Water Detail - Root River, Root River Watershed (SE03)

Root River, Root River Watershed (SE03)

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Root River (2900)

Size

5.82 Miles

Segment

0 - 5.82

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

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

Poor

This river is impaired

Impairments include

Impairment Unknown, PCBs Contaminated Fish Tissue

Pollutants include

Total Phosphorus, PCBs

County

Racine

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.

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.

Root River, Root River Watershed (SE03) Fish and Aquatic Life

Root River, Root River Watershed (SE03) Recreation

Root River, Root River Watershed (SE03) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Root River, from its mouth to Horlick Dam (miles 0 to 5.82) has been on the state's 303(d) impaired waters list since 1998 for PCBs. This segment of the Root River was evaluated for phosphorus and biology every two years between 2012 and 2020. Phosphorus levels were too high. Chloride and bug data showed good conditions.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Root River, Horlick Dam to County Highway V (13th St) (miles 5.82 to 20.48) was evaluated for phosphorus and biology every two years between 2012 and 2022. Phosphorus and chloride levels were too high.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Root River, County Highway V (13th St) to Root River Canal (miles 20.48 to 25.8) was put on the impaired waters list in the 1998 cycle for phosphorus, total suspended solids, low dissolved oxygen, and degraded biology. The phosphorus listing was confirmed in 2020. Evaluation in the 2022 cycle for chloride and bug data showed good conditions.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Root River, from the Root River Canal to the headwaters (miles 25.8 to 43.69) was put on the impaired waters list in the 1998 cycle for phosphorus, total suspended solids, low dissolved oxygen, and degraded biology. Chloride was evaluated every two years between 2014 and 2022. Chloride levels were found to be too high, which can be harmful to plant, bug, and fish communities.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

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

Slenderhead Darter in the Root River

Root River, Root River at Golf Course Bridge (Site ID #1), Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List

Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments

Streams/Rivers AIS ED Monitoring Pilot 2015 Racine County, Root River, 2900, 523141

Streams/Rivers AIS ED Monitoring Pilot 2015 Milwaukee County, Root River, 2900, 10044321

Streams/Rivers AIS ED Monitoring Pilot 2015 Racine County, Root River, 2900, 523115

Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments

Root River at Grange Ave-Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February 2011 - March 2014

Root River at Layton Ave-Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February 2011 - December 2013

Root River at Puetz Rd-Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February 2011 - December 2013

Root River Watershed: A Guide to Managing Water Quality, Recreational Access and Use, Habitat Conditions, and Flooding

Root River 2900 Segmentation Documentation 2014

2014 Chloride Assessments

Root River at Grange Ave-Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February 2011 - December 2012

Root River at Layton Ave-Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February 2011 - December 2012

Root River at Puetz Rd-Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February 2011 - December 2012

Root River 2900 (Miles 0-5.82) 2012 MIBI Report

Root River 2900 (Miles 0-5.82) 2012 TP Report

Root River 2900 (Miles 5.82-20.48) 2012 MIBI Chart

Root River 2900 (Miles 5.82-20.48) 2012 MIBI Report

Root River 2900 (Miles 5.82-20.48) 2012 TP Report

Rivers TP Summary 2012

Root River at Grange Ave -Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February - December 2011

Root River at Layton Ave-Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February - December 2011

Root River at Puetz Rd-Road Salt Monitoring Data Summary February - December 2011

Application - Colonial Park Root River Stabilization

Lower Root River Stream Morphology Assessment

ROOT RIVER, GREENRIDGE TRIBUTARY, WAUKESHA COUNTY, NEW BERLIN WWTP USE DESIGNATION

ROOT RIVER, UNNAMED TRIBUTARY, UNNAMED CREEK, WAUKESHA COUNTY, NEW BERLIN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL USE DESIGNATION

ROOT RIVER UNNAMED TRIB, MILWAUKEE COUNTY, RAWSON HOMES WWTP USE DESIGNATION

ROOT RIVER UNNAMED TRIB, MILWAUKEE COUNTY, MILWAUKEE METROPOLITAN S.D. WWTP USE DESIGNATION

Recommendations

Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring

Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.

Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring

Water Quality Planning

Runoff Grant - Urban Nonpoint Source & Stormwater Management - Construction

Restore Hydrology, Morphology

Grantee is CITY OF RACINE

Runoff Grant - Urban Nonpoint Source & Stormwater Management - Planning

To cost-share development and implementation of a public education and public participation program.

Runoff Grant - Urban Nonpoint Source & Stormwater Management - Planning

Monitor Water Quality or Sediment

Mouth to Horlick Dam (AU 10533). 2016 assessment indicated a possible impairment but station was not representative.

Water Quality Planning

The Root River Council will undertake the following activities relating to Horlick Dam and the Root River under the Root River Continuity and Revitalization Project: Horlick Dam - Conduct a minimum of four public workshops relating to the Horlick Dam. - Convene nine monthly meetings of the ad-hoc project committee. - Develop final recommendations and printed plan for the disposition of Horlick Dam. - Develop website for public comment regarding the Horlick Dam. - Provide DNR two copies of the Horlick Dam recommendation and written documentation of the workshops and monthly meetings, as described above. Parklands - Host/conduct two community-wide river clean-up events. - Host three public canoe outings. - Host one river-focused festival. - Partner with Parks and Public Works on restoration of 300 feet of river bank. - Provide DNR written documentation of the clean-up events, canoe outings and festival. Connections - Facilitate installation of Root River Pathway road markers, street level Pathway markers and City park identifiers along the Pathway. - Facilitate installation of Root River Pathway key at the Racine Transit Center. - Facilitate either mural or on-street Pathway markings on Pathway route. - Provide DNR documentation (including photos where appropriate) of the above, including numbers of installed items and markings. Machinery Row - Ensure that the Low Impact Development concepts from RootWorks Plan are incorporated into final Machinery Row redevelopment design. - Ensure Root River Pathway expansion as outlined in the Back to the Root Plan are incorporated into final Machinery Row redevelopment design. - Assist in education efforts towards brownfield redevelopment along the Root River. - Provide DNR documentation of the outcome of the efforts described above.

Educate and engage residents

The Root River Council will undertake the following activities to revitalize the Root River within the Racine city limits: - conduct a minimum of three public meetings for the riverloop, bridge and fishing pier designs - provide conceptual designs for downtown riverloop, marsupial bridge and fishing piers - conduct a minimum of three public meetings for Arts & Interpretation Plan - conduct a run/walk public event along the Root River, a minimum of three public river outings and two adopt a river events.

Monitor or Assess Watershed Condition

The planning grant is to increase organizational capacity and improve their products and services. The mission is to protect, restore, and sustain the ecosystem in the watershed through funding and facilitation of a regional network of locally initiated projects. The river grant money will be used to market and develop long-term financial independence. Futrue funds will be used to supply grant money to other organizations for watershed improvements projects.

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
YWCA OF RACINE: Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network	2002
CITY OF RACINE: Stormceptor Design Study	2002
TOWN OF CALEDONIA: Public Information & Education Program	2005
Root River at Environmental Education Community Center	2006
Monitoring Recommendations Stemming from CWA / IR Listings	2000
CITY OF RACINE: Colonial Park Root River Stabilization	2008
ROOT RIVER COUNCIL INC: Continuity & Revitalization Program	2015
CITY OF RACINE: Stormwater Utility District	2003
CITY OF RACINE: City of Racine- Hairy Willow Control	2010
Root River at S. 60th St	2010
CITY OF RACINE: Root River Outfall Assessment	2004
TOWN OF CALEDONIA: Public Information & Education Program	2005
ROOT RIVER COUNCIL INC: Root River Urban Corridor Access, Education and Cultural Amenities Project	2013
TOWN OF CALEDONIA: Stormwater Management Plan	2004
Fish Propagation Actions	2001
CITY OF RACINE: Johnson Park Streambank Stabilization	2012
WEED OUT! RACINE, INC.: Restoration of the Root River Floodplain Forest (Colonial Park) after the Emerald Ash Borer	2024

