Lake Facts
| Brandy | |
|---|---|
| DNR ID/ Becker No | MN 03-0400-00/579 |
| Township(s) | Detroit |
| Lake Classification | Natural Environment |
| Ordinary High-Waterline (OHW) | Not recorded |
| Size | 336 |
| Maximum Depth | 10' |
| Watershed Area | 1986 Acres |
| Impairment Listings | none listed |
| Common Fish Species | unknown |
| Invasive Species | None listed |
| Public Access/Beaches | None |
| Land Use | 24.0% Open Water 5.1% Developed 6.0% Wetlands 14.8% Cultivated Crops 30.2% Forest 20% Grassland |
Map
Lake Description & Overview
Brandy Lake is a shallow lake located just northwest of the City of Detroit Lakes. The lake is listed as a priority shallow lake with the MN DNR. The lake consists of 100% littoral area with extensive macrophyte growth throughout the lake. Water quality has been increasing over the past 20 years, with a summer mean water clarity of 7.5 feet and 23ppb phosphorus concentration (2008-2017). The prior ten years (1998-2007) exhibited lower water quality with 5-foot water clarity and 44ppb phosphorus concentration. This increase in water quality is primarily attributed to Becker County landfill groundwater remediation. The remediation efforts reduce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by aerated contaminated groundwater prior to discharge to Brandy Lake.
There are only two residential homes that currently access the lake; however, one area on the southeast portion has been platted but not yet developed. A second-tier residential development is located on the east portion of the lake, which does not have individual lake access, but does contain a commons area for lake use. This commons area is in a natural condition, except for one unpaved boat access.
Water Quality
Brandy
Learn More
DNR Lakefinder
Get information on water levels, fish stocking, and water clarity for Brandy.
MPCA Surface Water Data
Find historical lake and stream water quality data for Brandy.
Goals
Short Term Goals – Year 2025
- Maintain a 5-year mean summer phosphorus concentration at or below 40 µg/L ± 4%
- Maintain mean summer Secchi depth no less than 5 ft
Long Range Goals – Year 2035
- Maintain a 5-year mean summer phosphorus concentration at or below 40 µg/L ± 4%
- Maintain mean summer Secchi depth no less than 5 ft
Studies & Surveys
Future Surveys as part of 2020-2030 Monitoring Plan
Water Quality- 2027
Past Surveys
Water Quality –1998, 2000-2002, 2004-2008, 2015, 2018, 2022
Vegetation Survey – (Both by MN DNR) 2003, 2012
For more studies and surveys, see the Brandy-Wine Water Management Area.