Water-Resources Investigations 

in Wisconsin, 2004

Open-File Report 2004–1403

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
Water-Resources Investigations 

in Wisconsin, 2004

Compiled by Jennifer L. Bruce, Michelle M. Greenwood, and Susan Z. Jones

Open-File Report 2004 –1403

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

Gale A. Norton, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Charles G. Groat, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2004

For sale by U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services

Box 25286, Denver Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225

For more information about the USGS and its products:

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/

Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Contents iii

Contents

Basic Mission and Projects ...................................................................................................................vii

Wisconsin District Organizational Chart...............................................................................................ix

Cooperators ................................................................................................................................................x

Summary of Hydrologic Conditions .......................................................................................................xi

Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team ...........................................................................................1

Geomorphic Assessment of Duluth Streams ........................................................................................4

Collection of Basic Records–Sediment .................................................................................................5

Dane County Surface-Water Model .......................................................................................................6

Lincoln Creek PCBs ..................................................................................................................................6

Kalamazoo River Geomorphology Study................................................................................................7

Regional Flood-Frequency Study for Urban and Rural Streams in Wisconsin................................8

Bayfield Tributaries Geomorphic Assessment for Restoration..........................................................8

Bad River Geomorphology/Streamflow Trends ..................................................................................10

Demonstration of Submerged Vanes, Fish Creek...............................................................................10

Fox River Shear Velocity.........................................................................................................................11

Project Collaboration with the Biological Resources Discipline at La Crosse..............................12

Yahara River Watershed Model Scoping Proposal............................................................................13

Pioneer Farms Bank Erosion Study ......................................................................................................14

Neopit Mill Pond Sedimentation and Sediment Chemistry Study ...................................................15

Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team....................................................................................................17

Sources of Cryptosporidium in the Milwaukee River Watershed ...................................................20

Occurrence and Variability of Pathogens in Wisconsin’s Urban Streams.....................................21

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Impacts of Aircraft Deicers in Runoff from the 

Dallas/Fort Worth Airport..................................................................................................................22

Halfway Creek Constructed Wetland Evaluation ...............................................................................22

Evaluation Monitoring in Wisconsin Priority Watersheds................................................................23

Discovery Farms ......................................................................................................................................24

Quantification of Constituent Loads from Farm Fields at the Pioneer Farms in 

Wisconsin............................................................................................................................................25

Influences of Riparian Corridors on the In-Stream Habitat, Fish, and Macroinvertebrate 

Communities for Small Streams in Wisconsin...............................................................................26

Fertilization and Runoff from Urban Lawns .........................................................................................27

Hydrology and Water-Quality Impacts of Different Pasture Management Practices in 

Southwestern Wisconsin..................................................................................................................28

The Effect of Near-Shore Development on Constituent Loading to Lakes in Northern 

Wisconsin............................................................................................................................................29

Verification of Treatment Performance of the Vortechnics and Stormwater 

Management Filter.............................................................................................................................30

Evaluation of Street Sweeping as a Water-Quality Management Tool in Residential 

Basins in Madison..............................................................................................................................31
iv Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Impacts of Aircraft Deicers in Runoff from 

General Mitchell International Airport............................................................................................32

Long-Term Water Budget of Two Rain Gardens in Madison............................................................33

Verification of a Pressurized Stormwater Filtration System at St. Mary’s Hospital .....................34

Thresholds of Toxicity in Urban Streams .............................................................................................35

Calibration of the Source Loading and Management Model (SLAMM).........................................36

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Low-Impact Development Practices .......................................37

DOT Street Sweeping Phase II..............................................................................................................38

Database Applications Team ....................................................................................................................39

NAWQA Data Warehouse......................................................................................................................41

Database Applications............................................................................................................................41

WDNR Beach Health Database and Website.....................................................................................42

WDNR Biology Database .......................................................................................................................42

USGS Mobile Computing ........................................................................................................................43

Mercury Vulnerability Identification.....................................................................................................44

USGS National Map Hosting..................................................................................................................44

USGS Publications Warehouse.............................................................................................................45

Ground-Water Systems Team ...................................................................................................................47

USGS Black Earth Creek GW/SW Model.............................................................................................50

Simulation of Shallow Ground-Water Flow on the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian 

Reservation with the Use of an Analytic Element Model ............................................................50

Characterization of the Regional Aquifer Flow System on the Menominee Indian 

Reservation..........................................................................................................................................51

Great Lakes Protection Fund Web Site................................................................................................51

Monitoring Contaminant Flux from a Stormwater Infiltration Facility to Ground Water..............52

Grindstone Springs..................................................................................................................................54

Simulation of Shallow Ground-Water Flow for the Ho-Chunk Nation Area of Indian 

Mission and Sand Pillow with the Use of an Analytic Element Model .....................................54

Chiwaukee Prairie Ground Water ........................................................................................................55

USGS Recharge Project .........................................................................................................................56

USGS DOJ Assistance ............................................................................................................................56

NPS St. Croix Ground Water .................................................................................................................57

Drilling Operations Group.......................................................................................................................59

Crandon Ground Water ..........................................................................................................................59

Collection of Basic Records–Ground Water.......................................................................................60

Wisconsin Water-Use Data File ............................................................................................................61

Hydrologic and Biogeochemical Budgets in Temperate Lakes and their Watersheds, 

Northern Wisconsin...........................................................................................................................62

Mercury Team ..............................................................................................................................................65

Florida Everglades Mercury Cycling ....................................................................................................67

NAWQA Mercury Topical Study............................................................................................................68

Mercury Cycling in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, Louisiana Project............................................69
Contents v

National Mercury Project.......................................................................................................................70

Mercury Contamination at the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, Northwestern 

North Dakota.......................................................................................................................................71

Regional and National Assessment Team..............................................................................................73

Western Lake Michigan Drainages National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) ..................75

Upper Illinois River Basin National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) ...................................77

Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Great Lakes River Basins Regional Synthesis: National 

Water-Quality Assessment Program...............................................................................................78

National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Scientific Records Management and 

Data Synthesis ....................................................................................................................................78

Technical Assistance in the Development of Regionalization Schemes for Suspended 

Sediments and Nutrients in Streams in the Midwest ..................................................................79

National Environmental Methods Index ..............................................................................................80

Interagency Methods and Data Comparability Board.......................................................................81

Great Lakes Aquatic Gap........................................................................................................................82

Periphyton-Mercury: The Role of Periphyton in Mercury Bioaccumulationin Stream 

Ecosystems .........................................................................................................................................83

Lake Studies Team ......................................................................................................................................85

Lake Water-Quality Monitoring, Chemical and Biological Monitoring of Selected Lakes..........88

Miscellaneous Monitoring Associated with Lakes ...........................................................................88

Wisconsin Lakes, Green Lake Tributary Monitoring .........................................................................89

Assessment of Phosphorus Loading, Winter Anoxia, and Stage Regulation of Little 

St. Germain Lake, Vilas County ........................................................................................................90

Assessment of the Water Quality, Hydrology, and Biology of Geneva Lake..................................91

Assessment of the Water Quality of Wazee Lake, Jackson County ...............................................92

Assessment of the Hydrology, Water Quality, and Biology of Delavan Lake ................................92

Assessment of the Hydrology, Water Quality, and Phosphorus Loading of Butternut 

Lake.......................................................................................................................................................94

Water Quality of Nagawicka Lake in Response to Hydrologic and Phosphorus Loading...........94

Eutrophication Modeling to Aid in the Development of a TMDL for the Salton Sea, 

California..............................................................................................................................................95

Surface-Water Quality Monitoring Team ...............................................................................................97

Benthic Algae of Streams in the Menominee Indian Reservation ................................................100

Collection of Real-Time and Pathogen Data at Recreational Beaches in Madison ..................100

Dane County Water-Quality Program.................................................................................................101

Water Quality of the Lower Fox River Tributaries and Duck Creek Watersheds ........................102

Impact of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Concentrations on the Biological Integrity of 

Wisconsin Streams ..........................................................................................................................103

Oneida Nation Hydrologic Investigations..........................................................................................104

The Surface-Water Resources of the Ho-Chunk Tribe....................................................................105

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Corridor Study..........................................................106

Collection of Water-Quality Data for Calibration and Verification of the HSPF Watershed 

Model for the Milwaukee and Root River Watersheds..............................................................107
vi Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Streamflow and Lake Stage Network Team.........................................................................................109

Streamflow and Lake Stage Network ................................................................................................111
Introduction	 vii

Basic Mission and Projects

U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey was established by an act of Congress on March 3, 1879, to provide a permanent federal agency to 

conduct the systematic and scientific “classification of the public lands, and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, 

and products of national domain.” An integral part of that original mission includes publishing and disseminating the earth-science 

information needed to understand, to plan the use of, and to manage the Nation’s energy, land, mineral, and water resources.

Since 1879, the research and fact-finding role of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has grown and has been modified to meet the 

changing needs of the Nation it serves. As part of the evolution, the USGS has become the federal government’s largest earth-science 

research agency, the Nation’s largest civilian map-making agency, the primary source of data on the Nation’s surface-water and 

ground-water resources, and the employer of the largest number of professional earth scientists in the Nation. Today’s programs serve 

a diversity of needs and users. Programs include:

• Conducting detailed assessments of the energy and mineral potential of land and offshore areas.

• Investigating and issuing warnings of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other geologic and hydrologic hazards.

• Conducting research on the geologic structure of land and offshore areas.

• Studying the geologic features, structure, processes, and history of the other planets of our solar system.

• Conducting topographic surveys and preparing topographic and thematic maps and related cartographic

products.

• Developing and producing digital cartographic data bases and products.

• Collecting data on a routine basis to determine the quantity, quality, and use of surface water and ground water.

• Conducting water-resource appraisals to describe the consequences of alternative plans for developing 

land and water resources.

• Conducting research in hydraulics and hydrology, and coordinating all federal water-data acquisition.

• Using remotely sensed data to develop new cartographic, geologic, and hydrologic research techniques 

for natural resources planning and management.

• Providing earth-science information through an extensive publications program and a network of public access points.

• Manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources.

Along with its continuing commitment to meet the growing and changing earth-science needs of the Nation, the USGS remains 

dedicated to its original mission to collect, analyze, interpret, publish, and disseminate information about the natural resources of the 

Nation—providing “Earth science in the public service.”
viii	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Water Resources Discipline

The mission of the Water Resources Discipline (WRD) is to provide the hydrologic information and understanding needed for the 

optimum utilization and management of the Nation’s water resources for the overall benefit of the people of the United States. This 

mission is accomplished, in large part, through cooperation with other federal and non-federal agencies, by:

•	 Collecting, on a systematic basis, data needed for the continuing determination and evaluation of the quantity, quality, and use 

of the Nation’s water resources.

•	 Conducting analytical and interpretive water-resource appraisals describing the occurrence, availability, and physical, chemical, 

and biological characteristics of surface water and ground water.

•	 Conducting supportive basic and problem-oriented research in hydraulics, hydrology, and related fields 

of science to improve the scientific basis for investigations and measurement techniques and to understand hydrologic systems 

sufficiently well to quantitatively predict their response to stress.

•	 Disseminating the water data and the results of these investigations and research through reports, maps, 

computerized information services, and other forms of public releases.

•	 Coordinating the activities of federal agencies in the acquisition of water data for streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and 

ground water. 

•	 Providing scientific and technical assistance in hydrologic fields to other federal, state, and local agencies, 

to licensees of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and to international agencies on behalf of the 

U.S. Department of State.

Funding sources for the water-resources program in Wisconsin for the 2004 fiscal year.

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Introduction	 ix

Wisconsin District Organizational Chart

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Organization chart of the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Discipline, Wisconsin District.

Location of offices in Wisconsin District.

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x	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Cooperators

State agencies

	 Illinois Department of Natural Resources

	 University of Wisconsin–Madison

	 University of California–Davis

	 Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and

	 	 Consumer Protection

	 Wisconsin Department of Transportation

	 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

	 Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey

	 Wisconsin State Historical Society

Local agencies

	 City of Barron

	 City of Beaver Dam

	 City of Fond du Lac

	 City of Hillsboro

	 City of Madison

	 City of Middleton

	 City of Milwaukee

	 City of Peshtigo

	 City of Sparta

	 City of Thorp

	 City of Waupun

	 County of Bayfield

	 County of Milwaukee

	 Dane County Land Conservation Department

	 Dane County Regional Planning Commission

	 Dane County Department of Planning & Development

	 Fontana/Walworth Water Pollution Control Commission

	 Geneva Lake Environmental Agency

	 Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District

	 Kickapoo Valley Reserve

	 Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

	 Milwaukee Metro Sewerage District

	 Rock County Public Works Department

	 Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

	 Village of Cross Plains

	 Village of Wittenberg

	 Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District

Other federal agencies

	 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

	 	 Detroit District

	 	 Jacksonville, FL

	 	 Rock Island District

	 	 St. Paul District

	 	 Vicksburg, MS

	 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Licensees

	 	 Black River Falls Municipal Utilities

	 	 Stora Enso, Niagara Mill

	 	 Dairyland Power Cooperative

	 	 Northern States Power Company

	 	 Northwoods Hydropower

	 	 Wisconsin Electric Power Company

	 	 Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

	 	 Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company

	 National Park Service

	 	 U.S. Department of Justice

	 	 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Indian tribes

	 Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

	 Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe

	 Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

	 Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

	 Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin

	 Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians

	 Sokaogon Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

	 Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

Lake districts

	 Big Cedar Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District

	 City of Delafield

	 City of Muskego

	 Delavan Lake Sanitary District

	 Green Lake Sanitary District

	 Jackson County

	 Lauderdale Lakes Lake Management District

	 Little Cedar Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District

	 Little St. Germain Protection and Rehabilitation District

	 Middle Genesee Lake District

	 Okauchee Lake District

	 Powers Lake District

	 Price County Land Conservation

	 Spooner Lake District

	 Town of Minoqua

	 Town of Rice Lake

	 Town of Springfield

	 Village of Oconomowoc Lake

	 Waterford Waterway Management District

	 Wind Lake Management District
Introduction	 xi

Summary of Hydrologic Conditions

Precipitation

The statewide average precipitation for the 2003 water year 

was 27.42 inches, which was 5.22 inches less than the normal 

annual precipitation of 32.64 inches for water years 1971–2000. 

Average precipitation values affecting streamflow conditions 

ranged from 67 percent in southeast Wisconsin to 99 percent 

in northeast Wisconsin with a statewide average of 84 percent 

(summary tables provided by Ed Hopkins, State Climatology 

Office, University of Wisconsin, Madison, written commun., 

2004). 

The year started out with above normal precipitation for the state 

in October, especially the northern and central parts of the state. 

