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Crystal Lake
At almost 300 acres in size, Crystal Lake is Burnsville’s largest lake. It’s a popular recreation destination that offers a public boat launch, fishing pier and public beach.
The Crystal Lake LakeFinder page includes information about fish stocking, water levels and more.
Crystal Lake water level status: Normal
When the water level is on "High Water" status, all watercraft must travel at no-wake speeds (5 miles per hour (MPH) or less). When the status is "Normal" watercraft traffic may resume regular activity.
Lake level readings are taken once per week during the open water season. During periods of high water, the lake level is checked more frequently.
Beach Testing at Crystal Lake
City staff test E. coli levels at the Crystal Lake public swimming beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If levels exceed Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) standards, the beach will temporarily close until it’s safe.
E. coli Standards (Minnesota Rule 7050.0222):
E. coli levels should not exceed 126 organisms per 100 milliliters as a geometric mean for the month.
No more than 10% of samples in a month should exceed 1,260 organisms per 100 milliliters.
This rule applies from April 1 to October 31.
For more details on water quality standards, visit the Minnesota Rule for Recreational Water Quality Standards.
Test Results
Each week, three water samples are collected from Crystal Lake beach. If E. coli levels exceed state standards, the beach will be temporarily closed until follow-up testing confirms safe levels. Closures will be posted on this webpage and at the beach.
E. coli levels can be influenced by rainfall (which can wash contaminants into the water), high waterfowl populations (which is why feeding waterfowl is prohibited) and warm temperatures.
Aquatic Plant Pickup For Homeowners
2025 Aquatic Plant Pickup
The City harvests Curly-leaf Pondweed on Crystal Lake every year in an effort to control this invasive species and reduce nuisance plant growth. Harvesting activities can result in some additional cut plant material washing up on private shoreline areas. To assist residents in disposing of this material, the City will be conducting a round of curbside pickups for aquatic plant material approximately one week after harvesting is complete.
The sign up period for 2025 pickups is complete. The registration form will be active again for new sign ups when harvesting begins in 2026.