A C ranking for the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a triumph of environmental restoration

In 2023, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources assigned letter grades to about 3,000 lakes, with the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes receiving a C rating. This new grading system enables residents to easily assess and compare lake health. Michael Hayman noted that strategic investments over the past three decades helped prevent the lakes from reaching a tipping point. Once plagued by pollution and declining water quality, the lakes have shown significant improvement since the 1990s. The four lakes—Cedar, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Harriet—collect stormwater from extensive urban development, making their C grades noteworthy.

In contrast, many other lakes in Minnesota that received higher grades remain largely untouched by human activity. The DNR's grading system highlights the importance of continued environmental efforts to maintain water quality. As urban areas expand, the health of these lakes will remain critical for public safety and recreational use.