Water Detail - Lake Wausau, Little Rib River,Lower Eau Claire (Marathon Co.) River,Mosinee Flowage,Lower Rib River,Bull Junior Creek Watershed (CW16)

Lake Wausau, Little Rib River,Lower Eau Claire (Marathon Co.) River,Mosinee Flowage,Lower Rib River,Bull Junior Creek Watershed (CW16)

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Lake Wausau (1437500)

Size

1851.01 Acres

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.

Impounded Flowing Water

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.

2023

General Condition

Good

County

Marathon

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.

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.

Impounded Flowing Water

This classification includes waterbodies created by dams (mill ponds, reservoirs, flowages, and other impoundments) with a residence time of 14 days or more (under summer (June – Sept) mean low flow conditions with a 1 in 10 year recurrence interval (US EPA 2000)). Many natural lakes also have dams or water level control structures. However, to be included in the Impounded Flowing Waters category, the dam or water level control structure, must account for more than half of a waterbody’s maximum depth. Impoundments with a residence time of less than 14 days should be covered under the rivers and stream assessment methodology process.

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.

Default FAL

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

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

Lake Wausau, T28N, R7E, Section 24 Surface Acres = 1,918.0, Maximum Depth = 30 feet, Secchi Disk = 3 feet

Lake Wasua soft water drainage lake (impoundment) having slightly acid, medium brown water. The entire shoreline is upland. Littoral materials consist of sand (75 percent), muck (20 percent), and rubble (5 percent). The growth of aquatic vegetation is moderate in quantity. Fish inhabiting the lake include muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie, rock bass, pumpkinseed, black bullhead, white sucker, and northern redhorse. Waterfowl make use of this flowage, especially on fall migrations, due to city imposed restrictions on hunting. Of the lake's 73.9 miles of shoreline, 5.5 miles are in public ownership. Eight public boat landings, some with parking, have been provided. Shoreline developments include numerous city and county parks and 127 dwellings. Inlet streams include the Rib River, the Eau Claire River, and the Wisconsin River. The outlet, the Wisconsin River, flows to the Mosinee Flowage. The water control structure, owned by the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, is used to generate electric power. The dam has a head of 27 feet.

Source: 1977, Surface Water Resources of Marathon County

Date 1977

Author Aquatic Biologist

Lake Wausau, Little Rib River,Lower Eau Claire (Marathon Co.) River,Mosinee Flowage,Lower Rib River,Bull Junior Creek Watershed (CW16) Fish and Aquatic Life

Lake Wausau, Little Rib River,Lower Eau Claire (Marathon Co.) River,Mosinee Flowage,Lower Rib River,Bull Junior Creek Watershed (CW16) Recreation

Lake Wausau, Little Rib River,Lower Eau Claire (Marathon Co.) River,Mosinee Flowage,Lower Rib River,Bull Junior Creek Watershed (CW16) Fish Consumption

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

Wausau Lake et al Milfoil Results 9-2-2015

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters

Final Assessment Data from TSI Package and Assessment Units 2018

PLIR_Lake Wausau_1437500_June 27, 2016

AIS Early Detection 2015 Data Form Lake Wausau 1437500

2007 New Eurasian Water-Milfoil Infestations

2004 Rothschild Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. P-2212, Order Modifying Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Plan Pursuant to Article 407

2004 Rothschild Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. P-2212, Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Plan Modification Proposal

2003 Rothschild Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. P-2212, Letter Updating Status of Purple Loosestrife Monitoring

2000 Rothschild Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. P-2212 Letter Updating Status of Purple Loosestrife Monitoring

1997 Rothschild Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. P-2212, Order Modifying and Approving Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Plan

1997 Rothschild Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. P-2212, Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Plan

1996 Rothchild Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. P-2212, Order Issuing New License

Lake Bathymetry Map for Lake Wausau

Recommendations

Sewer Service Area Planning

The Wausau Urban Area 2025 Sewer Service Area (SSA) Plan updates planning goals, objectives, and procedures, and expands the sewer service area by adding 12,823 acres, for a new total SSA of 53, 271 acres. Initially, approximately 29% of this area (15,271 acres) will be undeveloped. The SSA excludes wetlands, floodplain and steep slope areas that are considered "environmentally sensitive areas". The plan update has been adopted by the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission. The approval of this sewer service area amendment does not constitute approval of any other local, state, or federal permit that may be required for sewer construction or associated land development activities.

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
LAKE WAUSAU ASSN., INC.: Wausau Mgmt. Plan 1	2012
Wausau SSA Plan	2007
MARATHON COUNTY: 319 Match LMI - Riparian Restoration to Improve Water Quality and Habitat	2023
LAKE WAUSAU ASSN., INC.: Wausau Mgmt. Plan 3	2013
LAKE WAUSAU ASSN., INC.: Wausau Management Plan 2	2012
LAKE WAUSAU ASSN., INC.: Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant Study	2017
MARATHON COUNTY: Turning Plans into Action; Improving water quality in Marathon County's high priorty watersheds	2022