The only exception to this was the southeast region of the state, 

which had close to normal precipitation at 97 percent of the 

normal 1970–2000 October precipitation. The statewide October 

average precipitation was 159 percent of normal October precipitation. For the next 3 months all regions of the state were very 

dry. Statewide precipitation in November was only 18 percent 

of normal; December was 44 percent of normal and January 

was 31 percent of normal. In February, the statewide average 

precipitation was still only 66 percent of normal, but the north 

central (100 percent) and northeast (111 percent) regions were 

near normal while the south central (28 percent) and southeast 

(27 percent) were very dry. The remaining regions of the state 

were also quite dry, ranging from 44 percent of normal in the 

southwest region to 77 percent in the west central region. In 

March, the northern and central regions of the state had close 

to normal precipitation while the southern regions remained 

dry (71 percent of normal). In April, the southern regions of 

the state were again drier than normal (55 percent), the central 

regions were moderately drier than normal (85 percent) and the 

northern regions were slightly wetter than normal (135 percent), 

especially the north central region with precipitation 157 percent 

of normal. In May, the statewide average precipitation was 142 

percent of normal. The southern part of the state finally got some 

relief with precipitation 159 percent of normal, the northern 

regions of the state had 131 percent of normal and the central 

regions of the state received 139 percent of the normal precipitation. In June, all regions of the state had below normal precipitation except for the northwest, which was near normal at 103 

percent. The southern part of the state was again the driest part 

of the state at 66 percent of normal; the central part of the state 

had 85 percent and the northern part of the state had 89 percent 

2003 runoff as percentage of long-term average runoff.

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xii	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

of normal precipitation. In July, the statewide average precipitation was 83 percent of normal with all regions falling below 

normal except for the east central region, which had 127 percent 

of normal precipitation. August statewide precipitation was 

48 percent of normal with all regions falling below normal. In 

September, the statewide precipitation was 85 percent of normal 

with all regions falling below normal except the northeast which 

had 120 percent of normal precipitation. The southeast region 

(57 percent), the west central region (66 percent) and the north 

central regions (71 percent) were considerably below normal. 

To summarize the 2003 water year precipitation on a statewide 

basis, it was a near normal fall and spring with a very dry winter 

and a dry summer.

Runoff for rivers in the state ranged from 22 percent of the 

average annual runoff (1985–2003) at the Beaver Dam River 

station in the east-central part of the state to 167 percent of the 

average annual runoff (1914–1920 and 1986–2003) at the Apple 

River station near Somerset in the northwest part of the state. 

Water year 2003 was a dry year—it will be remembered more 

for low-flows than flooding. In mid-August, Governor Doyle 

declared a statewide emergency for farmers due to the dry conditions. Runoff in the 2003 water year for stations with drainage 

areas greater than 150 square miles and at least 20 years of 

record is shown in figure 1.

Water Quality

Suspended-sediment yields from four watersheds in southern 

Wisconsin in water year 2003 ranged from 12 to 53 percent 

of normal, as indicated by loads measured at relatively longterm monitoring sites on these watersheds. Sediment yields at 

Grant River in southwestern Wisconsin were only 12 percent 

of normal. The low yields at Grant River likely were caused by 

the absence of large storm-runoff events and generally less than 

normal runoff, as annual discharge was 71 percent of normal. 

Yahara River at Windsor in south-central Wisconsin experienced 

a 23 percent of normal sediment yield, and corresponding annual 

discharge, which was 64 percent of normal. Sediment yield at 

Jackson Creek Tributary near Elkhorn in southeastern Wisconsin 

was 35 percent of normal and discharge was 45 percent of 

normal. At Green Lake Inlet (Silver Creek) near Green Lake, 

sediment yield was 53 percent of normal, whereas discharge was 

only 52 percent of normal.

Phosphorus yields in water year 2003 from three watersheds in 

southern Wisconsin on which there are long-term monitoring 

sites were below normal. Yields at these sites ranged from 28 to 

46 percent of normal. The phosphorus yield for Yahara River at 

Windsor was 33 percent of normal, the yield for Jackson Creek 

Tributary was 28 percent of normal, and the yield for Green 

Lake Inlet was 46 percent of normal.

Ground-Water Levels

In general, shallow ground-water levels during the 2003 water 

year were normal to above normal for most of the wells in 

the State. Wells in Door, Jackson, and Marquette Counties 

had below normal ground-water levels at the beginning of the 

water year, and these levels remained below normal for the 

entire water year. The large extent of normal and above-normal 

ground-water levels can be attributed to near normal rainfall 

during the 2003 water year and normal rainfall during the 

previous water year.

More detailed information about the summary of hydrologic 

conditions in water year 2003 can be found in “Water Resources 

Data—Wisconsin, Water Year 2003.”
Introduction	 xiii













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xiv	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

 

 

















 



  













 































  











 























































































  











 

 



 











 



 





















 





 





 



















 















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Surface-water gaging stations operated in 2004 fiscal year.
Surface-Water and Sediment 

Studies Team 

Office of the Assistant district chief for environmental studies

Mission

The Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team encompasses a variety of projects that 

involve monitoring or modeling of the quantity and/or quality of surface-water runoff. 

The products of these efforts provide critical information to local, state, national, and 

international managers necessary for making decisions regarding laws and regulations, 

urban development planning, and remediation activities. The team objectives are to: 

(1) efficiently manage projects from the conception and proposal stage on through 

management and operation, resulting in informative products, and (2) maintain a 

sufficient amount of funding and challenging work for the entire team. Through these 

objectives, it is our intent to continuously evolve with and develop new data-collection 

and analysis techniques, be proficient and respected modelers, plan for future projects, 

enhance the skills and growth of individual team members, and maintain a positive relationship with our cooperators.

Team Members

Peter E. Hughes, Assistant District Chief (Team Leader, Engineering)

Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Research Hydrologist (Geology)

John F. Walker, Research Hydrologist (Engineering)

Jeffrey J. Steuer, Hydrologist (Engineering)

David J. Gracyzk, Hydrologist (Forestry)

Steven A Westenbroek, Hydrologist (Engineering)

Gerald L. Goddard, Hydrologic Technician

Halward L. Hanson, Hydrologic Technician

David E. Housner, Hydrologic Technician

Judy A. Horwatich, Hydraulic Engineer

Timothy L. Hanson, Hydrologic Technician

Marie A. Peppler, Student Trainee (Geography)

Daniel S. Alessi, Hydrologic Technician (Student)

	 Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team	 
	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects

AYL00	 Geomorphic Assessment of Duluth Streams.................................................................................4

00401	 Collection of Basic Records–Sediment ..........................................................................................5

9KO13	 Dane County Surface-Water Model................................................................................................6

9KO15	 Lincoln Creek PCBs ...........................................................................................................................6

9KO24	 Kalamazoo River Geomorphology Study.........................................................................................7

9KO27	 Regional Flood-Frequency Study for Urban and Rural Streams in Wisconsin ........................8

9KO31	 Geomorphic Assessment of Bayfield Streams..............................................................................8

9KO32	 Bad River Geomorphology/Streamflow Trends ...........................................................................10

9KO33	 Demonstration of Submerged Vanes, Fish Creek........................................................................10

9KO34	 Fox River Shear Velocity..................................................................................................................11

9KO35	 Project Collaboration with the Biological Resources Discipline at La Crosse ......................12

9KO37	 Yahara River Watershed Model Scoping Proposal ....................................................................13

9KO38	 Pioneer Farms Bank Erosion Study ...............................................................................................14

9K039	 Neopit Mill Pond Sedimentation and Sediment Chemistry Study ............................................15
STATEWIDE PROJECTS

00401	 Collection of Basic Records–Sediment	

9KO27	 Regional Flood-Frequency Study for Urban and Rural

Streams in Wisconsin	

PROJECTS outside of Wisconsin

Allegan County, Michigan

9KO24	 Kalamazoo River Geomorphology Study

Duluth, Minnesota

AYL00	 Geomorphic Assessment of Duluth Streams	

LOCATION-SPECIFIC PROJECTS

Tribal

Bad River Indian Reservation

9KO32	 Bad River Geomorphology/Streamflow Trends

County

Bayfield

9KO31	 Geomorphic Assessment of Bayfield Streams	

9KO33	 Demonstration of Submerged Vanes, Fish Creek

Brown

9KO34	 Fox River Shear Velocity

Dane

9KO13	 Dane County Surface Water Model

9KO37	 Yahara River Watershed Model Scoping Proposal

La Crosse

9KO35	 Project Collaboration with the Biological Resources

Discipline at La Crosse

Municipal

Milwaukee

9KO15	 Lincoln Creek PCBs

Neopit, Menominee Indian Reservation

9K039	 Neopit Mill Pond Sedimentation and Sediment Chemistry

Study

Platteville

9KO38	 Pioneer Farms Bank Erosion Study

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	 Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team	
	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Geomorphic Assessment of Duluth 

Streams

Cooperators: USGS−Minnesota, City of Duluth, and The Nature

Conservancy

Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick

Location: Duluth, Minnesota

Project Number: AYL00

Period of Project: June 30, 2003–December 31, 2004

Problem

The City of Duluth (City) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) 

are concerned about changes to the geomorphic condition of 

streams in the Duluth, Minnesota area. Understanding the 

geomorphic processes within a stream network is important 

because they relate to the overall water and aquatic resource 

quality of the stream and to the plant and animal communities 

and habitat adjacent to the stream. The important geomorphic 

processes (including hydrologic characteristics and sediment 

loading, transport, and delivery) affecting the physical characteristics of Duluth streams are not well documented. 

Objectives

The major goals of the study are to: (1) describe geomorphic 

conditions for Duluth-area streams, (2) identify major geomorphic processes and factors contributing to current conditions, 

(3) characterize historical changes in channel morphology 

and planform, and (4) classify streams based on geomorphic 

processes and sensitivity to geomorphic change.

Approach

A literature search was conducted and watershed characteristics 

(geology, land use/land cover, and soil characteristics, and population) were determined through a GIS. Longitudinal profiles of 

the streams were compiled. Air photos were gathered by TNC 

and USGS from 1839−1940, 1950−70, 1991, 2001, and 2002 

and historical changes in channel morphology and planform 

were determined. 

Streams were partitioned into segments based on channel slope 

and valley confinement. The segments formed the initial basis 

for assessing and documenting historical and current channel 

and riparian conditions as well as evaluating potential future 

changes in form and function. 

Field surveys of 48 stream reaches were conducted to assess 

key stream channel and riparian characteristics that were useful 

for interpreting geomorphic condition and response potential. 

Sites surveyed included a range of segment types, of channel 

types representative of distinct geology/landforms, disturbed/

developed and undisturbed conditions, those likely to be highly 

responsive to changes in upstream inputs (for example, prone 

to sediment deposition, scour or bank erosion). Data at 40 sites 

include photos and qualitative and semi-quantitative information on segment and channel types, geomorphic condition, 

riparian conditions (geology, land cover, wetlands, lakes), local 

variations in geologic setting, human modifications, potential 

sources for sediment, indications of bank erosion, entrenchment, 

sedimentation, lateral migration, and head-cutting. At 8 of the 

48 sites, very detailed reach surveys were conducted and include 

quantitative data on channel morphology, water-surface and 

thalweg slope, bankfull stage, substrate characterization, floodplain sedimentation rates, large woody debris, and pools. Data 

from channel cross-section surveys will be used to determine 

channel adjustments (aggradation, degradation, or lateral migration), and movement of streambed or bank material. Permanent 

markers for one or both endpoints of the cross sections were 

established. Bankfull stage was determined through field indicators. Abandoned channels were cored for determining historical 

changes in bed elevation.

Based on the above information, a watershed-specific classification system will be developed for Duluth-area streams. Stream 

segments will be grouped into types (referred to as geomorphic 

map units or GMUs) that share similar geomorphic processes 

and historical sensitivity to changes in sediment load, particle 

size, woody debris, floods, riparian vegetation, and catastrophic 

disturbance). Using the information and insights summarized 

above, the potential pathways will be identified for which each 

GMU is likely to adjust (that is, sensitivity) in response to 

changes in key channel-forming processes. A USGS Scientific 

Investigations Report will be written with results from the study.

Faith Fitzpatrick, August 21, 2003

Bank erosion and channel widening on Lester River, a tributary to 

Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. Kathy Lee (USGS, Minnesota) is 

in the photo for scale.
Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

During the first year a literature review was conducted, 

drainage basin boundaries were delineated, available GIS 

data for basin/landscape characteristics were collected, and 

longitudinal profiles for the streams based on 7.5-minute topographic maps were constructed. The Nature Conservancy delineated the streams into segments based on six categories of slope 

and three categories of valley confinement. Field-based reach 

surveys were conducted. Historical aerial photos were compiled 

and analyzed for channel changes.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

The classification scheme for Duluth-area streams will be finalized. The final report will be written.

Collection of Basic Records–Sediment

Cooperator: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Project Chief: William J. Rose

Location: Statewide

Project Number: WI 00401

Period of Project: March 1968–Continuing

Problem

Water-resources planning and water-quality assessment require 

a knowledge of the quantity and quality of sediment being transported in rivers and streams in Wisconsin.

Objective

This project will provide sediment data for use in specific planning and action programs and will develop a database for determining trends in sediment discharge and yield. Streams will be 

characterized according to range of concentration and particle 

size of suspended sediment.

Approach

Sediment-monitoring stations will be operated at selected stream 

sites throughout the state, including sites of specific interest to 

cooperating agencies.

The extent of monitoring at a given site will depend on the characteristics of the basin and the needs of the cooperating agency. 

Some sites will be sampled manually at infrequent intervals; 

automatic samplers will sample other sites, where flow responds 

rapidly to precipitation.

At sites where bedload or unmeasured sediment discharge may 

be a significant part of the total sediment discharge, suspendedand bed-sediment particle size will be determined from samples 

collected concurrently with hydraulic data. These data will be 

used to estimate total sediment discharge using one of several 

techniques such as the modified Einstein procedure.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Sediment data have been collected at more than 200 stream sites 

in Wisconsin since 1968. All data have been published annually 

in the data report, “Water Resources Data–Wisconsin.” The 2004 

program consisted of monitoring to determine daily-suspended 

sediment loads for Grant River at Burton. Suspended-sediment 

monitoring at this site has been continuous since 1978.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—Operation of the Grant River 

monitoring station will continue.

Efforts to secure cooperative funding to establish a long-term 

sediment-monitoring network will continue. About 10 sites 

areally distributed to sample runoff from the major geographic 

provinces would provide an adequate network.

Reports

Rose, W.J., and Graczyk, D.J., 1996, Sediment transport, 

particle size, and loads in North Fish Creek in Bayfield County, 

Wisconsin, water years 1990–91: U.S. Geological Survey WaterResources Investigations Report 95–4222, 18 p.

Rose, W.J., 1992, Sediment transport, particle sizes, and loads in 

the lower reaches of the Chippewa, Black, and Wisconsin Rivers 

in western Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources 

Investigations Report 90–4124, 38 p.

	 Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team	















       

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	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Dane County Surface-Water Model

Cooperator: Dane County Regional Planning Commission

Project Chief: William R. Krug/Peter E. Hughes

Location: Dane County

Project Number: 9KO13

Period of Project: April 2001–September 2004

Problem

Officials at all levels of government are concerned about the 

effects of increasing urban growth and development on the 

surface- and ground-water resources in Dane County. The relation between surface and ground water must be understood to 

allow for increased ground-water withdrawals while protecting 

the quality and quantity of surface-water resources in the 

County. A comprehensive study that combines existing water 

data with new data is needed to provide government and planning agencies with a tool to aid in managing the water resources 

of the Dane County area.

ObjectivE

Evaluate alternative operation plans for the lake system (Lakes 

Mendota, Monona, and Waubesa), in order to control flooding 

on the lake system, while sustaining downstream flows and 

provide adequate lake levels for recreation.

Approach

The model used in preparing the report, “Simulation of the 

Effects of Operating Lakes Mendota, Monona, and Waubesa, 

South-Central Wisconsin, as Multipurpose Reservoirs to 

Maintain Dry-Weather Flow” by William Krug (1999), will be 

modified to reflect current conditions.

