Hay River, Hay River Watershed (LC05)
Hay River, Hay River Watershed (LC05)
Hay River (2068600)
2.37 Miles
63.98 - 66.35
Warm Mainstem, Macroinvertebrate, Warm Headwater
2017
Fair
 

Overview

The Hay River, along with the Red Cedar River, are large rivers that drain into Tainter Lake. Both
rivers contribute nutrients to Tainter Lake, whch experiences frequent algal blooms. In an attempt
to quantify nutrient loads to the lake, the Hay River was sampled for phosphorus, suspended solids,
and stream flow from October, 1989, to September, 1990, by the U.S Geological Survey. Numerous
water quality samples were also collected from wastewater treatment plant discharges on the Hay
River.
An estimated 700,000 pounds of phosphorus was delivered to Tainter Lake by both the Hay and
Red Cedar Rivers. The Hay River contributed about 30 percent of the total, or 210,000 pounds. Of
that, about 12 percent was attributed to point source discharges, primarily wastewater treatment
plants, and the balance is assumed to be from nonpoint sources. About 94 percent of thls
phosphorus load is thought to be controllable (Schreiber).
The Cumberland wastewater treatment plant discharges to the headwaters of the Hay-River
downstream of the dam forming Beaver Dam Lake. This rotating biological contactor plant
discharges more than 150 pounds of phosphorus per month, and must provide phosphorus removal
under NR 217 of the Wis. Adm. Code. The present permit requires construction of phosphorus
removal facilities and sludge storage, as well as whole effluent toxicity testing.
Stella Cheese operates a cheese factory and whey drying plant south of Almena. An aerated lagoon
and spray irrigation system treats process wastewater. Steam, whey condensate, and non-contact
cooling water are discharged to an unnamed tributary to the Hay River. Past testing has shown
this discharge to be potentially toxic to aquatic life. Follow-up testing is ongoing, and the reissued
permit should address whole effluent toxicity in this discharge. WDNR is also conducting a study
on this and similar discharges to identify the causes of the toxicity.

Date  1996

Author   Aquatic Biologist

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Waters that support fish and aquatic life communities (healthy biological communities).
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.
Streams capable of supporting macro-invertebrates or occasionally fish that are tolerant of organic pollution. Typically small streams with very low-flow and very limited habitat. Certain marshy ditches, concrete line-drainage channels, and other intermittent streams. Representative aquatic life communities associated with these waters are tolerant of many extreme conditions, but typically require concentrations of dissolved oxygen that remain about 1 mg/L.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.