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
2900	Root River	10015783	Root River - Station 1 at Lincoln Park(Spring St.) 25 Feet Upstream. 1st Aban-Doned Bridge Upstream Spring Street Bridge	12/11/1990	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10040589	Root River at Island Park West (Site ID #2)	5/15/1998	5/15/1998	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523177	Root River - Racine			Map	Data
2900	Root River	10039423	Root River at Root River Pathway Bridge near Spring St	4/9/2014	4/9/2014	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10012202	Root River - Memorial Drive Bridge 100 M Upstream	9/12/2005	9/26/2006	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10041791	Root River 50 m US of Horlick dam	6/18/2001	6/18/2001	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523183	Root River at Northwestern Ave (Hwy 38)	2/16/2017	11/20/2017	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10057718	Root River at Root River Pathway Bridge near Parkview Dr	8/19/2023	8/19/2023	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523001	Root River at Racine WI	4/20/1961	3/29/1996	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523042	Root River - Twin Disc Inc. (Racine St) - 002	6/24/1976	6/24/1976	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10044817	Root River - downstream of Quarry Lake outfall	3/29/2016	2/22/2021	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523141	Racine Harbor - 100' Upstr Of 2nd Brdge Below 5th St Yacht Club	6/13/1997	9/21/2015	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523140	Racine Harbor 800ft above 1st Bridge Below 5th Street Yacht Club	6/13/1997	6/13/1997	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523181	Root River - C And Nw Railroad	7/20/2005	7/20/2005	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10020682	Root River at Environmental Education Community Center	5/25/2007	8/23/2023	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10040587	Root River at Colonial Park (Site ID #5)	5/5/1998	10/17/2007	Map	Data
2900	Root River	092	Root River at Horlick Dam	4/20/1976	8/2/1976	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10028993	Root River at Washington Park	7/14/2008	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523102	Root River at Lincoln Fld 7m (Bi)	6/1/1979	10/30/1996	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523014	Lake Michigan - Racine Wtp *** Permit Revoked ***	6/14/1976	6/15/1976	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10028994	Root River Colonial Park	7/16/2008	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523043	Root River - Twin Disc Inc. (Racine St) - 003	6/24/1976	6/24/1976	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10040588	Root River at Golf Course Bridge (Site ID #1)	1/15/1997	8/19/2023	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10049582	Root River at S Marquette St	2/16/2017	12/18/2017	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523129	Root River - Off Lincoln Park Right Off Riverside Parking Lot	6/16/1989	8/23/2023	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10010426	Root River1 at Spring St. (Upstream)	10/1/2002	11/16/2015	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523041	Root River - Twin Disc Inc. (Racine St) - 001	6/24/1976	6/24/1976	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10012201	Root River - Memorial Drive 70 M Upstream	8/24/2005	8/24/2005	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523139	Racine Harbor - Root River Estuary at 5th St. Yacht Club	6/13/1997	6/13/1997	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523176	Root River - Hwy 38			Map	Data
2900	Root River	523126	Root River - Highway 38 100' Below Bridge 50' Off Right Bank	6/16/1989	6/16/1989	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523174	Root River - Below Horlick Dam	10/13/1992	5/5/1998	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523182	Root River - Sixth Street	8/29/1990	11/11/1999	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10044815	Quarry Lake Pump Outfall	3/29/2016	3/29/2016	Map	Data
2900	Root River	523127	Root River - Railroad Bridge 600' Above 20' Off Right Bank	6/16/1989	6/16/1989	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10037450	Root River at Racine US State Street	5/29/2012	8/18/2014	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10056778	Root River - Horlick Dam 2900	7/28/2022	7/28/2022	Map	Data
2900	Root River	10044816	Root River upstream Quarry Lake Outfall	3/29/2016	3/29/2016	Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

Root River is located in the Root River watershed which is 198.97 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (43.10%), suburban (25%) and a mix of urban (9.80%) and other uses (22.20%). This watershed has 306.47 stream miles, 967.77 lake acres and 6,175.95 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Not Available for runoff impacts on streams, Not Available 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

Root River is considered a Warm Mainstem 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.

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.

More Interactive Maps

View Water in Alternative Map

Maps of Watershed

Lake Michigan Shorelands Alliance Priority Conservation Projects