Summer Lake Fun in Minnesota

Summertime in Minnesota means time spent out on the lake. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, (perhaps because 11,842 doesn't have the same ring to it) which means there are endless water activities for you and your friends and family to take part in this summer. Take a look at some of our favorite bodies of water to see which one you should visit this summer!

For those of you who look forward to bass fishing in the summer, Rainy Lake may be just the spot for you.  Rainy Lake is located in International Falls and is a great lake to fish on while taking in the surrounding nature.  Wake up early & enjoy the sun rise as you head out to find the catch of the day. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm!

Many who enjoy outdoor water activities such as canoing, kayaking and paddle boarding should make sure to visit the Lake of the Isles.  This lake is located in Minneapolis, MN close to Cedar Lake and Lake Calhoun.  Also, while you are out canoing make sure to take a look at the amazing houses located on the lake! This location is perfect for those who want to enjoy some lake fun without as much of a crowd that some surrounding lakes typically have.

A great lake for swimming and pontoon party fun is Lake Pokegama.  This beautiful spot is located in Pine City, MN.  Lake Pokegama is a perfect place to take the family this summer to enjoy a nice swim, especially since it has a sand bar located right in the center!  For the party-goers, this spot is perfect since there are many places to dock the pontoon & enjoy a few cocktails.

Another great summer spot is Gull Lake, located in Brainerd, MN. This lake is perfect for those who enjoy more of a social scene in the summer time. There are many places to swim, and also pull your boat up to for some great food and drinks. A must-see destination off of Gull Lake is Zorbaz. This bar & restaurant is a hit among tourists and locals.

For some who don’t wish to travel far for some lake fun this summer, we have the perfect spot- take advantage of Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis!  This lake offers so many activities such as kayak and canoe rental, a beach for the bums, and their famous concession stand.  Whether you’re coming for cheese curds, ice cold beer, or even a chilled glass of wine, they’ve got you covered.

These are just a few of the over 10,000 lakes you can take advantage of this summer!  Pick which one fits your personality best and enjoy the water in the summer sun.  

Caffeine Awareness: Why you should be drinking more water

Every March, the United States celebrates Caffeine Awareness Month - 31 days devoted to learning about the addictive nature of caffeine. And though the month of March is over, the repercussions of excessive caffeine use is still a topic of conversation for coffee addicts and soda fanatics alike.

Water, of course, goes hand-in-hand with caffeine consumption. According to the Centers for Disease and Control, 43% of adults admitted to drinking no more than three cups of water a day - at least five cups of water less than what is considered the average necessary for healthy living. In comparison, The FDA recently reported that more than 97 percent of teenagers and adults drink caffeinated beverages.

While some caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks, contain water, their effects on the body are not as healthy as one might hope. The International Journal of Obesity has reported that drinking sugary beverages laced with caffeine have greatly contributed to the obesity epidemic of the western world. Coffee and tea have the potential to stain teeth, while energy drinks and sodas erode tooth enamel, which causes tooth decay. Heart health is also a factor, as well: The American Psychosomatic Society has found that caffeine has a tendency of raising most people’s blood pressure.

So is all caffeine bad? No, says the Washington Post. Research has shown that higher caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, as well as a 20% decrease in the likelihood of developing depression. But none of these benefits outweigh the positives of proper water consumption.

Don’t believe us? We’ve put together a list of six reasons to drink more water, with the help of WebMD and Greatist.

1: Water helps maintain the balance of body fluids.

The human body consists of nearly 60% water. When you ingest water, your brain recognizes it, and will either alert you to excrete it or hold onto it for later.

2: Water can help you with weight loss.

Generally speaking, replacing your habitual lunch soda with water can help conquer your weight-loss goals. Water is a non-caloric beverage, meaning it has no excess calories, and as it regulates your body, it can help control your weight. Plus, studies have shown that people who drink water before a meal lose weight faster than those who don’t.

3: Water energizes your muscles.