Net inflow to be used in the model will be computed from 

the measured outflow, observed changes in lake stages, and 

the record of past diversions. Outflow has been measured 

since September 1930 on the Yahara River near McFarland, 

Wisconsin. Daily lake stage for most periods of the same years 

has been measured on Lakes Monona and Mendota. Records of 

sewage diversion are available from the Madison Metropolitan 

Sewerage District.

The model will be used to evaluate the effects of three possible 

operational alternatives for the period 1979–2001 when the 

current operational rules were in effect.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The simulation of the three operational alternatives is complete 

and a draft report has been completed. The three alternatives were: (1) an extreme simulationessentially keeping lake 

levels as low as possible at all times, (2) a high-stage reduction 

simulationwith early summer target levels closer to the middle 

of the regulatory lake level range, and (3) the low-flow simulation from the previous study. Alternative 1intended to keep 

the lake levels as low as possible still had a significant number 

of days when water levels were above the maximum allowable stage. This clearly demonstrates that the limitations of the 

outflow channel make it impossible to keep lake levels below the 

maximum regulatory limits during a wet year.

Plans (July 2004–September 2004)

The final report will be reviewed and published. 

Lincoln Creek PCBs 

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Peter E. Hughes

Location: City of Milwaukee

Project Number: 9KO15

Period of Project: June 2001–June 2003

Problem

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is evaluating 

alternatives for removing PCB-contaminated sediments from the 

Estabrook Impoundment on the Milwaukee River. Lincoln Creek 

empties into this impoundment and it is important to identify 

if there are continuing sources of PCBs coming from Lincoln 

Creek drainages.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to collect water-column 

samples during runoff events to quantify the PCB load being 

transported in Lincoln Creek. 

Approach

The USGS will establish a gaging station on Lincoln Creek at 

27th Street and install equipment to automatically collect water 

samples during runoff events. A total of 19 event composite 

samples will be collected and processed for analysis by the 

Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for particulate and 

dissolved PCBs. A total of 110 discrete suspended solids 

samples will also be analyzed. Streamflow will be continuously 

monitored and used to compute the PCB and suspended solids 

loads transported during runoff events.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Sample collection was completed and laboratory data has been 

received. Preparation of a data summary is in progress. 
Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

A data report will be prepared which will summarize the PCB 

and suspended solids concentrations for the monitored events.

Reports

Data report is pending.

Kalamazoo River Geomorphology 

Study

Cooperators: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality;

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region V

Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick

Location: Allegan County, Michigan

Project Number: 9KO24

Period of Project: October 2001–March 2004

Problem

The Kalamazoo River has been designated as a Federal 

Superfund Site from the city of Kalamazoo to its mouth at Lake 

Michigan. Fluvial deposits from a variety of environments 

related to the Kalamazoo River contain elevated concentrations 

of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from paper mill carbonless 

copy paper production. There are four dams on the Kalamazoo 

River between Plainwell and Allegan. Pool levels behind 

the dams were lowered in the late 1960s and again in 1987, 

exposing previously inundated sediment with elevated PCB 

concentrations. PCB-laden sediment continues to be transported 

and deposited downstream of each dam as a new channel is cut 

through the previously impounded sediments. Bank erosion 

occurs in the sediment, which has elevated PCB concentrations. The effects from lowering of pool levels and possible dam 

removal on erosion and sediment transport needs to be determined.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the study were to: (1) determine 

historical geomorphic changes in the Kalamazoo River in a 

reach with two dams and PCB contamination from Plainwell to 

Otsego City, Michigan, (2) measure bank stability in the same 

reach, and (3) determine channel and bank stability in the same 

reach under possible scenarios of (a) current conditions with 

dams in place (b) catastrophic failure of the dams, (c) controlled 

removal of the dams combined with construction of a 

stable channel.

Approach

The approach for this study involved field data collection and 

modeling by the USGS offices in Michigan and Wisconsin, 

as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 

Research Service, Oxford Mississippi. The approach included: 

(1) conducting a literature review and describing the general 

watershed characteristics; (2) reviewing historical geomorphic 

data for the Kalamazoo River and determine if data are detailed 

enough to reconstruct pre-dam channel shape, substrate, and 

bed elevation; (3) quantifying the longitudinal profile of the 

Kalamazoo River from headwaters to its mouth (a) without 

dams, (b) with dams in full operation, and (c) with dam sills 

removed and identifying reaches with slope changes and investigate possible causes for changes (anthropogenic/dams versus 

geologic setting, historical relations with pre-glacial drainage); 

(4) determining channel planform/location for the Kalamazoo 

River from Kalamazoo/Calhoun County line to its mouth for 

the years 1827, 1938, 1960, and 2000; (5) evaluating digital 

representation of previously inundated surfaces for the Plainwell 

to Allegan reach of the Kalamazoo; (6) modeling bank stability 

under current conditions for the Plainwell to Trowbridge Dam 

reach; (7) conducting evaluation of channel stability under three 

scenarios for the Plainwell and possibly the Otsego City dam 

reach; and (8) writing a USGS Scientific Investigations Report.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The USGS colleague review of the report was completed.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

The editorial review of the report will be completed and the 

report will be published through the USGS Michigan District.

	 Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team	
	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Regional Flood-Frequency Study 

for Urban and Rural Streams in 

Wisconsin

Cooperators: City of Fond du Lac; Wisconsin Department of

Transportation

Project Chief: John F. Walker

Location: Statewide

Project Number: 9KO27

Period of Project: July 1985–Continuing

Problem

Flood-frequency estimates are required at many sites for bridge 

and culvert design, as well as for flood-plain management and 

flood-insurance studies. Most sites at which such estimates are 

required do not have records of flood peaks.

Objective

Objectives are to: (1) operate a state-wide network of crest 

gages to obtain ongoing information on flood peaks, (2) develop 

improved regression equations for the State of Wisconsin, and 

(3) analyze and improve the network of crest-stage gages to 

obtain better data for developing improved regression equations.

Approach

A network of approximately 90 crest-stage gages will be maintained to gather flood peak information, especially on streams 

with small drainage areas. The information on annual flood 

peaks will be used to compute flood-frequency at these sites. 

Periodically, the expanded information on flood frequency at 

streams throughout the state will be used to compute regional 

flood frequency equations to estimate flood frequency at 

ungaged sites.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Annual flood peaks were computed and published in the annual 

data report for 85 crest-stage stations, including 19 of the new 

stations. Work began on a Fact Sheet related to bridge scour and 

an analysis of regression residuals and trends in the flood-peak 

records.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

The crest-stage-gage network will be monitored throughout the 

year. More new gages will have ratings developed for them as 

measurements and surveys are available. Significant effort will 

be made to improve ratings at all the gages. Drainage-basin 

characteristics will be determined for the 312 stations in the 

stream-gaging network. A Fact Sheet related to bridge scour will 

be completed. Results of the residual and trend analyses will be 

transmitted to the cooperator.

Reports

Walker, J.F., and Krug, W.R., 2003, Flood-frequency characteristics of Wisconsin streams: U.S. Geological Survey WaterResources Investigations Report 03−4250, 37 p. 2 pls.

Krug, W.R., 1996, Simulation of temporal changes in rainfallrunoff characteristics, Coon Creek Basin, Wisconsin: Journal of 

the American Water Resources Association, v. 32, no. 4, 

p. 745–752.

Krug, W.R., Conger, D.H., and Gebert, W.A., 1992, Floodfrequency characteristics of Wisconsin streams: U.S. Geological 

Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 91–4128, 185 p., 

2 pls.

Conger, D.H., 1986, Estimating magnitude and frequency of 

floods for Wisconsin urban streams: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86–4005, 18 p.

Conger, D.H., 1981, Techniques for estimating magnitude and 

frequency of floods for Wisconsin streams: U.S. Geological 

Survey Water-Resources Investigations Open-File Report 

80–1214, 116 p., 2 pls.

Conger, D.H., 1971, Estimating magnitude and frequency of 

floods in Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report, 

200 p.

Bayfield Tributaries Geomorphic 

Assessment for Restoration

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick

Location: Bayfield County

Project Number: 9KO31

Period of Project: October 2002–September 2004

Problem

Tributaries to Lake Superior in Bayfield County, Wis., have 

accelerated erosion and sedimentation rates influenced by 

present and historical watershed land cover. Geomorphic conditions in the streams have been altered by changes in flood and 

sediment load characteristics. Flood magnitudes are elevated 

above those experienced prior to European settlement in 

the 1870s. These alterations are thought to be detrimentally 

affecting habitat for native brook trout populations. Accelerated 

sediment loads also may be impacting coastal wetlands along 

Lake Superior. 

The USGS is working with Trout Unlimited, several government 

agencies, a conservation organization, and a private consulting 

firm to assess the geomorphic character of five tributaries to 
Lake Superior in Bayfield Counties (Whittlesey Creek, Sioux 

River, Raspberry River, Bark River, and Cranberry River). The 

study involves identifying potential problem areas and assessing 

rehabilitation alternatives and watershed management strategies that relate specifically to rehabilitation of brook trout 

populations. Agencies involved in this study are the Wisconsin 

Department of Natural Resources (Great Lakes Protection 

Fund), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Red Cliff Tribe, Bayfield 

County Land Conservation Department, Sigurd Olson Institute 

(Northland College), Inter-Fluve, Inc., and the U.S. Geological 

Survey. 

Objective

The main objectives of this study are to: (1) identify present and 

historical geomorphic and hydrologic conditions and causes for 

instability in the five example tributaries, (2) collect detailed 

data needed to quantify geomorphic and hydrologic background 

conditions needed for specific rehabilitation activities, and 

(3) suggest alternatives for rehabilitation.

Approach

The approach for the USGS component of the study was to 

provide Inter-Fluve and local government agencies with background geomorphic information that could be used to make 

sound management decisions. For all watersheds, drainage 

boundaries were constructed and watershed/landscape-scale 

land cover, soils, and geologic setting data were compiled. 

Longitudinal profiles were constructed. Video footage from 

helicopter surveys was analyzed for erosion and sedimentation hot spots. Reaches with past bank stabilization projects 

were evaluated. A ground-water model was completed for the 

Bayfield Peninsula. A rainfall/runoff model was completed for 

the Cranberry River. Valley cross sections, coring, and estimated sedimentation rates were established for reaches of the 

Cranberry River. A core also was collected near the mouth of 

Whittlesey Creek.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Field data collection and analysis were completed. A draft 

USGS Scientific Investigations Report was written.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

The Scientific Investigations Report will be reviewed and 

printed.

Reports 

Report to be published in 2005.

	 Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team	

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10	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Bad River Geomorphology/

Streamflow Trends

Cooperator: Bad River Tribe

Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick

Location: Bad River Reservation; Ashland County

Project Number: 9KO32

Period of Project: May 2001–December 2004

Problem

A historical perspective of changes in the geomorphic and 

hydrologic conditions of the Bad River watershed is needed. 

Previous sediment load studies conducted by the USGS identified the Bad River as having the highest sediment load of all tributaries to Lake Superior. A large, highly valued coastal wetland 

complex exists at the mouth of the river and is threatened by 

excessive sediment. It is not known how accelerated erosion and 

deposition affect the main stem of the Bad River through the 

Bad River Indian Reservation and through the wetland at the 

mouth of the Bad River.

Objective

The main objectives of this study are to understand the historical 

and modern impacts of land cover on streamflow, sedimentation 

and erosion rates, and geomorphic conditions in the Bad River 

and some of its key tributaries.

Approach

The approach involved two phases of work. The first phase 

was a reconnaissance study that included: (1) gathering available GIS coverages and defining watershed characteristics of 

major subbasins of the Bad River, (2) examining the streamflow 

record at U.S. Geological Survey gaging station for historical 

variations, (3) conducting field reconnaissance trips to identify hot spots of erosion/sedimentation, and (4) conducting a 

literature search of any publications or studies done on the Bad 

River Basin related to streamflow, sedimentation, erosion and 

historical land uses. The second phase involved establishing 

valley transects and collecting cores at key locations along the 

Bad River and Marengo River with erosion and sedimentation 

problems. These data will be used to establish long-term rates of 

erosion and sedimentation throughout the watershed.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Coring and cross section surveying were conducted. Data analysis and report writing were continued. A poster for the study 

was presented at the Institute of Lake Superior Geology annual 

meeting in May 2004 in Duluth, Minnesota. Laboratory analysis 

of particle size and radiocarbon were performed.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

The first draft of a USGS Scientific Investigations Report (SIR) 

will be completed. A valley transect on the upper Marengo River 

will be established in August.

Reports 

A USGS Scientific Investigations Report will be published 

in 2005.

Demonstration of Submerged Vanes, 

Fish Creek

Cooperators: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources;

Bayfield County; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of

Wisconsin-Madison

Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick

Location: Bayfield County

Project Number: 9KO33

Period of Project: July 2000–September 2003

Problem

North Fish Creek has accelerated erosion and sedimentation 

problems that have potentially negatively impacted a highly 

valued fishery resource. Previous USGS studies identified bluff 

erosion along the upper main stem as the major source of sediment to downstream reaches. Bioremediation techniques for 

bluff stabilization were attempted but failed. Erosion control 

techniques are limited because of the remoteness of the site and 

lack of access.

Marie Peppler, August 2004

USGS and Bad River tribe personnel describe sediment cores from 

abandoned channel along the Bad River.
Objectives

The main goal of this study is to monitor and assess the ability 

of an in-stream restoration technique (submerged vanes on 

the channel bed) to reduce bluff erosion along a flashy, highenergy stream, and ultimately reduce subsequent sedimentation 

problems in North Fish Creek and potentially Lake Superior. 

Reducing sediment loads of Lake Superior tributaries is important not only for protecting or restoring aquatic habitat, but also 

for dredging issues.

Approach

Submerged vanes were installed in the channel bed at two 

eroding bluff sites along the upper main stem of North Fish 

Creek in the summer of 2000 and 2001. The number, size, and 

layout of the vanes depend on the channel morphology, velocity, 

and depth at a meander bend. Typically, about 15 vanes are 

installed in groups of one to three. Vanes modify the secondary 

flows that cause erosion along the toe of a bank in a meander 

bend. Vanes stabilize a channel reach without inducing changes 

upstream or downstream of that reach. The vanes are not visible 

in time (they become buried by depositing sediments, yet remain 

effective), and aid the stream in doing the work by redistributing 

the flow energy to produce a more uniform cross-section without 

an appreciable increase in the energy loss through the reach. 

Monitoring the success of the study was conducted through 

surveys of the bluff face, streamflow, and channel conditions 

before, during, and after installation of the submerged vanes. 

The bluff and channel are resurveyed after flood events. The 

bluff surveys were used to compare pre- and post-installation 

bluff retreat rates. Channel cross-section surveys are conducted 

at the site and in upstream and downstream locations to quantify 

changes in the shape and location of the channel. A streamflowgaging station was reactivated downstream of the site to properly 

quantify flood magnitudes experienced during the demonstration. Stage recorders will be installed at the bluff sites.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

A draft of the report with monitoring results was completed and 

sent out for colleague review. A field reconnaissance trip was 

conducted with DNR and UW to locate a third site for evaluation. Continue operation of gaging station.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Assist UW-Madison with installation of vanes and complete 

surveying at the third site. Re-survey sites 1 and 2 and continue 

the operation of the gaging station. Incorporate review 

comments and publish the report.

