Addressing phosphorus runoff in Elkhart Lake

Spring in Wisconsin is officially here! Some days summer feels out of reach. Other days, the sun is just warm enough to remind us of returning to the beach or paddling a kayak. While we all patiently wait for our days at the lake to return, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association (ELIA) takes advantage of the quieter months to study and make plans for keeping the water healthy. When it comes to maintaining crystal clear water, there is a lot of year-round data collection and data analysis.

Since 2022, scientists at ELIA have been keeping a close eye on the different nutrient levels in the lake that can disturb water quality. The surrounding topography, soils, and land use in the Elkhart Lake watershed are all being carefully considered as contributors to nutrient accumulation. After studying nutrient levels for several years, managing the amount of phosphorus entering Elkhart Lake has become a crucial goal for ELIA.

Although phosphorus plays an important role in fertilizing lawns and agricultural lands, when it is used in large quantities, it can become a serious pollutant as rainstorms and springtime snowmelt wash it into freshwater sources. Once phosphorus reaches the lake, it can be absorbed in different ways. One way is through the uptake by weeds and algae. We’ve all experienced those pesky blooms in the summertime. Phosphorus fuels these blooms and a little goes a long way. It takes only 1 lb. of phosphorus to fuel the growth of 500 lbs. of weeds and algae! Another way phosphorus accumulates in the lake is by dissolving into water molecules or becoming trapped inside sediments. When phosphorus levels increase in the lake, oxygen levels deplete which can lead to a declining fish population. Overall, high levels of phosphorus can lead to unpleasant and unhealthy lake conditions for wildlife and humans.

Given the problems that phosphorus can create in freshwater environments, ELIA has been working with a limnologist (lake scientist) to evaluate accumulating phosphorus levels in the lake’s sediments. This form of phosphorus is what scientists call legacy phosphorus. The ongoing study of the legacy phosphorus is expected to wrap up by this spring. Preliminary results are already showing that only a small amount of the total phosphorus in Elkhart Lake is residing in lake bottom sediments. With this new data, ELIA is now able to narrow down the primary sources of phosphorus in the lake and focus on the most effective ways to reduce it. Going forward, the organization will be placing an even stronger emphasis on reducing runoff that carries phosphorus into the lake. Restoring native prairie land, restoring wetlands, and improving farming practices in the Elkhart Lake watershed all helps reduce polluted runoff and are the priority projects for 2025. ELIA could not do this important work on land without the wonderful partnerships with landowners. ELIA will also be relying on local community residents to help reduce water pollutants in 2025 and beyond.

Here are several tips for landowners to join in on reducing polluted runoff:

• Use phosphorus-free fertilizers – Many lawns don’t need added phosphorus. Check labels and choose a phosphorus-free option.

• Create buffer zones – Planting native vegetation along shorelines and waterways helps absorb excess nutrients before they reach the lake.

• Properly manage animal waste – Ensure manure is stored and spread correctly to prevent runoff into nearby streams.

• Reduce soil erosion – Farmers can adopt conservation practices like implementing cover crops and no-till farming to minimize soil loss.

• Limit stormwater runoff – Installing rain gardens and permeable surfaces can help reduce the amount of phosphorus flowing into the lake.

Elkhart Lake is renowned for the quality of its water and the quality of life its recreational opportunities provide. By making small changes, the Elkhart Lake community can be stewards in keeping the lake sparkling this summer and for many years to come.

ELIA 2025 projects update

While the lake takes a little rest in the frozen winter months, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association (ELIA) is preparing for when the water wakes up again. 2025is stacking up to be another exciting year for the local non-profit. May through August will be particularly busy with continued field work. With the help of volunteers, the water scientists at ELIA will continue collecting water samples to measure levels of nitrogen, nitrates, phosphorus, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, and total suspended solids.  

Measuring these components will strengthen ELIA’s ongoing data collection. The more water quality data, the better informed the organization becomes on the best ways to support the water’s vitality. Further research on algae blooms is high on the priority list this year. Last fall, the group gathered sediment samples from the lakebed to investigate nutrient releases that may be contributing to algae production. ELIA suspects that the main culprit is phosphorus. As a result, they will continue evaluating ways to mitigate phosphorus accumulation in the lake. Stay tuned for more updates on ELIA’s algae project in future issues of the Depot Dispatch!