Muscle fatigue is an issue that can plague many people, especially athletes who become dehydrated while exercising. Cells that are not fluidly balanced have trouble working as hard as they need to, making it strenuous and sometimes even painful to finish a workout.

4: Water keeps your skin looking youthful.

Dehydration has a tendency of making skin look dry and wrinkled, causing you to look older or less fit than you may actually be. If you are properly hydrated, your skin looks much more evenly toned.

5: Water helps your kidneys.

A body with a well-balanced fluid intake has little to no difficulty transporting waste products in and out of cells correctly. But if your kidneys, which cleanse and rid the body of toxins, aren’t properly hydrated, these toxins can well up in your bloodstream.

6: Water keeps you alert.

Water, a refreshing and mood-boosting option, keeps you focused. Dehydration, including dehydration from coffee consumption, has a tendency of impairing attention span, memory, and motor skills.

So there you have it! Kick the caffeinated habit a little bit and indulge in more water. For more fun water facts, follow us on Twitter, and tweet at us with why you love drinking water.

Winter Weekend Getaways in Minnesota

By mid-February, most Minnesotan’s crave a vacation. After a snow event and frigid temps that normally follow, we all get locked  indoors for months without end. A get away from the stress of work (think frozen or broken water lines) and everyday life is sometimes just what we need. When a plane ticket to the Caribbean is not in the cards, what should you do instead?

The answer to that question is simple: take a Minnesota vacation! Below, we’ve listed 6 of our favorite places to visit on a quiet weekend in the dead of winter. These getaway spots are easy, accessible, and fun!

6. Minnesota State Parks

Minnehaha Falls is a natural winter wonderland. Sawdust_media, Flickr

Aside from lakes, Minnesota is full of state parks, each of which has something unique to offer its visitors -- no matter the season! In the wintertime, there are more than two dozen parks that offer heated cabin rentals, making it easy to explore and enjoy your favorite natural habitat no matter the temperature.

Bonus: Many state parks offer classes or events that help individuals and families learn new wintertime activities, including but not limited to ice fishing, snowshoeing, and winter birdwatching. 

Adventurers are welcome to explore Ely. Chad Hennell, Flickr

5. Grand Ely Lodge in Ely, MN

 Always a favorite in the summertime, Ely is a Minnesotan spot made for the avid type. In the wintertime, however, the options are even more endless. Downtown Ely houses many options for dining or shopping, while the great outdoor terrain offers ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing options.

Bonus: The Grand Ely Lodge has fish house rentals available on Shagawa Lake, which sits near miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Score!

 

4. Canal Park or Spirit Mountain in Duluth, MN

Duluth, MN, is a winter haven. Canal Park, located right on Lake Superior, offers the best of dining, downtown shopping, and historic sightseeing all in one compact location. It’s the perfect destination for people who want a winter getaway but don’t necessarily want to hit the slopes.

Spirit Mtn. offers some of the best MN slopes. MarLeah Cole, Flickr

However, many Minnesotans love strapping on the skis in midst of freshly powdered hills, and there’s no better place to visit than Spirit Mountain in West Duluth. Affordable deals on skiing and snowboarding are offered by both the resort and nearby hotels, making it a great option for vacationers on a budget.

Bonus: Snowshoeing the Superior Hiking Trail, one of the most beautiful trails in Duluth, is free! Depending on the time of your stay, it is also a treat to watch the John Beargrease Sled-Dog Marathon with the kids.

Chilly family fun! Bearskin Lodge, Flickr

3. Bearskin Lodge in Gunflint Trail, MN Bearskin Lodge is an absolute winter wonderland, with something for everyone hidden somewhere in its depths. Snowshoeing is available through the woods and along Bearskin Lake on groomed trails, making it an ideal location for beginners and experts alike. Broomball, ice skating on the lake, dog sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling are also available!

Bonus: 1.5 km of Bearskin Lodge’s trails are lighted, so if you head over to Gunflint Trail, we strongly recommend trying your hand (or foot) at night skiing.

2. Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail, MN

Thumper Pond offers fun for the whole family, indoors or out. Thumperpond.com

Craving some open water instead of the frozen stuff this winter? Head to Thumper Pond Resort. Boasting a 12,000 square foot indoor waterpark, the venue is rustically themed and equipped to leave each family member having fun no matter their age. Activities included in the waterpark include slides, geysers, pools, lazy rivers and a multi-capacity whirlpool.

Bonus: Want the best of both worlds? To get your outside fix, utilize the more than 500-miles of snowmobile-friendly trails in the area. If riding’s not your style, cross country skiing and ice fishing at also available.

1. Lutsen Mountains in Lutsen, MN

Voted one of the top spots to downhill ski in our great state, the North Shore’s Lutsen Mountains are a must-see for anyone craving a bit of extreme outdoor activity. Inside its four hills and 1,000 acres, Lutsen offers 92 runs on some of the highest slopes in the region. Despite its extreme statistics, the area is also known for its family-friendly activities, lakeside dining room, and pool-sauna experiences.

Bonus: Want to take the region’s only gondola ride? It’s offered here exclusively. 

Beautiful slopes and intense terrain collide at Lutsen. John Warren, Flickr

 

We know we missed at least one? Comment below and let us know your favorite Minnesotan places to stay and enjoy the winter season. The opportunities are endless the beautiful state of Minnesota!

The People Behind The Water

Holidays are all about spending time with family and friends -- whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or other holidays. It often doesn't reveal the work on unsung staff working quietly without fanfare to make sure that water arrives without interruption to your house. While families gather together for holiday festivities, the person making sure that there is water in the nearby water tank is alone in the pumping room, overseeing the pumps that ensure water pressure and water availability to hundreds of thousands of people. In the cold and snowy mornings of winter, a water main breaks, threatening to leave a block of homes without water for the day. Water crews leave the warmth of their family homes to go tend to the break and repair it with haste to allow other families to continue on with their day, uninterrupted.

         

Without these men and women, the simple act of turning on the faucet to pour water over the potatoes to help make a holiday meal would never happen. The dishes would go unwashed, the toilets wouldn't flush and the holiday for many would be ruined without their hard work.

How many other people do you know working on during the holidays? Probably a lot, and most of the general public probably doesn’t realize it. We are a 24/7 operation so there are always three Water Treatment and three Distribution employees on duty to operate the treatment plant and to respond to any reported field events that may occur.  This is not unique to a certain holiday season but actually occurs on every federal holiday.  These employees put their chosen profession ahead of other interests as 417,000 people are relying on them to ensure that water service is uninterrupted and any field needs are responded to in a timely manner. We can’t thank all of our employees enough for all of their work, to name a few positions:

Water Treatment Operator

Many water treatment facilities are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A Water Treatment Operator will monitor the water quality throughout the treatment processes and make changes to ensure both quality and quantity meets the expectations of the community.

Water Analyst/Chemist

Incoming water quality changes, process equipment changes and Safe Drinking Water Act testing requirements don’t take weekends and Holidays off. Water Analysts ensure regulatory compliance is met at all times.

Utility Service Operator
Water must reach our homes, restaurants, industries and businesses for use. Maintenance and operation of the water distribution system (water mains, hydrants, water pumping stations, water towers) is required to make sure water leaving the water treatment facility reaches the customer safely and reliably.

Utilities Maintenance Mechanic

Effective preventative maintenance ensures that water systems perform effectively. When equipment is in need of emergency repair or scheduling becomes an issue, a Utilities Maintenance Mechanic role is to make sure water is available around the clock.

Customer Service Employees

Have a problem with the water entering your home? Chances are a call to your local utility will be answered by a customer service employee. Customer service is unique and important to each utility. The Water System Never Sleeps.