Reports 

USGS Scientific Investigations Report to be published in 2004.

Fox River Shear Velocity

Cooperator: University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee

Project Chief: Steven M. Westenbroek/Peter E. Hughes

Location: Brown County

Project Number: 9KO34

Period of Project: July 2003–October 2004

Problem

PCB concentrations in the bottom sediment deposits of the 

Lower Fox River have high concentrations of PCBs. Depending 

on the hydrodynamic conditions present at these deposits, the 

choices for remediation can include dredging and removal from 

the river, capping the sediments in place, or burial by natural 

sediment transport. The design of a capping system requires 

information about the stability of the bed sediments and the 

shear stress produced by high flow in the river. Measurement 

of velocity at the streambed interface is extremely difficult but 

recent advancements in the design of acoustic Doppler velocity 

profilers is making it possible to measure the velocity profile at 

a fine enough resolution to be able to provide accurate estimates 

of velocity at this streambed interface.

Objective

The objective is to provide data for evaluation of river bed shear 

stresses arising from low frequency hydrologic events (that is, 

high flood flows) or seiche-induced currents. To accomplish this 

objective, this proposal includes the collection of velocity data 

at multiple cross sections and at different flow conditions in 

the Lower Fox River. Depending on wind and flow conditions 

during data acquisition, these data may also provide a basis for 

evaluation of wave and current action during reversals of flow 

	 Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team	 11
12	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

into the Lower Fox River from Green Bay and/or during related 

flow oscillations. These data will provide an additional measure 

for calibrating models used to predict such bed shear stresses. 

Approach

Velocity data will be collected at multiple cross sections in 

Operating Unit 4 (OU-4) during a range of flow conditions in 

the Lower Fox River. Depending on wind and flow conditions 

during data acquisition, these data may also provide a basis for 

evaluation of wave and current action during reversals of flow 

into the Lower Fox River from Green Bay and/or during related 

flow oscillations. These data will provide an additional measure 

for calibrating models used to predict such bed shear stresses. 

Hydrodynamic data will be measured using an acoustic Doppler 

velocity profiler (ADCP). A complete discharge measurement 

will be made at the cross section locations and three vertical 

profiles will be made along each cross section to determine the 

bottom shear velocity. Data will be post-processed and provided 

to Sea Engineering, San Diego, for use in calibrating a hydrodynamic model for OU-4.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Velocity measurements were completed for four events on the 

Lower Fox River. Flows for these measurements were: June 

2003 greater than 4,000 cfs, November 2003 greater than 

8,000 cfs, March 2004 greater than 10,000 cfs, and May 2004 

greater than14,000 cfs. Measurement data have been compiled 

and forwarded to Sea Engineering for use in calibrating the 

hydrodynamic model for OU-4.

Plans (July 2004–September 2004)

A report will be written describing the utilization of ADCP technology for measuring shear velocity in a riverine environment. 

The hydrodynamic model being calibrated by Sea Engineering 

will be reviewed.

Reports

Pending.

Project Collaboration with the 

Biological Resources Discipline at 

La Crosse

Cooperator: Biological Resources Discipline, La Crosse,

Wisconsin

Project Chief: Jeffrey J. Steuer

Location: La Crosse County

Project Number: 9KO35

Period of Project: October 2000–September 2005

Problem

The Mississippi River is one of the world’s major river systems 

in size, habitat diversity, and biological productivity. The 

Biological Resources Discipline (BRD) Environmental Science 

Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, provides scientific understanding, information, and technologies needed to support sound 

management of biological resources on the Upper Mississippi 

River. There is a need to bring the BRD expertise into the 

Wisconsin District (WRD) projects and in return provide hydrologic expertise and experience into the BRD investigations. This 

project will increase collaboration between the two disciplines.

Objective

The purpose of the project is to enhance BRD and WRD 

collaboration in investigations such as nitrogen budgets and the 

resulting biological impacts; urbanization effects on backwater 

area biota; mercury, PCB, cadmium, and pesticide impacts in 

zebra mussels; sedimentation patterns and the resulting effects 

on mussels, paddlefish, and navigation; and hydrologic assistance in assessing trends in the Upper Mississippi River longterm monitoring program.

Approach

From October 2000 through September 2001, one WRD 

hydrologist worked in the La Crosse BRD office on a half-time 

basis. This physical relocation of the hydrologist established 

communication and enhanced collaboration for the interdiscipline personnel. The WRD hydrologist continues to work with 

the mussel landscape team on a quarter-time basis while located 

in the Middleton Office.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Much of the present-day effort provides the mussel landscape 

team with hydrologic and hydraulic expertise in the effort to 

understand why endangered mussel species form their beds 

in specific locations. These hydraulic efforts have included: 

conducting bottom roughness and shear calculations in selected 

Mississippi River pools and an accompanying comparison to 

historical mussel data; assisting with evaluation of an elec-
tronic method (RoxAnn) to inventory mussel beds and bottom 

substrate; and utilizing acoustic Doppler profiles to determine 

bottom roughness and shear velocity.

Work on the mussel landscape team has moved in two directions. A retrospective analysis using data from the 1985 

Mississippi River pool 10 Prairie du Chien mussel study has 

been completed. The updated analysis combined calculated 

hydraulic variables such as bottom shear stress, Froude number, 

and Reynolds number with classification and regression tree 

analysis to help predict mussel abundance. A first draft of the 

paper entitled “Use of complex hydrologic variables to determine the distribution of unionids of a main channel border 

habitat of the Upper Mississippi River”.

During the summer of 2003, divers surveyed mussel abundance 

in 6 areas of the Mississippi River in the vicinity and south of 

La Crosse, Wisconsin (pool 8). In conjunction with that effort 

the USGS WRD office utilized an Acoustic Doppler Profiler 

(ADCP) to collect water velocity profile data at approximately 

180 of the mussel survey sites. These ADCP are being utilized 

to calculated hydraulic variables such as bottom shear stress, 

Froude number, Reynold’s number and bottom roughness. This 

information will be used to help explain mussel abundance or 

lack thereof.

Plans (July 2003–June 2004)

In addition, work will continue to process and analyze the 

pool 8 ADCP data in conjunction with the mussel specie abundance data with intended submission the Journal of the North 

American Benthological Society.

The Middleton WRD hydrologist will continue to work on the 

mussel landscape team on a quarter-time basis. 

Reports 

Pending.

Yahara River Watershed Model 

Scoping Proposal

Cooperator: Dane County

Project Chief: Steven M. Westenbroek

Location: Dane County

Project Number: 9KO37

Period of Project: June 2004–December 2004

Problem

The Yahara River Watershed in Dane County, Wisconsin is 

one of the most rapidly urbanizing areas within the state and 

the water-resource problems in the watershed are accelerating 

along with the increasing development. The Yahara River is 

part of a chain of lakes including Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, 

Lake Waubesa, and Lake Kegonsa. Dams at the outlets of 

Lake Mendota, Lake Waubesa, and Lake Kegonsa are operated to maintain stable lake levels, to provide flood protection 

benefits, and to enhance aquatic resources in the river and 

associated wetlands. The urban areas—including the cities 

of Madison, Middleton, Monona, McFarland, and Stoughton 

and the suburban area in Dane County—are all experiencing 

dramatic increases in the amount of impervious area, resulting in 

increasing stormwater runoff to the lakes and decreasing infiltration to the ground-water system. This development is creating a 

potential for more frequent and more severe flooding during wet 

periods and is also creating a water demand that results in more 

frequent and more severe drought conditions during periods 

of low flow. Increasing amounts of storm runoff also transport 

higher loads of sediment and nutrients from the impervious 

areas into the lakes. 

In order to address these issues, the existing forecasting model 

used to manage the Yahara River system (operational model) 

needs to be updated. Further, there is a need for a long-range 

watershed model capable of evaluating the impact of future 

development on the Yahara River system (planning model).

Objective

The overall goal for this work is to develop a range of scope, 

schedule, and budget options associated with updating the 

current operational model and developing a comprehensive 

watershed planning model. Associated objectives of this study 

are to: (1) determine what data exists, and what data needs to 

be collected, (2) determine the most appropriate approach for 

updating the operational model, and (3) determine the approach 

required to develop the planning model.

Approach

To meet the objectives stated above, a screening model will be 

developed using the USGS Modular Modeling System (MMS). 

The screening model will be subjected to a sensitivity analysis. 

The results of the screening model sensitivity analysis will yield 

important information on what types of data are most important 

to any future model development activities. Such a sensitivity 

analysis will be useful regardless of what model framework is 

ultimately selected for the larger watershed modeling effort. The 

existing real-time operational model will be examined to determine the enhancements required to provide a functional tool for 

making decisions regarding the day-to-day operation of the dam 

control structures in the system. 

The results of our examination of the existing operational model 

will be combined with sensitivity analysis results from the 

screening model. This will yield a set of criteria that can be used 

to select the type and complexity of a comprehensive watershed 

model needed to evaluate the surface-water resources of the 

Yahara River system. 

	 Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team	 13
14	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Progress (July 2003 to June 2004)

A scoping-level watershed model for the Yahara River system 

was completed. Daily precipitation, lake level, and streamflow records were assembled and reviewed for the period 

1954–2004. Analysis of the existing datasets suggests that 

additional streamgaging is needed at the outlets of Six-Mile and 

Starkweather Creeks.

Sensitivity analysis was performed for over 300 model parameters. The sensitivity analysis underscores that there are numerous 

sets of parameters that result in approximately the same model 

calibration statistics. This suggests that future model development efforts must include an exploration and quantification of 

the effects of non-unique model parameter sets.

Plans (July 2004–December 2004)

There are no plans to continue this work. Dane County will be 

issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for further model development work. 

Reports

A letter report will be prepared summarizing the screening 

model results and defining the requirements for the comprehensive watershed model development.

Pioneer Farms Bank Erosion Study

Cooperator: University of Wisconsin−Platteville

Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick

Location: Platteville, Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KO38

Period of Project: June 2004−September 2006 (ongoing)

Problem

The research component of Pioneer Farm (University of 

Wisconsin-Platteville) is part of the Wisconsin Agricultural 

Stewardship Initiative (WASI). WASI is a collaborative, 

research-oriented effort among farmers, university researchers, 

agricultural and environmental organizations and governmental 

agencies. Their mission is the infusing of production agriculture 

with environmentally compatible and economically sustainable management practices. Pioneer Farm helps address these 

challenges through on-farm systems research that measures 

environmental impacts, documents research results and provides 

science-based information, training, and education related to 

agriculture and the environment.

The Galena River runs through seven intensive rotational 

grazing pastures that are part of Pioneer Farm. Traditional styles 

of riparian grazing that allow cattle free access to streams may 

accelerate natural processes of erosion in a meandering stream 

by removal or trampling of vegetation. Fencing off buffer strips 

along streams has been shown to reduce local bank erosion but 

has a high cost to farmers because alternative pastures, water 

sources, and additional fencing are needed. Some studies have 

shown that bank vegetation can be improved and bank erosion 

reduced by riparian intensive rotational grazing, although results 

vary from study to study. 

Objective

The goals of this study are to: (1) establish a long-term monitoring program to measure bank erosion, channel morphology 

and position, and stream substrate along the Galena River 

through the seven pastures, and (2) determine if there are 

changes in the amount of bank erosion over time. An additional 

goal is to evaluate the usefulness of photo-electronic erosion 

pins (PEEPs) for measuring bank erosion in this type of geomorphic setting. Changes in bank conditions will be put in context 

with historical and current hydrologic conditions and cattle 

grazing schedules.

Approach

Approximately 30 cross sections will be surveyed with a total 

station and approximately 150 erosion pins will be placed 

in the eroding banks in different geomorphic settings. Three 

photo-electronic erosion pins (PEEPs) will be installed in banks 

near the two existing gaging stations. Approximately 60 photo 

points will be established. One time-lapse digital camera will 

be installed to overlook the stream and the pastures, set to take 

a photograph every day. The area of exposed, non-vegetated, 

banks along the reach will be measured. Substrate will be 

characterized by use of Wolman pebble counts near a subset of 

cross sections. The cross sections will be resurveyed after major 

floods.

Marie Peppler, August 12, 2004

Cattle cross the stream and cause bank erosion by trodding. In 

addition, the cattle often use the raw banks for scratching which 

causes more loss of vegetation.
Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Eroding banks have been described and located, cross sections 

have been surveyed, and some erosion pins have been installed. 

Plans (July 2004–September 2005)

Finish installation of erosion pins. Install camera and locate 

photo points. Install PEEPS. Conduct approximately six 

surveying trips to resurvey each cross section. Recover digital 

photos and select a subset for use in data summary. Repeat 

pebble counts and write a USGS fact sheet to summarize results 

of the study.

Reports

A USGS Fact Sheet will be published in 2005.

Neopit Mill Pond Sedimentation and 

Sediment Chemistry Study

Cooperator: Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick

Location: Neopit, Menominee Indian Reservation

Project Number: 9K039

Period of Project: February 2001–September 2005

Problem

A dam at the Neopit Mill Pond, Neopit, Wisconsin, Menominee 

Reservation, may be removed and the Menominee Indian Tribe 

needs information on the volume, texture, and chemistry of 

sediment stored in the mill pond behind the dam. A preliminary 

study was completed in 2003 and elevated concentrations of 

semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were detected in 

sediment from the mill pond. Additional sampling for SVOCs in 

the mill pond sediment is needed to determine spatial extent of 

possible contamination.

Objective

The project objective is to determine the spatial distribution of 

SVOCs in the Neopit mill pond sediment.

	 Surface-Water and Sediment Studies Team	 15

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16	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Approach

Approximately 15 sediment cores will be collected from the 

Neopit mill pond in the summer of 2004. Samples from the 

cores will analyzed for SVOCs, dioxin/furans, organic carbon, 

and particle size. Approximately 10 percent of the samples will 

be submitted for quality assurance. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The project for additional sampling began in October 2004. A 

QAPP was written. Labs were selected for SVOC and dioxin/

furan analyses.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Cores will be collected in August and submitted and for 

analyses. Data will be analyzed.
Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team

Office of the Assistant District Chief for Environmental Studies

Mission

Evaluation monitoring provides critical information to cooperators to help formulate 

watershed management plans and evaluate the effectiveness of these plans. This information is also used by cooperators to make informed water resource decisions. The 

monitoring also provides a unique, comprehensive data set of interest to the nonpoint 

research community at large. It is our intent to continuously evolve data collection and 

analysis techniques, plan for future projects, enhance the skills and evolve data collection and analysis techniques, enhance the skills and growth of individual team members, 

and maintain a positive relationship with cooperators.

