publicly Available Reports & Lake Data

This section highlights Big Sand Lake's historic and ongoing water metrics.

• MN DNR LakeFinder: Big Sand Lake (ID: 29-0185-00)
  The definitive hub for state data. Residents can access official DNR fisheries surveys, lake depth maps, water clarity histories, stocking logs, and aquatic plant maps.
• MPCA Citizen Water Monitoring Dashboard
  Hosts historical, citizen-submitted water clarity (Secchi disk) data, chlorophyll levels, and total phosphorus data for Big Sand Lake collected by volunteers over decades.
• Hubbard County COLA Water Quality Reports

Provides localized trend assessments—such as the 20-year summary reports—and localized analyses monitoring the health of the Northern Lakes and Forests ecoregion.

• DNR Watershed Health Assessment Framework (WHAF)
  Provides clean health scores for the broader Big Sand lakeshed and watershed, assessing hydrology, biology, water quality, and connectivity.
• Minnesota Impaired Waters List (EPA 303d)
  Public records detailing the lake’s legal status regarding pollutants, notably state tracking maps detailing historical statewide guidelines for mercury in fish tissue.

Useful External Resources & Partner Websites

This section provides quick links to the websites of organizations involved in monitoring and protecting the water quality of Minnesota lakes

• Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (HC COLA)
  An invaluable resource for county-wide preservation. Property owners can find updates on the "Eyes on the Water" Early Detection Survey, check regional event schedules, and join local initiatives.
• Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)
  The center of scientific research for fighting invasive species in Minnesota. Perfect for residents looking to identify, understand, and learn management protocols for threats like Zebra Mussels and Starry Stonewort.
• Hubbard County Environmental Services Office
  Our local county department administering shoreland management ordinances, permits, and zoning. This portal connects residents to Aaron Anderson's Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) group, which coordinates the watercraft inspection schedules at our public accesses and leads local early-detection efforts.
• Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates (MLR)
  Big Sand Lake Association is a proud member organization of MLR. Residents can use this portal to join the Minnesota Lake Steward program, take the shoreline health quiz, and use the Citizens Action Network (CAN) to track state-level water protection bills and advocate for civic action.
• MN DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Program
  The official site for learning Minnesota boating laws, accessing the current statewide Infested Waters List, and finding information on volunteer AIS inspector training.
• RMB Environmental Laboratories
  The laboratory partner responsible for analyzing the local water samples gathered by our lake monitors. Includes great educational tools regarding lake chemistry basics.
• University of Minnesota Extension Shoreland Education
  Provides excellent resources for property owners on how to properly manage shorelines, reduce lawn runoff, design rain gardens, and plant native vegetation to protect Big Sand's oligotrophic water.