Fox River (Illinois), Middle Fox River - Illinois Watershed (FX04)
Fox River (Illinois), Middle Fox River - Illinois Watershed (FX04)
Fox River (Illinois) (742500)
13.36 Miles
91.98 - 105.34
Warm Mainstem, Warm Headwater, COOL-Warm Mainstem
2025
Poor
 
This river is impaired
Impairment Unknown, PCBs Contaminated Fish Tissue
Total Phosphorus, PCBs
 

Overview

The Barstow Impoundment is centrally located in downtown Waukesha. The impoundment itself, along with other areas upstream, are on the Federal 303(d) list of impaired waters. Sediment has collected and been concentrated behind the dam. The impoundment has seen an increased use by the public in the recent years with public recreation, boating, park access, and subsistence fishing. The Badgerland Ski Team hold scheduled practices and shows all summer within the impoundment. There is concern with the possible pollutant load in fish and sediment in this area. With such an increased use along this stretch of river, it is important to identify any possible sources of health risks to the public. There is a large sediment buildup behind dam and throughout the impoundment. It is a concern that this sediment is becoming suspended and translocating downstream from multiple sources. Previous sediment sampling indicated sediment toxicity issues. Follow-up sampling, including macroinvertebtrate and fish community sampling, will assist in clarifying the accuracy of the 303(d) listing and documenting impacts to the waterbody and to public health. The follow-up conclusions will also update the fish consumption advisory. From Hudak, Monitoring Proposal 2007

Date  2007

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.
Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
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.