Team Members

David J. Graczyk, Hydrologist (Team Leader)

Steve R. Corsi, Research Hydrologist (Chemistry)

David W. Hall, Hydrologist

David W. Owens, Hydraulic Engineer

William R. Selbig, Hydrologist

Todd D. Stuntebeck, Physical Scientist

Judy A. Horwatich, Hydraulic Engineer

Troy D. Rutter, Hydrologic Technician

Mari E. Danz, Hydrologist

Matthew J. Komiskey, Physical Scientist

Eric G. Booth, Student Trainee (Hydrology)

Justin M. Haasch, Hydrologic Technician

Laura E. Wagner, Student Trainee (Hydrology)

Ana R. Considine, Hydrologic Aid (Student)

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 17
18	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects

9KP19	 Sources of Cryptosporidium in the Milwaukee River Watershed ............................................20

9KP31	 Occurrence and Variability of Pathogens in Wisconsin’s Urban Streams .............................21

9VN00	 Monitoring and Evaluation of the Impacts of Aircraft Deicers in Runoff from

the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport .........................................................................................................22

BQY10	 Halfway Creek Constructed Wetland Evaluation ....................................................................... 22

BQY11	 Evaluation Monitoring in Wisconsin Priority Watersheds.........................................................23

BQY12	 Discovery Farms ...............................................................................................................................24

BQY13	 Quantification of Constituent Loads from Farm Fields at the Pioneer Farms

in Wisconsin......................................................................................................................................25

BQY14	 Influences of Riparian Corridors on the In-Stream Habitat, Fish, and

Macroinvertebrate Communities for Small Streams in Wisconsin..........................................26

BQY15	 Fertilization and Runoff from Urban Lawns..................................................................................27

BQY16	 Hydrology and Water-Quality Impacts of Different Pasture Management Practices

in Southwestern Wisconsin............................................................................................................28

BQY17	 The Effect of Near-Shore Development on Constituent Loading to Lakes in

Northern Wisconsin.........................................................................................................................29

BQY18	 Verification of Treatment Performance of the Vortechnics and Stormwater

Management Filter ...........................................................................................................................30

BQY19	 Evaluation of Street Sweeping as a Water-Quality Management Tool in

Residential Basins in Madison.......................................................................................................31

BQY20	 Monitoring and Evaluation of the Impacts of Aircraft Deicers in Runoff from General

Mitchell International Airport........................................................................................................ 32

BQY21	 Long-Term Water Budget of Two Rain Gardens in Madison.....................................................33

BQY22	 Verification of a Pressurized Stormwater Filtration System at St. Mary’s Hospital ..............34

BQY23	 Thresholds of Toxicity in Urban Streams......................................................................................35

BQY24	 Calibration of the Source Loading and Management Model (SLAMM)..................................36

BQY25	 Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Low-Impact Development Practices................................37

BQY26	 Department of Transportation Street Sweeping, Phase II.........................................................38
STATEWIDE PROJECTS

BQY14	 Influences of Riparian Corridors on the In-Stream

Habitat, Fish, and Macroinvertebrate Communities for

Small Streams in Wisconsin

BQY17	 The Effect of Near-Shore Development on Constituent

Loading to Lakes in Northern Wisconsin

BQY23	 Thresholds of Toxicity in Urban Streams	

BQY24	 Calibration of the Source Loading and Management

Model (SLAMM)

PROJECTS Outside of Wisconsin

Dallas, Texas

9VN00	 Monitoring and Evaluation of the Impacts of Aircraft

Deicers in Runoff from the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport

LOCATION-SPECIFIC PROJECTS

Regional

Southeast Wisconsin

9KP19	 Sources of Cryptosporidium in the Milwaukee River

Watershed

Milwaukee and Lake Superior Areas

9KP31	 Occurrence and Variability of Pathogens in Wisconsin’s

Urban Streams

County

Buffalo

BQY11	 Evaluation Monitoring in Wisconsin Priority Watersheds

BQY12	 Discovery Farms

Dane

BQY15	 Fertilization and Runoff from Urban Lawns

BQY19	 Evaluation of Street Sweeping as a Water-Quality

Management Tool in Residential Basins in Madison

Iowa

BQY12	 Discovery Farms

Kewaunee

BQY12	 Discovery Farms

La Crosse

BQY10	 Halfway Creek Constructed Wetland Evaluation

Lafayette

BQY12	 Discovery Farms

Sauk

BQY16	 Hydrology and Water-Quality Impacts of Different

Pasture Management Practices in Southwestern

Wisconsin

Sheboygan

BQY11	 Evaluation Monitoring in Wisconsin Priority Watersheds

Municipal

Cross Plains

BQY25	 Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Low-Impact

Development Practices

Green Bay

BQY22	 Verification of a Pressurized Stormwater Filtration

System at St. Mary’s Hospital	

Madison

BQY21	 Long-Term Water Budget of Two Rain Gardens in

Madison

BQY26	 Department of Transportation Street Sweeping, Phase II

Milwaukee

BQY18	 Verification of Treatment Performance of the

Vortechnics and Stormwater Management Filter

BQY20	 Monitoring and Evaluation of the Impacts of Aircraft

Deicers in Runoff from General Mitchell International

Airport

Platteville

BQY13	 Quantification of Constituent Loads from Farm Fields at

the Pioneer Farms in Wisconsin

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	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 19
20	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Sources of Cryptosporidium in the 

Milwaukee River Watershed

Cooperator: Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene

Project Chief: Steven R. Corsi; Robert J. Waschbusch

Location: Southeast Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KP19

Period of Project: October 1999–April 2002

Problem

For the past 75 years, the water-supply industry has enjoyed an 

excellent track record of providing safe, potable water to the 

public. This success has been possible through an emphasis on 

continuous improvement in both water-treatment technology 

and source-water protection. Despite this effort, recent wellpublicized waterborne disease outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis 

involving large numbers of ill people and some deaths have 

been attributed to possible treatment deficiencies linked with 

source-water contamination. Recent studies have suggested that 

the Milwaukee outbreak of 1993 was caused by a “human only” 

genotype which would point to poorly treated human waste as a 

possible source of the outbreak. Understanding the occurrence 

and variability of Cryptosporidium in source water is critical to 

the production of a safe drinking water supply. 

Objective

The goals of this research study were to define the relative 

magnitude and contributions of Cryptosporidium from major 

sources defined by land use and wastewater discharges on an 

annual basis, to characterize contributions of each source by 

factors such as hydrograph timing, climatic effects, and seasonal 

variations, and to compare and integrate the resulting data with 

existing data on Cryptosporidium.

Approach

Two subwatersheds were selected for monitoring for the entire 

project duration. One of these basins was primarily agricultural 

land use and the other was primarily urban land use. In addition, three wastewater treatment plant discharges representing 

different treatment technologies and/or flow levels and one 

combined sewer overflow (CSO) were monitored for approximately six months each. Both fixed interval and runoff event 

samples were collected from all sites. The sample results were 

used to determine Cryptosporidium magnitude and variability. 

These data were used along with flow data to calculate event 

and annual loads at the sites. Other data were also collected 

including precipitation, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, 

turbidity, conductance and also land-use data in a GIS system. 

The data and tools resulting from this project enable managers to 

better understand and deal with the sources of Cryptosporidium

in their watersheds.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The report was published in June of 2003. Some of the significant findings are:

•	 Samples from the urban stream consistently had higher 

Cryptosporidium concentrations than those from a rural/

agricultural stream and publicly owned sewage treatment 

facility (POTW) effluents. 

•	 Runoff events play a significant role in the introduction of 

oocysts to a watershed. 

•	 Automated sampling methods were shown to be 

both practical and reliable for the evaluation of 

Cryptosporidium concentrations in a watershed. 

•	 Statistical models were constructed that can be used to 

estimate the probability of high Cryptosporidium levels 

from a given combination of conditions and may be 

useful for maximizing sampling strategies for watershed 

managers charged with understanding Cryptosporidium

occurrence in a watershed.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

None—this project is completed.





































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Corsi, S.R., Walker, J.F. , Waschbusch, R.J., and Standridge, 

J., 2003, Sources and variability of Cryptosporidium in the 

Milwaukee River watershed, Water Environment Research 

Foundation Report 99–HHE–2, 114 p.

Occurrence and Variability of 

Pathogens in Wisconsin’s Urban 

Streams

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chiefs: Robert J. Waschbusch; Steven R. Corsi

Location: Milwaukee area and Superior area

Project Number: 9KP31

Period of Project: March 2001–September 2003

Problem

Water-borne pathogens are of great concern to water-quality 

managers because of the potential impact on human health, 

aquatic life, and recreational use. Nowhere have pathogens been 

more in the public eye than Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where a 

1993 Cryptosporidium outbreak was blamed for the death of 

over 100 people. In addition, recent Milwaukee beach closures 

have brought renewed concerns before an anxious public over 

area-wide sanitary and stormwater management. The origins 

of pathogenic organisms can be many and difficult to delineate. Obviously, sanitary sewer and combined sewer overflows 

can be a major source of pathogens originating from human 

fecal material. In 1999 alone, 120 bypasses were reported by 

municipalities in Wisconsin (WDNR report) and 87 of these 

were associated with storm events. They are not confined to just 

the large metropolitan areas. They occur in cities and villages 

of all sizes and in all geographic regions of the State. Another 

important source of pathogens is runoff water from storm 

sewers and diffuse inputs. Past research has shown microbial 

densities in stormwater runoff to be similar to those found in 

diluted raw sewage. The documented presence of pathogenic 

organisms, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonellae, 

and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in storm sewers with no sanitary 

sewer connections suggests that diffuse or nonpoint sources of 

these microorganisms may be an overlooked water-quality issue.

Objective

The overall goal of this project is to provide a greater understanding of the occurrence of pathogenic organisms in urban 

streams. Specific objectives include: (1) determine concentrations of pathogenic indicators and specific pathogens in urban 

streams of different sizes, land uses, and point source inputs, 

(2) determine ambient concentrations of total suspended solids, 

BOD, total phosphorus, and chloride, (3) explore the data in an 

attempt to develop relations between watershed size, major land 

use, hydrologic and meteorological conditions, and water-quality 

parameters identified above, and (4) determine sources and relative contributions of E. coli bacteria to urban streams by use of 

strain identification and typing.

Approach

The focus of this study was a synoptic survey of 12 stream sites 

in the Milwaukee metropolitan area and 2 in the Superior area. 

Milwaukee sites were selected to spatially cover the watershed 

draining to the Milwaukee Harbor. All sites were selected to 

represent a range of water-course size, land use (residential, 

industrial, open space), and point source input locations (CSO, 

SSO, and stormwater discharges). Some streams had more than 

one site to examine downstream longitudinal changes. The 

sampling goal was to collect 9 samples during periods of high 

flow, and 4 during base-flow conditions. Sampling was spaced 

to address seasonal differences, and occurred over a period of 

2-1/2 years. Genetic strain identification was used to identify the 

sources of E. coli. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The two USGS sites in the Milwaukee River basin were operated 

from spring 2001 to September 2003. The USGS collected event 

samples at the sites whenever WDNR indicated, discharge was 

continuously monitored, and mean daily flows were computed 

and published for the two sites.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

The project is complete from the USGS side unless WDNR 

requests further assistance or data for the analysis or report 

preparation.

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 21
22	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Monitoring and Evaluation of the 

Impacts of Aircraft Deicers in Runoff 

from the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport

Cooperator: Dallas/Fort Worth airport

Project Chief: Steven R. Corsi

Location: Dallas, Texas

Project Number: 9VN00

Period of Project: April 2002–Continuing

Problem

The Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW) is involved in an effort to 

reduce runoff of deicing chemicals to Big Bear Creek. Ethylene 

and propylene glycol-based deicers are used during cold weather 

periods for aircraft deicing and anti-icing activities. Glycol 

concentrations in stream samples collected during deicing events 

throughout the winters between 2002 and 2004 ranged from less 

than detection limits to 20,000 mg/L in DFW outfalls.

Objective

The overall goals of the project are to evaluate water quality 

in Big Bear Creek and tributaries originating inside the DFW 

airport drainage area, how this water quality is affected by deicer 

runoff, and to investigate chemicals causing toxicity to aquatic 

organisms. Specific objectives are as follows: (1) Monitor 

surface water at five sites in the Big Bear Creek watershed for 

water quality and flow during dry weather and runoff conditions, (2) determine critical periods and provide relevant data 

for appropriate deicer management decisions, and (3) conduct 

investigations to identify additives in deicer and anti-icer formulations that are responsible for toxicity to aquatic organisms in 

the receiving stream. This monitoring should quantify a suite 

of water-quality parameters that help define potential effects on 

dissolved oxygen in receiving waters as well as those additives 

that are shown to contribute aquatic toxicity. 

Approach

Flow is measured and samples are collected at one site upstream 

from airport runoff and four sites downstream. Dissolved 

oxygen and water temperature are monitored continuously 

during the deicing season at these five sites and also at three 

sites within Trigg Lake (which receives runoff from DFW) and 

one urban reference site. Assessments of water quality will be 

made on a yearly basis. Toxicity identification evaluation tests 

are conducted using several aquatic organisms to identify toxic 

additives in deicer formulations, and sampling is conducted at 

the five monitoring sites to determine the level of additives in the 

receiving stream.

Progress (July 2001–June 2004)

An extensive runoff monitoring program has been in place since 

October 2002. Flow, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, 

and rainfall are being monitored continuously. Water-quality 

constituents are sampled selectively during deicer application events, base flow, and one summer rainfall event per year. 

Glycol, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, 

nonylphenol ethoxylates, and tolyltriazole analyses are being 

conducted. Microtox and bioassay analyses are being conducted 

for toxicity assessment. 

Plans (July 2002–June 2003)

At least one more year of monitoring is planned. After monitoring for one more year, a report will be written defining waterquality conditions.

Halfway Creek Constructed Wetland 

Evaluation

Cooperator: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

Cincinnati, Ohio

Location: La Crosse County

Project Chief: Peter E. Hughes

Project Number: BQY10

Period of Project: August 2003–December 2008

Problem

Constructed wetlands are commonly used as a BMP to mitigate the pollution from sediments and nutrients often found in 

nonpoint-source runoff resulting from a number of different land 

uses. Evaluation of the effectiveness of constructed wetlands as 

a BMP is needed to determine the level of control that can be 

achieved with their use. 

Objectives

The objective of this study is to develop a better understanding 

of how constructed wetlands function to reduce the amount of 

suspended sediment, nutrients, and pathogens that are released 

into receiving streams from upland sources. The effectiveness of 

the constructed wetland in stressor attenuation and the assimilative capacity of the natural wetland to absorb stressors introduced from upstream will be compared to model predictions.

Approach

Gaging stations will be installed on the inlet to the Halfway 

Creek constructed wetland, on Halfway Creek downstream of 

the wetland and on Sand Coulee Creek near the wetland. The 

stations will be equipped to monitor flow, precipitation, in-situ
water quality, and have automated water-quality samplers for 

collecting discrete event samples. The BRD office in Onalaska 

will service the water-quality monitors, collect the water-quality 

samples, and analyze selected samples for suspended sediment 

and nutrients. USGS will work with EPA researchers to install 

clay pads in the wetland to quantify the deposition of suspended 

materials during inflow events. Sediment and nutrient loads will 

be computed using concentration and flow data for each site 

and will be used to determine the effectiveness of the wetland in 

reducing the transport of these constituents from the watershed. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Monitoring equipment was installed and sampling initiated in 

February 2004. Baseflow samples have been collected on a biweekly schedule and a total of five runoff events were sampled. 

Clay pads for deposition monitoring in the wetland were 

installed in November and sampled the following June. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

An additional gaging station will be installed on Halfway Creek 

at the confluence with the Mississippi River. In-situ laser sediment analyzers will be installed at this site and two others to 

provide continuous sediment concentration data. All the sites 

will continue to be operated for flow and water quality. Loads of 

suspended sediment and nutrients will be computed and used to 

evaluate the effectiveness of the wetland.

