Overview

Dells Pond, whch is about 15 miles downstream from the dam in Chippewa Falls, had similar
conditions to those documented in Chippewa Falls Flowage: No stratification or anoxic bottom
conditions were recorded. The 59-61 TSI value indicates poor to very poor water quality conditions
(WDNR 1993).
Refer to the Chppewa River Main Stem section of this plan for water quality information about
the Chippewa River system and Dells Pond.
Dells Pond is an intensively used recreational resource, due to its proximity to Eau Claire and
Chippewa Falls. Storm water from portions of Eau Claire is routed to Dells Pond and may be
affecting water quality. Because of the intense recreational use of Dells Pond, it ranks hgh for
receiving a lakes planning and/or protection grant. A self-help volunteer would be helpful in
monitoring water quality conditions.

Date  1996

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Source: 1964, Surface Water Resources of Eau Claire County Dells Pond, Eau Claire T27N, R9W, Sections 8,9,16,17

A soft water impoundment on the Chippewa River within the City limits of Eau Claire. The 26-foot water control structure at the outlet is operated by Northern States Power Company. The most common fish species are northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappies, rock bass, and black bullheads. Other species present include muskellunge, perch, bluegills, pumpkinseeds, lake sturgeon, channel catfish and flathead catfish. Rough fish and minnows common to the lake are carp, white suckers, northern redhorse, log perch, brook silverside, and johnny darters. A problem to fishery management is the man-made fluctuations in water levels. The seventeen islands in the pond provide 6.7 miles of shoreline, and is included in the total shoreline measurement. The total acreage of these islands is 53.9 acres. Thirty-five acres of mainly marshy wetlands provide nesting habitat for mallards, teal, wood ducks and coot. Large numbers of other puddle and diving ducks also use the lake during migratory seasons. It is accessible on the east shore at Riverview Park, a wayside provided by the city. Public frontage amounts to 1.06 miles of city-owned lands. This public frontage figure includes four undeveloped platted access sites. The shoreline of Mt.Simon Park is also largely undeveloped for public use, but provides a scenic view of Dells Pond and the surrounding area.

Surface Acres = 727.0, S.D.F. = 4.55, Maximum Depth = 30 feet

Date  1964

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Condition

Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available. Compliance with Clean Water Act fishable, swimmable standards are located in the Executive Summary of Water Condition in 2018. See also the 'monitoring and projects' tab.

Reports

Management Goals

Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable

Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.

Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.

Grants and Management Projects

Monitoring Projects

Watershed Characteristics

Dells Pond is located in the Muddy and Elk Creeks watershed which is 237.94 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (48.60%), forest (21.80%) and a mix of grassland (16.80%) and other uses (12.80%). This watershed has 313.30 stream miles, 590.92 lake acres and 11,999.60 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Medium for runoff impacts on streams, High for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.