FAIRMONT — Preliminary research on the Fairmont Chain of Lakes is showing high levels of phosphorus and growing concerns about water quality. Dr. Ryan Wersal of Minnesota State University-Mankato presented the early findings Tuesday to the Lakes Management Committee. Researchers have been visiting the lakes weekly since May, collecting water, sediment and plant samples while also studying Curly Leaf Pondweed. Wersal says the lakes have significant historic phosphorus loading, with roughly half typically coming from internal sources and half from outside runoff. He says phosphorus is also being released from the lake sediment back into the water. Researchers also found lower dissolved oxygen levels in George, Budd and Sisseton lakes, which Wersal says could contribute to fish kills if levels remain too low for too long. Meanwhile, the city removed nearly 18 tons of Curly Leaf Pondweed through its free pickup program this summer, nearly double last year’s total. The program served 178 lake residents, compared with 71 last year, while the city’s cost increased from about 28-hundred dollars in 2025 to more than 10-thousand dollars this year. The research project will continue into October, with a more complete report expected as the data is compiled.
