Water Detail - White River, Middle Fox River - Illinois,Sugar and Honey Creeks,White River and Nippersink Creek Watershed (FX03)

White River, Middle Fox River - Illinois,Sugar and Honey Creeks,White River and Nippersink Creek Watershed (FX03)

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White River (751200)

Size

15.45 Miles

Segment

0 - 15.45

Natural Community

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results that use predicted flow and temperature based on landscape features and related assumptions. Ranges of flow and temperature associated with specific aquatic life communities (fish, macroinvertebrates) help biologists identify appropriate resource management goals. Wisconsin Natural Communities.

Warm Mainstem, Cool-Cold Mainstem, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Warm Headwater, Coldwater, COOL-Warm Headwater

Year Last Monitored

This is the most recent date of monitoring data stored in SWIMS. Additional surveys for fish and habitat may be available subsequent to this date.

2024

General Condition

Poor

This river is impaired

Impairments include

Impairment Unknown

Pollutants include

Total Phosphorus

County

Racine, Walworth

Trout Water

Trout Waters are represented by Class I, Class II or Class III waters. These classes have specific ecological characteristics and management actions associated with them. For more information regarding Trout Classifications, see the Fisheries Trout Class Webpages.

Outstanding or Exceptional

Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.

Impaired Water

A water is polluted or 'impaired' if it does not support full use by humans, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life and it is shown that one or more of the pollutant criteria are not met.

Yes

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use

The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.

Restricted Aquatic Life

Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.

Attainable Use

The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.

WWSF

Streams capable of supporting a warm waterdependent sport fishery. Representative aquatic life communities associated with these waters generally require cool or warm temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that do not drop below 5 mg/L.

Designated Use

This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.

Default FAL

Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Overview

White River flows from the outlet of Lake Geneva for 23 miles before discharging to the Fox River north of Burlington. The general condition of the stream is known to exceed total phosphorus standards (clearly exceeds), and the water has the attainable use of a Warm Water Sport Fishery. Biological data collected may indicate micro-system conditions of "good". However, the timing, location and habitat collected influence the aquatic community found. This stream is part of a larger system with excess total phosphorus. Based on site specific information, this segment is on DNR's impaired waters list.

Date 2015

Author Lisa Helmuth

White River, Middle Fox River - Illinois,Sugar and Honey Creeks,White River and Nippersink Creek Watershed (FX03) Fish and Aquatic Life

White River, Middle Fox River - Illinois,Sugar and Honey Creeks,White River and Nippersink Creek Watershed (FX03) Recreation

White River, Middle Fox River - Illinois,Sugar and Honey Creeks,White River and Nippersink Creek Watershed (FX03) Fish Consumption

General Condition

The White River was evaluated for phosphorus and biology in 2020. Phosphorus values were clearly below criteria (did not exceed WQ standards), indicating this water can be delisted from the impaired waters list in the 2020 cycle.

Previous condition assessments of the White River (mile 3 to headwaters) indicated that biological resources (macroinvertebrates and fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) values were NOT "poor", but instead indicated good or fair. (LDK)

Date 2019

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

White River flows from the outlet of Lake Geneva for 23 miles before discharging to the Fox River north of Burlington. The general condition of the stream is known to exceed total phosphorus standards (clearly exceeds), and the water has the attainable use of a Warm Water Sport Fishery. At station 653111, White River at Sth 36 (Bi Sur), there were six exceedances of the water quality threshold of 75 mg/L. The median value was 136.0 mg/L with a range of 90.0 mg/l to 280.0 mg/L in the six samples over a 10 year period.

Date 2011

Author Aquatic Biologist

Impaired Waters

White River (751200) from just west of Bloomfield Creek to Fox River was placed on the impaired waters list for total phosphorus in 2012. The 2016 assessments showed continued impairment by phosphorus; total phosphorus sample data exceeded 2016 WisCALM listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use, however, available biological data did not indicate impairment (i.e. no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scored in the "poor" condition category). Based on the most updated information, no change in existing impaired waters listing is needed.

Date 2015

Author Aaron Larson

Impaired Waters

This water was assessed during the 2012 listing cycle, and total phosphorus sample data exceed 2012 WisCALM listing criteria for the fish and aquatic life use; however, available biological data do not indicate impairment (i.e. no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scored in the "poor" condition category). This stream segment was reassessed during the 2012 assessment cycle using data from 2001-2010 and revised assessment methodology (draft 2014 WisCALM). Using this methodology, total phosphorus data exceed criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use; however, available biological data do not indicate impairment. This water was assessed during the 2014 listing cycle; total phosphorus sample data exceed 2014 WisCALM listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use, however, available biological data do not indicate impairment (i.e. no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scored in the "poor" condition category).