In addition to monitoring the chemical components of the lake, ELIA will monitor aquatic invasive species in 2025. With the help of the wonderful DNR Clean Boats, Clean Water program the organization has been able to install signage at the boat launch to educate boaters before they head out onto the water. The program will also continue providing support for boat inspectors who distribute brochures and help educate boaters.  The boat launch projects help prevent the spread of invasive species and encourage conversations around the topic with visitors. Beyond the boat launch, weed-heavy areas will be zeroed in on for diver assisted suction harvesting and chemical control treatment. 

 Keeping a close eye on the water chemistry and invasive species has long been at the core of ELIA’s work. Each year the organization learns a little more about how to best monitor the lake and keep it clean. While historically the focus has been on the water itself, ELIA has increasingly become more holistic in their preservation work. Projects focusing on restoring native habitats on the shoreline, surrounding prairie land, and nearby gullies will continue to be implemented this year.

When the board members are not interpreting chemistry data from the lab or removing pesky invasives they will be focusing on how to create a safe environment for everyone who recreates on the water, whether that’s by way of motor or with a swim cap. Before many others are brave enough to wade into the chilly lake, you can count on “Slow No Wake” buoys being anchored by some hearty ELIA volunteers.

Although summer days of swimming, sailing, fishing and paddling may seem far away, ELIA is already planning for their annual summer event. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 13, 2025! It’s a once-a-year opportunity for the public to gather and learn about what challenges the lake faces and how ELIA is stepping up to address them. The event is free for members, or you can become a member at the door.  Can’t make it to the June event? Not to worry. You can swing by the ELIA booth at the village Downtown Night in August or stay up to date by visiting https://www.keepelkhartblue.org/

ELIA is always excited to welcome new members! If you’re a water quality enthusiast and want to become more involved, you can conveniently become a member online. For current members, remember that it’s best to pay dues for 2025 early in the year. Please renew your annual membership online or send a check to: E.L.I.A., P.O. Box 715, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020-0715. Membership dues of $50 go directly toward initiatives that benefit the lake and surrounding community. 

ELIA is currently seeking one candidate who is interested in converting 350 sq. feet of their shoreline property into native garden areas that will help reduce erosion and runoff. The garden project will receive up to $1,000 through the DNR Healthy Lakes Grant. Please contact contact@keepelkhartblue.org to learn more.

EL-Glen Middle school state winner of national competition with floating trash robot idea

On February 4th, WTMJ in Milwaukee featured an article on their website about a group of 10 Elkhart Lake-Glenbulah middle schoolers who earned a major title in the Sumsung STEM competition, Solve For Tomorrow competition. This group of students came up with an idea to help keep the waters of Elkhart lake pristine clean.  To read the whole article, "click here".

In October, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association hosted its inaugural Watershed stakeholder meeting inside the rustic confines of Farm 1847. This event brought together a diverse group, including farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, and representatives from several local organizations and government bodies, all focused on improving and preserving our watershed.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of dialogue and exchange over Sheboygan’s finest beers from Three Sheeps Brewing and Wisconsin’s best brats cooked by Three Guys and a Grill. The meeting started with rapid-fire, five-minute presentations by local stakeholders, offering insights into ongoing projects and collaborative opportunities to enhance the watershed.

Key speakers included Tyler Betry from Sheboygan County, Miriam Headrick from the Glacial Lakes Conservancy, Derek Sippel from the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers & Airy Point Farms, Michael Patin from USDA NRCS, Amy Lentz from Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, Steve Klock from Sheboygan County Conservation Association & Pheasants Forever, and Star Gerk from the Sheboygan River Basin Partnership.  Their discussions set the stage for an evening filled with shared ideas on sustainable practices and upcoming initiatives aimed at fostering a safe and resilient watershed.

The event underscored the power of community engagement in environmental stewardship, showcasing a collective commitment to learning from each other and enjoying the natural beauty our region has to offer. As the night concluded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism, leaving participants eager for future gatherings that promise to continue this vital conversation around a healthy watershed.