New Real-Time Monitoring Stations on Elkhart Lake

This summer, ELIA installed three real-time sensors across the lake that will help us tell a more comprehensive story about Elkhart Lake:

1. Weather Station:
   Solar-powered station delivers live data on wind, UV, rain, and temperature. It helps us track environmental changes and spot patterns tied to runoff, algae blooms, and shoreline erosion.

2. Lake Level Monitor:
   Using radar tech, this sensor provides lake level readings every 15 minutes. It’s key for detecting sudden water level changes, understanding flood or drought risks, and managing the lake more proactively.  

3. Water Quality & Algae Tracker:
   This buoy measures algae levels, turbidity, temperature, and more; streaming 48 data points a day. It’s an early warning system for significant changes in the lake which can help us make better decisions around water quality, recreation, and public health.

Ongoing Water Quality Testing

In addition to these sensors, we’ve continued our routine water sampling and testing throughout the summer. 

Collaborating with Lake Pulse

ELIA team member, Kevin Sofen, has been working closely with the startup Lake Pulse, who are helping us build a real-time dashboard to visualize these data streams. Because while all this data is great, it still begs the question, what do we do with it?  The dashboard will help us share live insights with stakeholders, identify patterns, and build on current projects to improve lake health.

Lots more to do but we are making progress.  

Thanks all for your help and support!

August 9th is Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day

One of the most important issues affecting the health of Wisconsin's waters will take center stage Aug. 9 during Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day.

Twenty-five events are scheduled at sites across the state, including one in Sheboygan.  To learn more, "Click Here"

Quagga Mussel Alert: Protecting Elkhart Lake

In fall 2024, invasive quagga mussels were discovered for the first time in an inland Wisconsin lake, Geneva Lake. This marks a serious concern for local ecosystems, as quagga mussels are known to disrupt aquatic food webs, outcompete native species, and clog water intake systems.

Originally documented in Lake Michigan in 2000, quagga mussels have since spread throughout the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River. Their presence in Geneva Lake raises concerns about further inland spread, including nearby inland lakes.

In June 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) conducted a survey of Elkhart Lake, as it offers suitable habitat for quagga mussels. Thankfully, no mussels were found.

We ask all lake users to remain vigilant. If you believe you have seen a quagga mussel, please contact ELIA immediately. Early detection is critical in protecting the health and balance of Elkhart Lake.

Town Rhine submits proposed wake ordinance to DNR

The Town of Rhine recently submitted the proposed wake ordinance to the DNR banning wake surfing activities on Elkhart Lake.  To read the article which appeared in the July 11, 2025 edition of the Plymouth Review, "Click Here".

The DNR reminds the public to boat responsibly by staying sober and always wearing a life jacket. 

Operator inexperience, inattention, recklessness and speeding are the four leading causes of watercraft crashes, with the leading cause of death being drowning. 

Drowning can happen to experienced swimmers. Most people who drown in boating-related incidents know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water, such as being injured, unconscious, exhausted or weighed down by clothing.

So far in 2025, there have been five boating fatalities in Wisconsin, and two victims were confirmed not wearing life jackets. In 2024, there were 14 boating fatalities, 10 of which involved a victim not wearing a life jacket.

New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. Innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allow mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing or paddling and are much cooler in warmer weather.

Follow these safety tips and enjoy Wisconsin's lakes and rivers with family and friends.

• Sign up now to take an online boater education course.

• Always wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket when on or near the water. A life jacket will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a wave or current overpower you or you fall out of a boat.

• Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person's judgment, reaction time and abilities.

• Keep an eye on the weather and tell someone where you are going.

Be ready for the unexpected, and always wear your life jacket. Learn more about watersport safety on the DNR’s Boat Safety webpage..

Healthy water starts on shore

New native plant garden at Osthoff Beach

To read more about his grant initiated project, "CLICK HERE".