 

There are many times where our employees have stopped their holiday celebrations with family to help keep your special day going. Steve Schneider, General Manager of St. Paul Regional Water Services, remembers a time when he worked during Christmas:

I personally remember a broken water main in the City of Oakdale that occurred right outside the main driveway to the church I was attending. The work to repair the main was commenced after the completion of the 10:30 PM service on Christmas Eve and was completed in time for the 7:00 AM service on Christmas morning. I am sure there were some of our employees that were inexplicably tired during the day on that December 25th

We can’t begin to thank everyone of our employees enough for all of their work and contributions throughout the years. So the next time you turn on your water faucet think of the men and women, often working alone or in the cold on holidays, who make your water possible. Remember all the professions working so you can have what you have; there are more than you know!

Minnesota Ice Fishing: Conditions and Tips

Winter in Minnesota can mean many things: blizzards, snowman building, puffy coats and woolen underwear. To many people all around the state, it also means fishing -- ice fishing, to be exact.

The act of ice fishing is simple -- drill a hole in the ice, stick your hook and bobber through, and wait for the fish to come biting-- but the art of it is an entirely different story that requires some patience, supplies, and good luck.

Ice fishing, along with many other winter activities involving ice, is encouraged only during safe conditions. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ice must be at least 4 inches before any activity may take place on it. This specification has so far caused a bit of a rough go for some fisherman this season. Many lakes, such as Leech Lake in Cass County, have broken their surfaces under the weight of heavy vehicles.

Other lakes, such as Hanson Lake in Becker County and Blacksmith, Blue, Crappie and Newman lakes in Hubbard County, are lakes formed by pits that used to be used in mining. Since sinking, they have become filled with water, becoming new habitats for fish. Annually, they are stocked with trout, making them popular for anglers looking to snag a few fresh fish. However, fisherman are encouraged to use caution when using them. “[These lakes] are much deeper and take longer to cool down in the fall than natural lakes,” says Al Stevens, fisheries program consultant with the DNR. “As a result, the ice is usually thinner than on other lakes.”

However, most of the other 10,000+ lakes have safe enough conditions to fish. Hidden Valley Pond in Cottage Grove, MN, recently held a first-time fisher’s outing. The event was attended by Jim Levitt, a fisheries specialist with the DNR, who noted that ice fishing was “a great opportunity to really get that true Minnesota experience.” Many towns situated on lakes or deep ponds are introducing the idea of ice fishing to their residents, hoping to teach the proper safety precautions while also establishing a fun activity for families.

Fish Tales, a Minnesota Fishing Report published by Outdoors Weekly, notes that depending on the area fishermen are interested in, good catches are abound. Walleyes and panfish, such as bluegills and crappies, are the most popular species to catch during a Minnesota winter. In other areas, sauger, perch, pike, crappie, and trout are all available.

When trying to catch the perfect fish, the depth of the water you are fishing in is important, says the DNR. Bluegills and northerns prefer shallow water; walleyes often stay in deeper water. The time of day also plays a factor: bluegills and sunfish gather in schools and can be caught during the daytime, while crappies and walleyes bite best just before sundown. If you aren’t picky, northerns and trout are hungry throughout the day, just like muskies and bass.

The best place to go for all of your ice fishing needs is the Minnesota DNR’s website, which contains fishing reports, specifications, and regulations for all those interested. The ice fishing season will conclude in March/April, but fishing goes year round, as ice melts and lakes open up to warmer weather. For a closer look at the seasons, check this list.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Can you believe winter is here already? Whether or not we’re ready for the bitter cold and mounds of snow, the next season has arrived with a bang! Besides breaking out your winter jacket, snow shovel and ice scraper, there is one way you need to prepare your home.

If not properly winterized, pipes in the winter can be very damaging to your home and property. Minnesota homes are typically built with water pipes located on the inside of the building insulation, which protects the pipes from freezing weather. However, when weather becomes extremely cold or there are holes in the building that allow a flow of cold air to come into contact with pipes, it can lead to freezing – which may lead to busted pipes. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are the most vulnerable to freezing.

