News Flash

The Big Lake Farmers Market is back this summer at Lakeside Park every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. from June - August and 3-6 p.m. in September. Parking is FREE!

Working Together to Keep Our Community's Water Systems Safe

You may notice City crews working in the streets opening manholes, cleaning sewer lines, or accessing valve boxes in the roadway. These activities are part of routine maintenance that helps keep our water and wastewater systems operating reliably and prevents costly emergencies.

Sewer Cleaning Keeps Wastewater Flowing

One important maintenance activity is sewer jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clean debris, grease, roots, and sediment from sewer pipes. By regularly cleaning the sewer system, crews help reduce the risk of sewer backups and overflows that can affect homes, businesses, and the environment.

When sewer cleaning crews are working:

• Slow down and follow all traffic signs and directions.
• Give workers and equipment plenty of room.
• Never move cones, barricades, or warning signs.
• Be aware that manholes may be open and hoses may extend across work areas.

Exercising Water Valves Improves Reliability

Crews also perform routine gate valve exercising throughout the community. This process involves locating and operating water valves in streets and boulevards to ensure they function properly when needed for emergencies, repairs, or fire protection.

Regular valve maintenance helps:

• Improve system reliability.
• Reduce water service interruptions.
• Allow crews to isolate water main breaks more quickly.
• Extend the life of critical infrastructure.

Drivers Play an Important Role

Many of these maintenance activities take place in active roadways where workers are only a few feet from moving traffic. Your attention and caution can make a significant difference in keeping everyone safe.

Please remember to:

• Slow down when approaching work zones.
• Stay off your phone and avoid distractions.
• Watch for workers entering and exiting vehicles.
• Obey posted speed limits and traffic control devices.
• Allow extra space between your vehicle and work crews.

Thank You for Your Patience

While maintenance activities may cause brief delays, they are essential investments in protecting public health and maintaining reliable water and wastewater services. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as our crews work to keep these critical systems operating safely and efficiently.

A little extra caution around work zones helps ensure that everyone—workers, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—gets home safely.

Friday, September 4, 2026 | Featuring: Hocus Pocus

Lakeside Park | 101 Lakeshore Drive, Big Lake, MN 55309

Parking from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Movie at Dusk | about 8 p.m.

Free parking | First come first served | Drive-in style

*In the case of inclement weather, the movie will be rescheduled to September 11.

Please keep the following in mind while attending:

• Larger vehicles will be asked to park in the back rows to ensure everyone can see the screen. Follow directions from event staff and reserve officers.
• Turn off your headlights before the movie begins to avoid disturbing other movie-goers.
• You can tune into the movie's sound on an FM station that is posted the night of the movie.
• Please leave pets at home and refrain from smoking near other movie-goers.
• You are welcome to bring food with you or purchase concessions onsite. Please be sure to clean up any garbage at the end of the event.

Food Trucks:

• Hotdog Bar: selling hot dogs, polish sausage, nachos, snacks, and soda.
• Mason's Sno and More: selling tropical sno shaved ice, dole soft serve, dippin' dots, kettlecorn.

Thank you to our sponsors Big Lake Spud Fest, MN Pest Eliminations, and Sherburne Wright Cable Commission! Watch your City Government Channel on Charter channel 180.

Find updates on the event on the City of Big Lake's Facebook page.

Questions? Contact Recreation and Communication Coordinator Corrie Scott at 612-297-6331 or cscott@biglakemn.org.

The City of Big Lake has contracted to treat an Aquatic Invasive Species in Big and Mitchell Lakes in 2026. 

The City of Big Lake requested the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources send a waiver of requirement that the Association obtain signatures of approval from owners of lakeshore property for Big Lake and Mitchell Lake. Instead the City of Big Lake is notifying property owners of the treatment through alternate forms. Other forms may include but are not limited to notification through the Association's email list, website, annual newsletter and/or meeting. 

Treatment for Aquatic Invasive Species plan in 2026:

1.    The proposed dates for treatment: April 29 through August 30, 2026

2.    The target species for the treatment: Curly Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water Milfoil

3.    The method of control or product being used: EPA and MDA registered aquatic herbicides

4.   If you desire that the treatment of Aquatic Invasive Species not occur adjacent to your property, please notify the City of Big Lake immediately at 160 Lake Street N, Big Lake, MN 55309 or lotteson@biglakemn.org

Questions or concerns? Contact City Engineer Layne Otteson at lotteson@biglakemn.org. 

Calling all photographers; amateur or professional! Enter into the 2026 Summer Photo Contest by submitting photographs that capture what you love the most about our community this summer season! Email pictures to cscott@biglakemn.org by September 4, 2026.

Learn about the Public Safety Facility Project.