03/25/2026
We're going to be sharing more information in a series of posts to further educate, inform and include property owners in our initiatives to improve our impaired lake!
What Parents & Grandparents Should Know Before Letting Kids Swim in Cedar Lake:
For many families in southern Minnesota, summer means one thing: kids in the water! Lakes are where memories are made - learning to swim, jumping off docks, and long afternoons with friends. But in recent years, water quality has become a growing concern, especially for families with young children. High levels of E. coli, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and frequent algae blooms are increasingly common in our regional lakes—and they pose real health risks that parents should understand before allowing their children to swim.
Why Lake Water Quality Matters More for Kids:
Children are more vulnerable than adults when it comes to waterborne contaminants:
-They swallow more water while swimming
-Their immune systems are still developing
-They often have cuts, scrapes, or skin conditions that allow bacteria to enter the body
-They are less likely to recognize early symptoms or stop swimming when they feel unwell
-What might be a mild irritation for an adult can be far more serious for a child.
E. coli: More Than Just a Stomach Bug:
E. coli bacteria typically enter lakes through:
-Agricultural runoff
-Failing septic systems
-Waterfowl and wildlife
-Heavy rainfall washing contaminants into the lake
-Potential symptoms in children:
-Diarrhea and vomiting
-Severe stomach cramps
-Fever and dehydration (especially dangerous for young kids)
Cyanobacteria: Especially Dangerous for Kids & Pets:
Cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more frequent in warm, nutrient-rich lakes across southern Minnesota. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that affect the liver, nervous system, and skin.
Warning signs include:
-Green, blue-green, or pea-soup-colored water
-Surface scum or paint-like streaks
-Foul or musty odors
Health risks for children:
-Rashes, hives, or blistering
-Eye and ear irritation
-Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
-Headache or muscle weakness
-In rare cases: serious liver damage
Young children and pets are most at risk, and swallowing even small amounts of contaminated water can be dangerous.
Our Responsibility and Our Opportunity to Protect Cedar Lake:
The good news is - there is something we can do. The Cedar Lake Association is actively working on a lake cleanup and water quality improvement project designed to reduce harmful bacteria, limit nutrient overload, and mitigate algae blooms that threaten swimming safety—especially for our children. These solutions are proven, proactive, and focused on long-term improvement, not temporary fixes. But they require community support to move forward.
This Is a Community Effort—and It Starts With Us:
Improving lake water quality isn’t the responsibility of just one property owner or one family. It only works when those who care about Cedar Lake come together. We are asking lake residents to consider supporting this effort through a pledge to the Cedar Lake Association for the Lake Cleanup Project.
Please Consider an Annual Pledge:
We encourage families to consider an annual pledge for three years of $500–$1,000/year (or more if you can).
To put that in perspective:
-For the price of going out to eat once a month as a couple, you can make a significant and lasting difference in the safety, health, and enjoyment of Cedar Lake.
Pledges allow the Association to:
-Purchase equipment to stabilize the water chemistry without chemicals
-Implement treatments at the right time and scale
-Measure results and adapt strategies over time
Whether your pledge is large or small, every commitment matters!
Share This Message:
Clean water depends on awareness. Please share this message with at least three neighbors on the lake—by email, text, or in person. Many residents simply aren’t aware of how water quality issues affect children or that a solution is already underway.
Thank You for Being Part of the Solution:
Cedar Lake is more than a body of water—it’s where our kids grow up, where families gather, and where memories are made. By acting now, we can ensure it remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for generations to come.
Please sign a pledge form and mail it in with your donation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors on the lake!