Evaluation Monitoring in Wisconsin 

Priority Watersheds

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chiefs: David J. Graczyk; Steven R. Corsi

Location: Priority Watersheds in Buffalo and Sheboygan

Counties

Project Number: BQY11

Period of Project: October 1990–Continuing

Problem

An evaluation strategy is needed to assess the effectiveness 

of nonpoint-source pollution-control measures in Priority 

Watersheds. Specifically, research is needed to determine the 

impact of management practices on stream-water quality and 

biology. Several techniques need to be developed and/or refined, 

such as detecting trends in stream-water chemistry, sampling 

of fish and fish habitat, relation between fish/fish habitat and 

changes resulting from watershed management practices, and 

use of habitat models for determining impact of watershed 

management on fish populations.

Objective

The overall objective of this project is to determine the trends 

in water quality at sites during and after implementation of 

improved land-management practices in priority watersheds and 

to use GIS to understand changes in land use/land cover.

Approach

Post-practice implementation monitoring will be done for Otter, 

Eagle, and Joos Valley Creeks, which are in the Sheboygan 

River, and Waumandee River Priority Watershed Projects, 

respectively. The pre-practice implementation is complete for all 

of these sites. Continuous-record streamflow and water-quality 

gaging stations were installed at each stream site. Water-quality 

samples will be collected during events and low flows and 

analyzed for selected constituents. Land-use inventories will be 

taken each year to help determine the cause of any changes in 

water quality. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Post-practice implementation monitoring for Otter Creek is 

complete and the final report is being prepared. Post-practice 

implementation monitoring for Eagle and Joos Valley Creeks 

has been ongoing since October, 2002. Water-quality loads 

were calculated for selected parameters and storm periods. 

All the data were summarized and published in the report 

“Water-Resources Data–Wisconsin.” Land-use inventories were 

completed for each basin.

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 23

Tim Hanson

Flow into constructed wetland from Halfway Creek during highwater 

on March 1, 2004.
24	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

A report will be published on post-monitoring of Otter Creek 

in the Sheboygan River Priority Watershed Project. The report 

summarizes the results of a study on the effectiveness of watershed-management practices for controlling nonpoint source 

contamination in the Otter Creek watershed. Eagle and Joos 

Valley Creeks will be continued to be monitored for streamflow 

and water quality. Water-quality samples are collected bi-weekly 

from April through October, and monthly from December 

through March. Samples will be collected at all sites during 

runoff periods. Land use will be updated for each basin. Waterquality loads for selected parameters and storm periods will be 

calculated and compared to data collected in previous years. 

The data will be analyzed to determine if there are any apparent 

trends in water quality during implementation of best management plans. 

Reports

Graczyk, D.J., Walker, J.F., Horwatich, J.A. and Bannerman, 

R.T., 2003, Effects of Best-Management Practices in the Black 

Earth Creek Priority Watershed, Wisconsin, 1984–98: U.S. 

Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 

03-4163, 24 p.

Walker, J.F., Graczyk, D.J., Corsi, S.R., Wierl, J.A., and Owens, 

D.W., 2001, Evaluation of nonpoint-source contamination, 

Wisconsin—water year 1999: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 01–105, 37 p.

Wierl, J.A., Giddings, E.M., and Bannerman, R.T., 1998, 

Evaluation of a method for comparing phosphorus loads from 

barnyards and croplands in Otter Creek watershed, Wisconsin: 

U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 168–98, 4 p.

Corsi, S.R., Graczyk, D.J., Owens, D.W., and Bannerman, R.T., 

1997, Unit-area loads of suspended sediment, suspended solids, 

and total phosphorus from small watersheds in Wisconsin: U.S. 

Geological Survey Fact Sheet 195–97, 4 p.

Rappold, K.F., Wierl, J.A., and Amerson, F.U., 1997, Watershed 

characteristics and land management in the nonpoint-source 

evaluation monitoring watersheds in Wisconsin: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 97–119, 39 p.

Wierl, J.A., Rappold, K.F., and Amerson, F.U., 1996, Summary 

of the land-use inventory for the nonpoint-source evaluation 

monitoring watershed in Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 96–123, 23 p.

Greb, S.R., and Graczyk, D.J., 1995, Frequency-duration 

analysis of dissolved-oxygen concentrations in two southwestern 

Wisconsin streams: Water Resources Bulletin, v. 31, no. 3, 

p. 431–438.

Discovery Farms

Cooperator: University of Wisconsin–Extension, Wisconsin

Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Todd D. Stuntebeck

Location: Buffalo County, Lafayette County, Iowa County,

Kewaunee County

Project Number: BQY12

Period of Project: July 2001–Continuing

Problem

Agricultural nonpoint pollution in the form of nutrients, sediment, and pesticides threatens many of Wisconsin streams and 

lakes. Understanding how to help reduce these pollutants while 

allowing farmers to remain economically viable provides a 

great challenge. 

Objective

Under the Wisconsin Agriculture Stewardship Initiative, agencies will work together to develop science-based, productive, 

and profitable approaches to farming. Projects will be conducted 

on numerous “Discovery Farms” which will represent diverse 

land characteristics and management styles. Information learned 

from these projects will then be shared with the agricultural 

community to allow them the tools to remain competitive in 

today’s market while taking environmentally sound approaches 

to farming.

Approach

Water-quality-monitoring stations will be installed on selected 

Discovery Farms throughout Wisconsin which represent 

different land characteristics and farm management styles. 

If the farm lends itself to stream monitoring, stations will be 

installed to measure streamflow and constituent loading within 

the stream. If a stream does not bisect the farm, field-level monitoring stations will be installed to measure flow and constituent 

loading within waterways in the cropped fields. The stations will 

Gaging station at the Pagel Discovery Farm in Kewaunee County.
be designed to monitor runoff volume and to collect discrete 

water samples during storm-runoff periods, including snowmelt. 

The discrete samples collected will be composited into a single 

sample such that the sample represents the average concentration over the duration of the storm. These composite samples 

will be analyzed for total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, 

suspended sediment, suspended solids, total solids, volatile 

suspended solids, ammonia, nitrate, Kjeldahl nitrogen, chloride, 

pH, conductivity and alkalinity. Storm loads will be computed 

for the constituents and comparisons will be made based on 

constituent loading yields on a unit-area basis. 

The primary experimental approach is to conduct multiple 

paired-watershed analyses on each farm to determine the 

impacts of the current management practices and to see if 

modification of these practices significantly reduces constituent 

yields. The study is expected to last between five and seven 

years on each farm. During the first few years of the study, 

constituent yields from each of the three stations on a farm 

will be compared and a relationship developed. Once this relationship has been established, one or more best-management 

practices (BMPs) will be implemented in one or two of the 

watersheds. The third watershed will remain unchanged and will 

be the control watershed. Data will be collected for the postBMP periods and comparisons between constituent yields will 

be made again. If the BMPs have had a significant impact on 

water quality, the results of the post-BMP comparisons should 

be different than the results of the pre-BMP comparisons. 

In addition to the paired-watershed design, several other investigations will be conducted on various aspects of the farms. These 

studies may include, but not be limited to: comparing constituent 

yields from each farm to those in other regions of Wisconsin; 

comparing constituent yields from one type of management 

system to that of a different management system; comparisons 

of measured sediment losses versus loss estimates from various 

predictive indices; development, calibration, and verification of 

a phosphorus-loss risk index; and development, calibration, and 

verification of a hydrologic and chemical model (surface and 

ground water).

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Two stream gages at the Bragger Discovery Farm in Buffalo 

County have been operating since September 2001. Since 

then, 34 base-flow samples and samples representing over 40 

storm-runoff events have been collected at each site. Three 

field-level waterway monitoring stations have been installed 

and operated at the Pagel Discovery Farm in Kewaunee County 

since November 2003. Since then, samples representing over 

20 snowmelt and storm-runoff events have been collected at 

each site. Three field-level waterway monitoring stations have 

been installed and operated at the Riechers Discovery Farm in 

Lafayette County since December 2003. Since then, samples 

representing over 10 snowmelt and storm-runoff events have 

been collected at each site.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Two additional monitoring stations designed to measure flow 

and collect water samples from two underground tile lines will 

be installed at the Pagel Discovery Farm in Kewaunee County. 

Two stream-monitoring stations and a field-level station will 

be installed at the Heisner Discovery Farm in Iowa County to 

evaluate nonpoint inputs from an organic dairy. Three monitoring stations will be installed on farms in Manitowoc County 

to evaluate sediment and nutrient inputs. Two tile line and one 

field-level monitoring station will be installed at the Koepke 

Discovery Farm in Waukesha County.

Quantification of Constituent Loads 

from Farm Fields at the Pioneer Farms 

in Wisconsin

Cooperator: State of Wisconsin Pioneer Farm

Project Chief: David W. Owens

Location: University of Wisconsin, Platteville Experimental Farms

Project Number: BQY13

Period of Project: October 2001–October 2008

Problem

Wisconsin has many operating farms throughout the State 

where best-management practices (BMPs) could be implemented. These BMPs are designed to protect the environment 

and enhance the farm operations. Many farmers, however, do 

not want to implement BMPs without knowing the cost and 

benefits of each BMP. The Pioneer Agricultural Stewardship 

Farm located at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Farm has 

been established to evaluate and promote management practices 

within the context of the farming systems in order to develop 

Samples from a rainfall-runoff event.

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 25
26	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

compatible methods and technologies that will help farmers 

achieve their economic goals while protecting and enhancing 

natural resources.

Objective

The main objective of this project is to provide field-level water 

quality and quantity data from rainfall and snowmelt runoff 

events. These data will be used to: (1) verify the Wisconsin 

Phosphorus Index, (2) verify the Revised Universal Soil Loss 

Equation (RUSLE) and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation II 

(RUSLE II), (3) establish “base-line” in-stream conditions, and 

(4) evaluate individual BMPs such as infiltration trenches and/or 

rotational grazing practices.

Approach

Water-quality-monitoring stations will be installed at 

several sites throughout the experimental farm. These sites 

include five field-level stations and one in-stream station located 

downstream of the experimental farm. The stations will monitor 

runoff volume and will collect water-quality samples throughout 

the runoff event. These samples will be analyzed for solids, 

nutrients, bacteria, and selected pesticide concentrations. 

Stations need to be designed to collect data during snow-melt 

runoff events.

PROGRESS (JULY 2003–June 2004)

Two new field-level water-quality sampling stations were 

installed to support the rotational grazing research being 

conducted at the Pioneer Farm. Snowmelt and rainfall runoff 

samples were collected at one stream and nine field-level monitoring sites. Soil moisture and temperature-monitoring strings 

were installed at different soil elevations to measure the effects 

of aspect and crop type on soil moisture. Stand-alone time-lapse 

digital cameras were also installed to document field activities 

such as field cultivation, crop planting, growth, harvesting, and 

snow depth. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Maintain and operate monitoring stations to support additional 

research. Two additional research efforts include evaluation of 

infiltration effectiveness in grass waterways and BMP evaluation 

of an existing and then reconstructed barnyard filter strip. 

Influences of Riparian Corridors 

on the In-Stream Habitat, Fish, and 

Macroinvertebrate Communities for 

Small Streams in Wisconsin

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Judy A. Horwatich

Location: Statewide

Project Number: BQY14

Period of Project: July 1, 2001–Continuing

Problem

Riparian corridor land cover can play an important role in determining stream-water quality by reducing runoff, sediments, 

and nutrients, and by maintaining more stable flows, water 

temperature, and channel morphology. Numerous studies have 

also shown the importance of riparian corridors in determining 

in-stream habitat and influencing aquatic biota, yet little is 

known about the influence of riparian corridor width, continuity, 

or proximity of an undisturbed riparian corridor to a sampling 

site on these measures. A better understanding of these factors 

will assist resource managers in developing guidelines for establishing and maintaining riparian corridors for small non-urban 

streams in Wisconsin.

Objective

The objectives of this project are to: (1) examine the influence of 

riparian corridor width on in-stream habitat, and fish and macroinvertebrate communities, (2) examine the effect of distance to 

the sampling site from a disturbed versus an undisturbed riparian 

corridor on in-stream habitat, and fish and macroinvertebrate 

communities, and (3) quantify the influence of the continuity of 

an undisturbed riparian corridor on in-stream habitat, and fish 

and macroinvertebrate communities.
Approach

A subset of streams will be selected for this project from 241 

wadeable streams that were sampled as part of Nutrient Impacts 

on Streams, a cooperative project between the USGS and 

WDNR. The first step will be to categorize all streams into four 

groups, based on the ecoregion (Omernik, 1987) in which they 

are located. Sixty of these sites will be selected for this study 

based on the amount of variability of land cover within the basin, 

availability of digital orthophotography, similarities in slope 

and surficial deposits within ecoregions, and preliminary assessments of riparian corridor land cover using the WISCLAND 

satellite-derived land-cover data. For the selected watersheds, 

riparian corridor land cover will be interpreted at various buffer 

widths from digital and orthophotography. Streams within each 

ecoregion will be categorized into four groups based on the 

width of an undisturbed riparian corridor (narrow versus wide) 

and distance upstream, from the sampling site to an undisturbed 

riparian corridor (near versus far). Multivariate statistics will be 

used to examine relations between riparian-corridor width, proximity of an undisturbed riparian corridor to the sampling site, 

and continuity of an undisturbed riparian corridor and in-stream 

habitat, and fish and macroinvertebrate communities.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The 241 sampling sites were selected for the Nutrient Impacts 

on Streams study and sampled for water quality, habitat, and 

biology. A preliminary design has been developed for the 

riparian corridor study based on the objectives and the type and 

location of the nutrient impact sites. The riparian corridors for 

60 streams were analyzed at various buffer widths. It was determined the buffer widths within the wastersheds were similar in 

land-use characteristics, making relationships between stream 

characteristics and width of the buffer difficult to ascertain.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

An additional 30 streams will be selected based on diverse landuse characteristics within a watershed. Multivariate statistics 

on all 30 streams will assist in the investigation of the relation 

between riparian-corridor width, proximity of an undisturbed 

riparian corridor to the sampling site, and continuity of an 

undisturbed riparian corridor and in-stream habitat, and fish and 

macroinvertebrate communities.

Fertilization and Runoff 

from Urban Lawns

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Judy A. Horwatich

Location: Dane County

Project Number: BQY15

Period of Project: March 1994–Continuing

Problem

Excessive phosphorus entering lakes is known to promote 

unsightly weed growth, decrease recreational uses, and ultimately speed the eutrophication process. Structural or “endof-pipe” management practices designed to reduce phosphorus 

are generally expensive. Reducing phosphorus at the source 

may be a less-expensive alternative. Restricting fertilizer use 

in the watershed to phosphorus-free brands would seem to be 

a potentially inexpensive way to reduce phosphorus loads to 

Lake Wingra. However, there is little applicable field evidence 

supporting the hypothesis that runoff from fertilized lawns is 

greater in phosphorus concentrations than runoff from non-fertilized lawns. A better understanding of how much water runs off 

a typical urban lawn and under what conditions will help watershed investigators improve their ability to predict the impacts of 

management decisions.