 

 

The first thing you should always remember to do is to wrap any pipes located in exposed or unheated areas to prevent them from freezing. Ask an associate at a local hardware store for the best materials to use.

Another way to prepare your home and protect your pipes is to seal off any openings. Be sure to cover up any doors, open cracks and air vents not used during the winter months. You can also install an electric fan on the furnace and direct it to blow hot air onto exposed basement water pipes.

Finally, always be mindful of your home’s temperature. This is especially important if you leave for a vacation. Turning thermostat down may save on a heating bill but be sure to leave it a reasonable temperature. We recommend no lower than 55 degrees.

 

If you suspect that you may have a frozen pipe, don’t take any chances- call a plumber immediately. If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave all faucets open. We highly recommend you do not try and fix this issue yourself for it may only cause more problems in the end.

Do you have any other winter tips for keeping your pipes in tip-top shape? Comment and share them below!

Celebrate Water - 2014 MN AWWA Conference

Considering we proclaim proudly that we are the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it goes without saying that we Minnesotans take water very seriously. Here at the Minnesota AWWA, we’re gearing up for our annual Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association conference...and we couldn’t be more excited!

Why? Because this September, over 1,000 drinking water professionals will make the trek to Duluth for three days of educational presentations and social events centered around Minnesota’s - and planet’s - most precious and essential resource...WATER. (Some people may say children are our most precious resource, but they need clean fresh drinking water, so I am going with water).

Of course, the main purpose for gathering our great State’s water professionals together is to learn and share important information about the latest technology, trends and concerns within the drinking water industry.

Ideally, each attendee will leave far more informed and enthusiastic about the wide world of water than they arrived. But, the calendar is also stacked with numerous social events like a golf outing, trap shooting, and even the legendary Lake Superior fishing trip. All these events raise money for the worthy Water for People charity.

If you’re attending this year’s event, we’re certain you’re well-aware of the fact that each day is teeming with workshops, and you will meet your goal of learning something new. This year we hope along with the education and networking opportunities, you extend your stay in order to spend some time checking out Duluth/Superior to take in the great lakeside sightseeing, dining and shopping.

So, without further ado, here’s our short list of great places to catch the flavor of Duluth.


CANAL PARK
Formerly an industrial, warehousing section of the port city, Canal Park is now home to a wide array of restaurants, bars, shops and attractions, all within a lovely Lake Superior neighborhood. The area includes four miles of lakeside walking and biking paths, the impressively huge and intricate William Irving floating museum, the DeWitt Seitz Marketplace (with more little shops and restaurants than can be listed here) and a favorite of this particular blogger, the Portland Malt Shoppe. Pick a starting point and let your feet guide you!; no car needed!

Another popular attraction in Canal Park is the famous Canal Park Brewery. Stop by for a pint made with fresh, local ingredients and stay for a tour. Don’t forget to try a NorthCoaster Burger! This year the brewery is donating 20% of all proceeds from Tuesday night to Water for People and check out their latest beer that will be named in honor of Minnesota AWWA. Any guess as to what they’ll name it?

GLENSHEEN MANSION
This ornate gem, atop a hill overlooking Lake Superior, boasts a complex and twisted history. The Glensheen Mansion, now owned by the University of Minnesota - Duluth, is not only the most lavish historic home in the region, but was also the scene of a brutal, high-profile double-murder in the late 1970s. This tale and more are the foundation of daily mansion tours; if you have some free time, consider a visit and leave town with a richer understanding of regional history!

FITGER’S RESTAURANT/BREWHOUSE
Another lakeside haunt, Fitger’s is just an awesome place for a fine meal, a delicious appetizer, and/or a pint of seriously good beer. Added bonus - the historic, harborside building includes a hotel (frequently booked solid) and unique shopping. Definitely put this on the short list of places to check out.

Duluth is a vibrant place, and this is only a short list; check this out for even more Duluth sightseeing options.

Have a favorite Duluth haunt? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

See you at the convention in September!