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	118	Wisconsin River at Lake Wausau	10/13/1970	10/6/2019	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373196	Big Rib River - 25' Sw Of Northern End Of Hwy 51 Bridge	10/28/1992	10/28/1992	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10018354	Lake Wausau - Access Nr Oriole Ln / Bluegill Bay Cty Park	6/12/2007	8/19/2023	Map	Data
1469700	Wausau Dam Lake	10014604	Wisconsin River	7/24/2006	9/30/2017	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	373277	Lake Wausau - Below Asylum Point Wausau - Lake Wausau	8/16/1976	8/10/2004	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	373276	Wisconsin River - 1/4 Mi Below Cth N Bridge	6/21/1977	7/22/2014	Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	373276	Wisconsin River - 1/4 Mi Below Cth N Bridge	6/21/1977	7/22/2014	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10003621	Lake Wausau	10/27/1981	6/23/2018	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10046857	Lake Wausau below Hwy 29	7/25/2016	5/24/2021	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373432	Big Rib River - In Oxbow Ws-6	1/2/1997	6/25/2001	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10049545	Wisconsin River 70yds usptream of spill	1/23/2018	1/23/2018	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10034052	Lake Wausau 2011 HBA sample 2	8/2/2011	8/4/2011	Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	10018556	Wisconsin River - Lake Wausau -- Access - Nr River Drive	5/9/2009	7/1/2020	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10059170	Pine Island SW site 2	7/15/2002	7/15/2002	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	373434	Wausau Lake - Site 2 West Chanl	6/21/1989	8/26/2012	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10018164	Lake Wausau -- Access at 3rd Ave	7/22/2005	6/30/2019	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	373279	Wisconsin River at Mouth Of Rib R-Wausau	6/22/1977	6/21/2023	Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	373025	Wisconsin River - A Boat Ldg Bl Wausau Stp	8/8/1977	8/8/1977	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10049547	Wisconsin River 75 yds Downstream of Discharge	1/23/2018	1/23/2018	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10057740	Eau Claire River @ S Grand Ave (Below Dam)	6/21/2023	6/21/2023	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373447	Big Rib River - Oxbow Nw Corner Near Shore			Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10044342	Wetland at City of Wausau - Goose Ln	7/19/2014	7/19/2014	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10014604	Wisconsin River	7/24/2006	9/30/2017	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10049534	Thomas Street Bridge	1/24/2018	6/20/2023	Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	373009	Wisconsin River - Wausau Stp	6/5/1974	4/5/1978	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10059171	Pine Island SW Site 1	7/15/2002	7/15/2002	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	373435	Wausau Lake - Site 3 Asylum Pt	6/21/1989	8/26/2012	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10046870	Wisconsin River at River Side Park	7/25/2016	9/21/2022	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10018355	Lake Wausau -- Access Off Bluegill Ave	7/18/2003	7/16/2021	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	10021951	Big Rib River/Lake Wausau -- Access At Mallard Lane	8/8/2007	7/13/2012	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10021953	Lake Wausau -- Kort Street Boat Launch	8/27/2007	6/30/2019	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10044343	Wetland at City of Wausau - Rookery Park	7/19/2014	7/19/2014	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	373025	Wisconsin River - A Boat Ldg Bl Wausau Stp	8/8/1977	8/8/1977	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373431	Big Rib River - In Oxbow Ws-5 /156 Ft Nw Of 373430			Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373427	Big Rib River - 120 Ft Upst Of Mouth Of Wausau Steel Oxbow	1/2/1997	6/25/2001	Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	10046857	Lake Wausau below Hwy 29	7/25/2016	5/24/2021	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10059167	Island N of Memorial Park boat launch	7/15/2002	7/15/2002	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373428	Big Rib River - In Oxbow Ws-2	1/2/1997	6/25/2001	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	373297	Lake Wausau - 3/4 Mi Above L Wausau Dam - Lake Wausau	8/17/1975	10/6/2019	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373429	Big Rib River - In Oxbow Ws-3 /360 Ft N. Of Outlet To River	1/2/1997	6/25/2001	Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	10014604	Wisconsin River	7/24/2006	9/30/2017	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10049542	Wiscosnin River Bluegill Park			Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	10017187	Wisconsin River-1/4 Mile Below Wausau Dam - West S Ide Near Swim Pool.	4/24/1980	10/23/1980	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10034062	Memorial Park Boat Ramp	7/25/2011	7/23/2020	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	10049546	Wisconsin River Outlet of Discharge	1/23/2018	1/23/2018	Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	10012472	Wisconsin River At Oak Island Park	7/5/2001	7/5/2001	Map	Data
1437500	Lake Wausau	373433	Wausau Lake - Site 1 East Basin	6/19/1989	8/26/2012	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373441	Big Rib River - 120 Ft Dnst Of Mouth Of Wausau Steel Oxbow	3/11/1999	6/25/2001	Map	Data
1179900	Wisconsin River	373337	Wisconsin River - Below Rothschild Dam	8/18/1977	3/29/2011	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373197	Big Rib River - 1st Slough Nw Of Hwy 51 Bridge	10/28/1992	10/28/1992	Map	Data
1451800	Big Rib River	373430	Big Rib River - In Oxbow Ws-4 /100 Ft Nw Of 373429	1/2/1997	6/25/2001	Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

Lake Wausau is located in the Mosinee Flowage watershed which is 81.83 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (52%), wetland (15.30%) and a mix of agricultural (11.40%) and other uses (21.20%). This watershed has stream miles, lake acres and 7,457.82 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Medium for runoff impacts on streams, Low 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

Lake Wausau is considered a Impounded Flowing Water 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.

More Interactive Maps

View Water in Alternative Map

Maps of Watershed

Lake Wausau, Marathon Co. Japanese Knotweed_8_11_2015