Objective

Objectives are to: (1) determine if the concentrations of total 

phoshorus, dissolved phosphorus, suspended solids, and total 

solids in runoff from fertilized lawns are different than concentrations from lawns that are not fertilized, (2) use the concentration data in an existing Source Loading and Management Model 

(SLAMM) to estimate phosphorus loads entering Lake Wingra 

from both fertilized and non-fertilized lawns, (3) determine 

the potential reduction in phosphorus loads to Lake Wingra by 

restricting fertilizer use in the watershed to phosphorus-free 

brands, (4) obtain rainfall and runoff data with site characteristic 

data for lawns from different soil types, (5) use the concentration/runoff information to make improvements to the SLAMM 

model, and (6) determine the lawn infiltration parameters from 

natural and simulated rainfall from roof runoff.

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 27
28	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Approach

Lake Wingra Lawn Fertilization Study 

(Water-quality samplers only)

Lawn-runoff samples were collected from 30 water-quality 

samplers between May 1999 and September 2001. Fifteen of the 

samplers were located in lawns that were fertilized, and the other 

15 were in lawns that were not fertilized. Samples were analyzed 

for total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, total solids, and 

suspended solids. Site characteristic data such as soil type and 

chemical contents, grass density, lawn slope, soil compaction, 

and infiltration capacity were measured for each of the 30 lawns. 

Several small experiments were conducted in order to better 

understand what happens when the bottles overfill and how 

much phosphorus is likely to come from grass clippings only.

Lawn Runoff Study (Volume/QW samplers)

Runoff volumes are being measured and water-quality samples 

are being collected for five specialized samplers in the Lake 

Wingra watershed. In addition to the runoff data, several explanatory variables will be measured for each lawn, including grass 

density, lawn slope, soil compaction, and infiltration rate. Using 

statistical regression techniques, an equation will be developed 

to help explain much of the variability in lawn runoff volumes. 

Sites were operated through June 2004. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Nearly 1,200 sample concentrations have been obtained for 42 

runoff periods since May 1999. The five samplers have recorded 

runoff data and collected water-quality data for over a dozen 

snowmelt and rainfall-runoff events. This summer, a study that 

simulated rainfall from rooftops flowing onto lawns measured 

volume, infiltration, travel distance, and spread of runoff. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

All of the data from the initial lawn-runoff study (water-quality 

samplers only) will be compiled and analyzed and a Fact Sheet 

describing the findings will be published. A Fact Sheet will be 

published explaining the Lake Wingra Fertilization Study. In 

the fall of 2004, a roof runoff downspout study will begin using 

natural rainfall. During the summer of 2005, the data from both 

rooftop studies will be analyzing for infiltration characteristics, 

and will be used in evaluate several models.

Hydrology and Water-Quality Impacts 

of Different Pasture Management 

Practices in Southwestern Wisconsin

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: David J. Graczyk

Location: Sauk County

Project Number: BQY16

Period of Project: October 1997–September 2004

Problem

Nonpoint-source pollution is a major concern in Wisconsin. 

There are approximately 24,000 dairy farms in Wisconsin which 

may be sources of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides to surface 

and ground water. Managed Intensive Rotational Grazing 

(MIRG) is a system that uses pastures as a major source of 

feed for milking cows. MIRG farmers rely on pastures for their 

dairy herds’ forage needs and move their cows to a new pasture 

at least once a week. In 1992, roughly 7 percent of Wisconsin 

dairy farms used MIRG but in 1994, 14 percent of Wisconsin 

dairy farms used MIRG. MIRG can be used as a best management practice (BMP) and may reduce the amount of sediments, 

nutrients, and pesticides to receiving waters. In a study in 

Oklahoma, rotational grazed pastures evidenced a reduction in 

average annual runoff and sediment discharges when compared 

to a continuously grazed basin.

This study will compare surface-water runoff and water 

quality from three small pastured watersheds. The pastures 

will be located at the USDA Dairy Forage Research Center at 

Prairie du Sac.

Objective

The overall objective of this study is to determine differences in 

quantity and quality of surface-water runoff from three different 

pasture-management strategies. These strategies consist of a 

variety of practices which are available to pasture managers, 

both during the growing and dormant seasons. Combinations of 

management practices have been chosen to represent commonly 

used strategies. In addition to examining differences in overall 

management strategies, differences related to individual 

seasonal practices will be determined. A secondary objective 

will be to determine a water budget for each pasture. The water 

budget will be determined by measuring surface-water runoff 

and precipitation. Evaporation and transpiration will be estimated by using empirical equations and ground-water flow will 

be estimated as a residual.
Approach

The management practices to be examined include: (1) intensive 

rotational grazing and continuous grazing during the growing 

season, (2) pasture “stockpiling” during late summer and 

continued grazing throughout the summer, and (3) outwintering 

practices. Streamflow and water-quality data will be collected at 

each pasture outlet. In addition ancillary data will be collected 

that will include rainfall and other meteorological data. An 

ISCO automatic water-quality sampler was installed at each site. 

One composite sample per rainfall or snowmelt event will be 

sent to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for analysis. 

All samples will be analyzed for soluble reactive phosphorus, 

total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, 

total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total suspended solids, and volatile 

suspended solids. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Three small basins were monitored for continuous streamflow 

and rainfall. Four runoff samples were collected at site 1, three 

runoff samples at site 2, and two runoff samples at site 3. Waterquality-constituent loads and subsequent yields were calculated 

at all three sites. Runoff events include summer thunderstorms 

and early winter rainfall and snowmelt events. All data were 

summarized and published in the report “Water Resources Data–

Wisconsin, Water Year 2003.” Monitoring was discontinued at 

all three sites on September 30, 2003.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

A final report will be prepared summarizing the results of the 

study. Monitoring is complete at all three sites. Yields will 

be compared at each site before grazing was started at each 

basin and after grazing was started. In addition, site 1 (no outwintering of animals) and sites 2 and 3 (where out-wintering is 

part of the grazing plan) will be compared with each other to 

determine if differences can be found. 

The Effect of Near-Shore Development 

on Constituent Loading to Lakes in 

Northern Wisconsin

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chiefs: David J. Graczyk; Randy J. Hunt

Location: Statewide

Project Number: BQY17

Period of Project: October 1999–September 2004

Problem

Additions of nutrients, pesticides, and sediment from near-shore 

developments to lakes may seriously degrade lake-water quality. 

Shoreline-zoning regulations such as required setbacks, cutting 

restrictions, and buffers between the lake and development have 

been developed in the hope that these requirements can mitigate 

the effects of sediment and nutrient runoff.

Previous studies have estimated the amount of these loadings 

from the lake watershed but few studies have determined the 

processes and pathways in which these constituents are delivered to the lake at a site-specific scale (for example, a one-acre 

parcel). The effectiveness of buffers or cutting restrictions on 

reducing the amount of chemical constituent loads and sediment 

has yet to be demonstrated.

Objective

The objectives of the study are to: (1) estimate the quantity of 

surface-water runoff and ground water that flows into a lake 

from developed and undeveloped lands, and (2) determine the 

quality of surface-water runoff and ground water that flows into 

a lake from developed and undeveloped lands.

Approach

Effects of shoreline development on water and nutrient loading 

will be assessed using a paired approach. The comparison will 

focus on developed and undeveloped sites on four lakes in Vilas 

and Forest Counties in northern Wisconsin. Developed sites 

may include runoff from lawns, driveways, sidewalks, and roofs; 

undeveloped sites consist of mostly immature woods having 

woody and non-woody vegetation and relatively undisturbed 

ground. Both surface-water runoff and ground-water components will be characterized where appropriate.

Sites were divided into those where the lakes have ground-water 

inflow and those that do not. Those that had ground-water inflow 

will be instrumented to characterize the ground- and surfacewater components. Sites with ground-water flow away from the 

lake will be instrumented to characterize surface-water components only. Each site will be surveyed and a detailed map will be 

prepared to determine the areas that contribute to surface runoff.

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 29
30	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

A tipping bucket rain gage will be installed at each site. 

Precipitation will be measured during the non-freezing portion 

of the year. Precipitation from a nearby National Weather 

Service gage will be used during freezing periods.

Surface-water runoff will be measured by using two types of 

monitors depending on the site. An automatic collection monitor 

will be installed at four sites. A passive collection monitor will 

be installed at two sites. The quality of surface water will be 

determined from analyses of the runoff collected by both automated and non-automated systems. 

Ground-water flow will be monitored by the installation of 

piezometer nests. The nests will be distributed along the topographic gradient. The most downgradient nest will be installed 

adjacent to the lakeshore. The quality of ground water will be 

determined from a subset of water-table wells and piezometers 

located at the nest sites. In addition, the quality of ground water 

that discharges to the lake will be characterized using seepage 

meters and pore-water diffusion equilibrators. All surface- and 

ground-water samples will be analyzed for total dissolved phosphorus, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate and nitrite 

nitrogen, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen. Approximately 7 surfacewater samples per site will be collected, and 5–10 ground-water 

samples will be collected. The Wisconsin State Laboratory of 

Hygiene will analyze all samples.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

A final report was published that summarized all loadings and 

yields to the lake from different land uses. Median surfacerunoff estimates from the wooded catchments were an order 

of magnitude less than those from the lawn catchments. The 

increased water volumes from the lawn catchments resulted in 

greater nutrient loads and subsequent annual nutrient yields from 

the developed sites. Median nutrient yields in surface runoff 

from lawns always were greater than those from the wooded 

catchments. Runoff volumes were the most important factor in 

determining whether lawns or wooded catchments contribute 

more nutrients to the lake. The ground-water system had 

appreciable nutrient concentrations, and is likely an important 

pathway for nutrient transport to the lake. Soil moisture probes 

were installed on two sites around Geneva Lake. The soil moisture probes will be used to determine how water moves across a 

lawn through a buffer and eventually to the lake. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Soil moisture probes will be installed at two more lake sites in 

northwest Wisconsin. The soil moisture data will be summarized 

and published in a data report. 

Reports

Graczyk, D.J., Hunt, R.J., Greb, S.R., Buchwald, C.A., and 

Krohelski, J.T., 2003, Hydrology, nutrient concentrations, and 

nutrient yields in nearshore areas of four lakes in northern 

Wisconsin, 1999–2001: U.S. Geological Survey WaterResources Investigations Report 03–4144, 64 p.

Verification of Treatment Performance 

of the Vortechnics and Stormwater 

Management Filter

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Project Chiefs: Judy A. Horwatich; David W. Owens

Location: City of Milwaukee

Project Number: BQY18

Period of Project: October 2000–September 2005

Problem

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WDOT) is 

required to improve the quality of runoff from roadways 

under their control as part of the National Pollution Discharge 

Elimination System (NPDES) and an agreement with the 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). 

Installing a vendor practice to reduce pollutant loads is one way 

to meet the NPDES requirements; however the effectiveness of 

these devices is uncertain. 

Objective

The objectives of this project are to: (1) determine the effectiveness of a Vortechnic’s Stormwater Treatment System and 

a Stormwater Management’s Storm Filter System in removing 

pollutants from highway runoff water, (2) compare the measured 

removal efficiencies with manufacturers’ estimates, (3) characterize the variability in freeway runoff quality, (4) characterize 

pollutant loading in freeway runoff, (5) determine the practical 

application of the treatment devices (for example, installation, 

operation, and maintenance costs), and (6) both study results 

will be reviewed and made available to the public through 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental 

Technology Verification (ETV) Program in cooperation with 

National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF) as the 

verification partner.

Approach

Discharge and event mean concentration (EMC) data will be 

collected at the BMP inlets and outlets for 15 consecutive large 

(more than 0.20 inches of precipitation) runoff events. These 

samples will be analyzed for total phosphorus, suspended and 
dissolved solids, zinc, copper, and chloride. Other samples from 

small (less than 0.20 inches of precipitation) events occurring 

between the larger events will be analyzed only for suspended 

solids. The data will be used to calculate individual event waterquality loads entering and exiting the BMPs. The calculated 

loads will be used to determine the removal efficiencies of the 

two treatment systems for the test period and to determine if 

there are any efficiency patterns related to event size.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Treatment systems water quality monitoring has been 

completed. Volumes and loads at the inlet and outlet for both 

sites have been completed and the results have been forwarded 

to NSF for verification. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

USGS interpretive reports will be written describing the 

effectiveness of each of device.

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 31

StormfilterTM by Stormwater Management Inc.

)NLET

'RITCHAMBER ,OWFLOWCONTROL

(IGHFLOWCONTROL

/ILBAFFLEWALL

VortechsTM System by Vortechnics

Evaluation of Street Sweeping as a 

Water-Quality Management Tool in 

Residential Basins in Madison

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: William R. Selbig

Location: Dane County

Project Number: BQY19

Period of Project: May 2001–September 2005

Problem

The City of Madison is required to control the quality of 

stormwater runoff as part of the National Pollution Discharge 

Elimination System (NPDES). Previous studies have indicated 

that runoff from street surfaces is a major contributor of pollution in the city (Waschbusch and others, 1999). One way to 

control roadway runoff is to use street sweeping to remove 

pollutants before they are entrained in runoff. This option may 

be preferable to structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) 

since structural BMPs can be expensive and often require land. 

In addition, the City already conducts street sweeping and may 

only need to modify their sweeping practices.

Objective

The primary objective of this project is to determine if the dirt 

load on residential streets is reduced by various street-sweeping 

scenarios and if so, to what degree. Water-quality samples will 

be collected from three basins to determine if water-quality 

benefits are realized by the street-sweeping program, and to 

what extent. The water-quality sampling results from these 

basins and the street dirt load data will be used to estimate 

the benefits that may be achieved using other street-sweeping 

programs.

Approach

This study will use a paired basins approach, meaning that 

data will be collected from four basins and then compared to 

each other. One basin will be the “control” basin and will have 

minimal sweeping. The other three basins (the “test” basins) 

will have different sweeping regimens implemented. Two basins 

will utilize two different street sweepers provided by Elgin Inc. 

and will be swept once per week. The remaining basins will be 

swept on the same schedule as other areas of Madison, approximately one time per month, and will be completed using existing 

equipment. Data from the test basins will be compared to data 

from the control basin.

The USGS will collect vacuum samples once a week from four 

study basins for the duration of the study. During sweeping 

periods, samples will be collected immediately before street 

sweeping occurs and immediately after. The USGS will dry, 
32	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

sieve, and weigh the vacuum samples. The samples will be 

sieved into particle-size fractions ranging from <63 μm to 

>2,000 μm in an effort to further characterize street dirt. 

In addition to the street-dirt sampling, the control basin and the 

basins utilizing Elgin street sweepers will have water-quality 

samples collected and compared. These basins will be equipped 

with monitoring stations to collect discharge and water-quality 

data.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Continued to monitor water quantity and quality at the control 

and test basins. Vacuum samples were collected weekly in each 

basin from April to October 2003 and April to June 2004 in 

order to characterize street-dirt load. A new street sweeper using 

vacuum technology replaced the existing sweeper in one of the 

test basins. This new sweeper will be evaluated for the duration 

of the study.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Continue to monitor water quantity and quality at the control 

and test basins. Vacuum samples will be collected weekly at 

each basin from June to October 2004. Vacuum samples will 

resume in April 2005 and conclude in May 2005. 

Reports

Scientific Investigations Report, September 2005.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the 

Impacts of Aircraft Deicers in Runoff 

from General Mitchell International 

Airport

Cooperator: Milwaukee County

Project Chief: Steven R. Corsi

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Project Number: BQY20

Period of Project: October, 1996–Continuing

Problem

Milwaukee County is involved in an effort to reduce runoff of 

deicing chemicals from General Mitchell International Airport 

(GMIA) to Wilson Park Creek. Ethylene and propylene glycolbased deicers are used during cold weather periods for purposes 

of deicing and antiicing aircraft. Glycol concentrations in stream 

samples collected during deicing events throughout the winters 

between 1996 and 2003 ranged from less than detection limits to 

39,000 mg/L in GMIA outfalls (well above toxic levels).