Date 2014

Author Lisa Helmuth

Aquatic Invasives

Biological results (mIBI) from the last 10 years indicate macroinvertebrate communities sampled up to 2012 did not show biological impairment. This does not indicate that the water quality standards are met for all parameters, however.

Date 2014

Author Lisa Helmuth

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

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters

Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List

Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments

Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments

Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment

Macroinvertebrate Assessment Package Report FX04 2003 to 2013

Rivers TP Summary 2012

White River 751200 MIBI Package Results

White River 751200 TP Package Results

State of the Southeast Fox River Basin

Recommendations

Runoff Grant - Targeted Runoff Urban

CITY OF BURLINGTON: White River Streambank Stabilization

Restore Wetlands

Monitor Water Quality or Sediment

extensive flooding near Burlington in 2017, took many months for floodwaters to receded. Need data during a normal water year.

Rivers Planning Grant

LPL-792 Town of Linn 2020 Comprehensive Plan

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

Project Name (Click for Details)	Year Started
Wetland Restoration Database	2016
CITY OF BURLINGTON: White River Streambank Stabilization	2010

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
751200	White River	10008186	White River - White River			Map	Data
751200	White River	10052257	White River at Mill Street			Map	Data
751200	White River	653104	White River at Sth 11	6/7/2016	10/31/2022	Map	Data
5579341	Unnamed	10033291	Unnamed	7/7/2009	9/7/2011	Map	Data
751200	White River	10030853	White River 800m DSof Sheridan Springs Rd	1/1/2015	10/24/2024	Map	Data
751200	White River	10052247	White River at Milwaukee Ave	6/7/2016	10/31/2022	Map	Data
751200	White River	10008109	White River at Lyons Mill Pond	10/16/2000	10/16/2000	Map	Data
751200	White River	653111	White River at Sth 36 (Bi Sur)	5/6/1980	7/25/2006	Map	Data
751200	White River	10016393	White River - Upstream Of Sheridan Springs Roadjust Below 1st Golf Cart Bridge On Golfcourse.	4/29/1998	4/29/1998	Map	Data
751200	White River	10032450	White River at golf course Lake Geneva			Map	Data
751200	White River	10032164	White River	11/10/2010	1/1/2015	Map	Data
751200	White River	10008162	White River	10/16/2000	10/16/2000	Map	Data
751200	White River	10031950	White River - Downstream of Sheridan Springs Road			Map	Data
751200	White River	653110	White River at Sheridan Springs (Bi)	5/6/1980	1/1/2015	Map	Data
751200	White River	653103	White River at Sheridan Springs	4/21/1998	8/19/2023	Map	Data
751200	White River	10044918	White River at White River Park Boat Launch	8/19/2023	8/19/2023	Map	Data

Projects

White River had a NPS grant implemented directly downstream of the Echo Lake dam and relatively flat from bank to bank. During more rare flooding events, much of the general area could be under water. Challenges occurred in design and construction to define the ordinary high water mark and effectively install fabric and rip rap to protect the eroding area. A typical riverbank cross section did not apply in this situation. Through field supervision and working in conjunction with WDNR representatives, the project managers successfully completed the project to reduce the potential erosion in the river.

The grant was designed to design and install stream bank protection practices along Echo Lake and the White River to remediate erosion and sedimentation, provide a runoff buffer, and improve habitat.

Date 2014

Author Runoff Program

Watershed Characteristics

White River is located in the White River and Nippersink Creek watershed which is 168.35 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (44.80%), forest (14.40%) and a mix of wetland (11.30%) and other uses (29.50%). This watershed has 239.00 stream miles, 8,603.24 lake acres and 10,838.84 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, Medium 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.

Natural Community

White River is considered a Warm Mainstem, Cool-Cold Mainstem, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Warm Headwater, Coldwater, COOL-Warm Headwater under the state's Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results and DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.

Cool (Warm-Transition) Headwaters are small, sometimes intermittent streams with cool to warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are uncommon to absent, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are common to uncommon. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

Warm Mainstem waters are moderate-to-large but still wadeable perennial streams with relatively warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are absent, transitional fishes are common to uncommon, and warm water fishes are abundant to common. Headwater species are common to absent, mainstem species are abundant to common, and river species are common to absent.

Cool (Cold-Transition) Mainstem streams are moderate-to-large but still wadeable perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are common to absent, mainstem species are abundant to common, and river species are common to absent.

Cool (Cold-Transition) Headwaters are small, usually perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon (<10 per 100 m), transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

Warm Headwaters are small, usually intermittent streams with warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are absent, transitional fishes are common to uncommon, and warm water fishes are abundant to common. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.