Impaired Water - Lake Wisconsin (Lake Wisconsin)
Columbia, Sauk County, Wisconsin
LW16, LW18, LW19
1260600
7,197.26
Water is impaired due to one or more pollutants and associated quality impacts.
Notes
Lake Wisconsin is on the 303(d) list due to upstream pollution of mercury and PCBs. Addition in 2010 of Recreational Restrictions for Blue Green Algae for recreational use. This lake was listed for excess algal growth and high phosphorus levesl in the 2018 cycle. New water quality data reviewed in the 2024 cycle confirmed the phosphorus and algal listings.

This water is part of the Wisconsin River TMDL.
Listing Details
Pollutant
Total Phosphorus
Listed For
Recreation
Impairments
Low DO, Recreational Restrictions - Blue Green Algae, Eutrophication
Current Use
Restricted Recreation
Listing Status
TMDL Approved
Attainable Use
Recreation
Priority
Not Applicable
Designated Use
Recreation
303(d) ID
2010-13
Listing Date
4/1/2010
Impaired Water Notes
Recommended for 2010 listing as Not Supporting Fish and Aquatic Life Use (due to high phosphorus, eutrophication, and low dissolved oxygen) and Not Supporting Recreational Use (due to high phosphorus and recreational restrictions caused by severe blue green algae blooms). This recommendation is based on a variety of data from bays, at the dam, upstream and downstream points, public contacts, site visits, and best professional judgment. Although the data available are not the same as that specified in the 2010 WisCALM guidance, staff believe that the data are representative of the Lake Wisconsin system and do indicate impairment. We recommend creating a monitoring plan for the lake that will provide additional information from the deep hole on total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, and DO, along with any other data needed for additional assessment and development of management plans. Many volunteers and partners are eager to conduct further monitoring and management on Lake Wisconsin.
Date
11/25/2009

Impaired Water Notes
On 303d list due to upstream pollution. Addition in 2010 of Recreational Restrictions for Blue Green Algae for recreational use. Possibly Eutrophication from TP.
Date
10/25/2009

Impaired Water Notes
This water is part of the 2019 approved Wisconsin River TMDL addressing Total Phosphorus and Total Suspended Solids.
Date
6/10/2019

 
Pollutant
PCBs
Listed For
Fish Consumption
Impairments
PCBs Contaminated Fish Tissue
Current Use
Specific Restricted Fish Consumption
Listing Status
303d Listed
Attainable Use
General Fish Consumption Advice
Priority
Low
Designated Use
General Fish Consumption Advice
303(d) ID
530
Listing Date
4/1/1998
 
Pollutant
Mercury
Listed For
Fish Consumption
Impairments
Mercury Contaminated Fish Tissue
Current Use
Specific Restricted Fish Consumption
Listing Status
303d Listed
Attainable Use
General Fish Consumption Advice
Priority
Low
Designated Use
General Fish Consumption Advice
303(d) ID
530
Listing Date
4/1/1998