Objective

The overall goals of the project are to evaluate changes in 

water quality in Wilson Park Creek due to implementation of 

deicer management at GMIA, to investigate chemicals causing 

toxicity to aquatic organisms, and to fulfill obligations stated 

in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) 

stormwater permit for GMIA. Specific objectives are as follows: 

(1) monitor surface water at four sites in the Wilson Park Creek 

watershed for water quality and flow during dry weather and 

runoff conditions. This monitoring is to be conducted before 

and after implementation of deicer management, (2) determine 

changes in water quality and toxicity levels in Wilson Park 

Creek due to implementation of deicer management, and 

(3) conduct investigations to identify additives in deicer and 

antiicer formulations that are responsible for toxicity to aquatic 

organisms in the receiving stream. 

Approach

Flow is measured and samples are collected at one site upstream 

from airport runoff and three sites downstream. Assessments 

of water quality are made on a yearly basis. After two years of 

post-management monitoring, comparisons between pre- and 

post-management data will be made to determine if changes in 

water quality have occurred. Toxicity identification evaluation 

tests are conducted using several aquatic organisms to identify 

toxic additives, and sampling is conducted at the four monitoring 

sites to determine the level of these additives in the receiving 

stream.

A street sweeper using mechanical broom and vacuum technology 

passes through a residential street in Madison, Wis.
Progress (October 1996–September 2004)

An extensive runoff monitoring program has been in place since 

November 1996. The first two winters represent conditions 

before deicer management was implemented. The 1998–2001 

winters represent data with partial deicer management. The 

2002–2004 winters represent fully implemented deicer management conditions. Nine sites were monitored the first year, 

and four sites are currently being monitored. Flow, dissolved 

oxygen, water temperature, and rainfall are being monitored 

continuously. Water-quality constituents are sampled selectively 

during deicer application events, baseflow, and one summer 

rainfall event per year. Glycol, biochemical oxygen demand, 

selected nutrients, and selected metals analyses are being 

conducted. Microtox and bioassay analyses are being conducted 

for toxicity assessment. In situ fathead minnow assays were 

conducted upstream and downstream from airport runoff. Snow 

banks within the airport have been monitored for four years to 

determine the quantity of deicer stored within the snow banks.

Plans (OCTOBER 2004–SEPTEMBER 2005)

Several more years of monitoring are planned during post-implementation conditions. After monitoring of post-implementation runoff, statistical analyses will be conducted to determine 

the effectiveness of the deicer management practices. A direct 

comparison of pre- to post-implementation data will be done. 

One report is currently being written that will discuss the results 

of snowbank monitoring. Another report will be written in the 

next year that will focus on the effectiveness of deicer management practices at GMIA.

Reports

Corsi, S.R., Booth, N.L., Hall, D.W., 2001, Aircraft and 

runway deicers at General Mitchell International Airport, 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, 1Biochemical oxygen demand 

and dissolved oxygen in receiving streams: Environmental 

Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 20, no. 7, p. 1474−1482.

Corsi, S.R., Hall, D.W., Geis, S.W., 2001, Aircraft and runway 

deicers at General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, 

Wisconsin, USA1. Toxicity of aircraft and runway deicers: 

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 20, no. 7, p. 

1483−1490.

Cancilla, D.A., Baird, J.C., Geis, S.W., Corsi, S.R., 2003, 

Studies of the environmental fate and effect of aircraft deicing 

fluids: Detection of 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole in the fathead 

minnow (Pimephales promelas): Environmental Toxicology and 

Chemistry, v. 22, no. 1, p. 134−140.

Corsi, S.R., Zitomer, D.H., Field, J.A., Cancilla, D.A., 2003, 

Nonylphenol ethoxylates and other additives in aircraft deicers, 

antiicers, and waters receiving airport runoff: Environmental 

Science and Technology, v. 37, p. 4031−4037.

Long-Term Water Budget of Two 

Rain Gardens in Madison

Cooperator: City of Madison

Project Chief: William R. Selbig

Location: Madison

Project Number: BQY21

Period of Project: May 2003–September 2008

Problem

Guidelines on the construction of a rain garden are still in their 

infancy. Criteria for locating and constructing these infiltration devices keep the homeowner in mind and therefore do not 

require a lot of time or money. However, in order to increase 

the efficiency of a rain garden, soils are often engineered to 

maximize infiltration of runoff. Additionally, rain gardens are 

often planted with native prairie species with deep root growth 

to promote infiltration. This can, in some cases, be cost-prohibitive for individual landowners. The benefits of native prairie 

species over more commonly used turf grass at infiltrating storm 

runoff are not well understood. Furthermore, few studies have 

evaluated the performance of rain gardens located in varying 

soils (sand versus clay). Understanding how vegetation and soil 

type affect infiltration in a rain garden could help direct future 

management decisions. 

Objective

The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of two rain 

gardens with varying soils at infiltrating stormwater. Secondary 

objectives include, but are not limited to:

(1)Measuring the vertical flux of infiltrated water beyond the 

root zone as well as soil moisture available for 

evapotranspiration, and

Surveying snowbanks at General Mitchell International Airport for 

studying aircraft deicers in snow.

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 33
34	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

(2) Measuring atmospheric parameters necessary to calculate 

potential evapotranspiration at each location.

Approach

This study will focus on two locations within the City of 

Madison where rooftop runoff can be equally divided and 

directed into adjacent rain gardens. One rain garden will be 

constructed using existing guidelines for the typical homeowner 

and include turf grass typically grown in area lawns. The other 

will utilize native plant species with deep root zones to optimize 

infiltrative capacities. 

Equipment will be installed at each location in an effort to calculate a volumetric mass balance per each rain garden based on the 

following equation:

Vground = Vin + P – Vout – PET

where

Vground is the volume of water moving vertically through the 

soil column, 

Vin is the volume of water entering the rain garden from the 

rooftop, 

P is direct precipitation on the rain garden, and 

Vout is the volume of water escaping the confines of the rain 

garden during larger storm events. 

Additionally, various atmospheric conditions will be monitored 

to determine potential evapotranspiration (PET) rates at each test 

site.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Two locations of differing soil types were chosen to construct 

rain gardens side-by-side in order to quantify their ability to 

infiltrate runoff. One site represents silt/clay type soils and the 

other represents sandy soils.

Monitoring stations were installed to measure a variety of 

parameters in each rain garden including discharge into and out 

of each rain garden, soil moisture at incremental depths below 

each rain garden, depth of standing water in each rain garden, 

and meteorological variables to calculate potential evapotranspiration.

Soil cores were taken and preserved to not only characterize the 

underlying soil structure but also to determine the bulk density, 

wilting point, organic content, and field capacity. This information will be useful in determining the volume of water moving 

up or down through the soil horizon before, during, and after 

runoff events. 

Several storm runoff events were monitored during fall 2003 and 

spring 2004. A digital camera was installed at one study area to 

document the rain gardens. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Plans for the upcoming year include continuing to monitor 

runoff events to determine the amount of water entering, 

leaving, and infiltrating into each rain garden. Meteorological 

parameters will be measured to calculate potential evapotranspiration at each site. This information will facilitate the calculation of a volumetric mass balance in each rain garden and help 

evaluate the overall effectiveness of infiltrating stormwater. 

A secondary soil-moisture sensing device will be utilized 

to periodically calibrate continuous soil-moisture sensors. 

Additional calibration tests will be performed on all equipment 

measuring runoff into and out of the rain gardens.

Reports

Scientific Investigations Report, September 2008.

Verification of a Pressurized 

Stormwater Filtration System at 

St. Mary’s Hospital

Cooperators: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources;

National Science Foundation

Project Chief: Judy A. Horwatich; Steven R. Corsi

Location: Green Bay

Project Number: BQY22

Period of Project: September 2000–Continuing

Problem

Urban stormwater is degrading Wisconsin waters. Cost-effective 

treatment technologies are needed to reduce adverse impacts that 

urban stormwater runoff can have on surface-water quality. A 

Standing water in two rain gardens after a recent storm event in 

Madison, Wis.
variety of advanced technologies have emerged in recent years 

that can help communities achieve compliance with new regulations. The EPA’s Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) 

Program established a cooperative agreement with the National 

Standards Foundation (NSF) International to verify the treatment 

capabilities of the proprietary treatment devices. 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the USGS 

will conduct a study of a pressurized stormwater filtration 

system as an ETV program. The system has been installed at St. 

Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay and is being used to treat runoff 

from its parking lot and rooftops. Stormwater is captured and 

pumped through a two-phase filter system and discharged into a 

city storm sewer. Backflush water is discharged into a sanitary 

sewer.

Objective

The project objective is to determine the efficiency of the pressurized filtration system in extracting sediment, nutrients, and 

zinc from stormwater runoff.

Approach

To accomplish the above objective, the following approach will 

be used: (1) install flow-monitoring and water-quality sampling 

equipment at the inflow, outflow, and bypass of the system, (2) 

continuously monitor rainfall and flow, and collect water-quality 

samples for 15 runoff events, (3) analyze samples for sediment, 

total and dissolved phosphorus, Kjeldahl N, NO2-NO3 N, and 

zinc, (4) compute loads for inflow, filtered outflow, and bypass 

for the above constituents, (5) compute a mass balance on flow 

and water-quality loads for all events, and (6) publish a technical 

report on the results of the study.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Monitoring has been completed and records have been worked 

up. The final report is in draft form. Data have been sent to NSF 

for verification of the device.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Plans are to: (1) publish a monitoring report on the efficiency of 

the pressurized stormwater filter, and (2) compute and publish 

the discharge record and water-quality loads for the three monitoring locations and publish in the 2004 report “Water Resources 

Data –Wisconsin.”

Reports

Horwatich, J.A., Corsi, S.R., and Bannerman R.T., 2004, 

Effectiveness of a pressurized stormwater filtration system 

in Green Bay, Wisconsin: a study for the Environmental 

Technology Verification Program of the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific 

Investigations Report 2004-5222.

Thresholds of Toxicity in Urban 

Streams

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Steven R. Corsi

Location: Statewide

Project Number: BQY23

Period of Project: July 2001–September 2006

Problem

The State of Wisconsin has recently implemented a federally 

mandated program that requires cities with populations greater 

than 10,000 to develop stormwater management plans. The 

intent is to eventually regulate stormwater as a point source of 

pollution by setting limits on the quantity and quality of runoff 

entering receiving waters. The critical problem that needs to 

be addressed is the degree to which toxicants found in urban 

runoff need to be regulated in order to protect the biological 

integrity of receiving streams. One question that needs to be 

addressed: is there a threshold level of watershed imperviousness below which regulation of toxicants in stormwater runoff 

is not needed? Another question that needs to be answered is: at 

what field concentration of potential toxicants do we see adverse 

effects in stream-dwelling organisms? This will permit regulatory effort to be more effectively focused on problem areas and 

problem chemicals.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would use 

this information to identify areas where regulation of toxicants 

in runoff is necessary to protect, enhance, or restore aquatic 

communities. Municipalities will need this information to most 

economically and effectively comply with these impending regulations.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to examine the relation of watershed 

imperviousness in urban river systems to measures of toxicity 

in aquatic organisms. More specifically, the objective is to 

determine the toxicity of urban river systems to P. promelas as 

measured in 21-day spawning tests using in-situ caged fish.

Approach

In-stream fish exposures will involve the following details: (1) 

in-stream fathead minnow exposures will consist of tests at 3–6 

streams per time period with 1 test chamber per stream and 1 

control chamber placed in a relatively undeveloped stream, (2) 

chambers consist of 6 cartridges with a pair of adult fathead 

minnows (one female and one male) per cartridge, (3) each 

stream tested will fit into a matrix of different urban influences. 

Placement of chambers will coincide with the NAWQA ULUG 

topical study, and (4) Site visits will be made each day to check 

on the condition of the minnows, and collect data.

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 35
36	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

The overall goal is to conduct this test for 21 days at each of 

30 different sites with varying degrees of urbanization. Toxic 

response as measured by spawning success will be compared to 

the degree of urbanization.

Progress (July 2003–SEPTEMBER 2004)

A pilot study was conducted at two sites on the Sugar River 

near Verona, Wis., and three rivers in the Milwaukee area during 

summer 2003 and 2004. This pilot study did verify that the 

fish can spawn with reasonable success in the test cages when 

deployed in a stream. 

Plans (october 2004–June 2006)

Approximately 15 sites will be monitored during summer 2005, 

and 12 sites during summer 2006. 

Reports

A final report will be written after the 2006 summer and 

submitted to an appropriate journal.

%GG COUNTS FROM  FATHEAD MINNOW PAIRS ANDWATER TEMPERATURE

DURING SPAWNING TEST AT 3UGAR 2 AT (WY 0$



































7!4%24%-0%2!452%).$%'2%%3#%,#)53

















.5-"%2/&%''3

7ATER TEMPERATURE .UMBER OF EGGSPRODUCED

Calibration of the Source Loading and 

Management Model (SLAMM)

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Judy A. Horwatich

Location: Statewide

Project Number: BQY24

Period of Project: July 2001–Continuing

Problem

Wisconsin municipalities are using urban runoff models to 

help them prepare stormwater management plans. Planners and 

engineers use the models to identify the most important sources 

of pollutants and quantify the benefits of different management alternatives. The Source Loading and Management Model 

(SLAMM) is one of the models recommended for stormwater 

planning by the WDNR.

All watershed models should be calibrated before they are 

applied. Large errors in flow and pollutant concentrations can 

result if the model is not adjusted as much as possible to the 

places it will be used. In most cases the municipalities will not 

have the resources to collect the necessary flow and pollutant 

concentration data. Fortunately, enough stormwater data have 

been collected to adjust SLAMM for use by municipalities in 

Wisconsin.

Objective

The objective of the project is to calibrate and verify the 

SLAMM model with the stormwater flow and pollutant 

concentration data available from urban studies conducted in 

Wisconsin.

Approach

The USGS in Wisconsin has collected flow and pollutant 

concentrations from source-area and at the end of the pipe for 

several projects. Land use and development characteristics, such 

as percent connected imperviousness, were determined for each 

study area. All the above information is needed to calibrate and 

verify SLAMM.

There are three steps to calibrate SLAMM. First, the predicted 

runoff volumes should be adjusted to match the values observed 

at the end of the pipe. Second, the predicted particle solids loads 

should be adjusted to match, as much as possible, the observed 

particle solids loads at each sites. The last step is to calibrate 

pollutant loads, such as total and dissolved sediment, nutrients, 

metals and organics.

All the files created by the calibration will be placed on the 

USGS web page. There is a link from the WDNR web page to 

the USGS web page.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Flow, pollutant concentration, and land-use data have been 

compiled. Calibration of the runoff volume has been completed 

resulting in a slight reduction in the runoff curves for parking 

lots and lawns. The average concentration of particulate solids 

loads and the geometric mean concentration of pollutant were 

used to calibrate the model loadings. A street delivery file was 

created to better interpret the end of pipe sediment loads. Files 

are available on the USGS web page 

http://wi.water.usgs.gov/slamm/index.html
Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

At the end of this year, data will be compiled for three additional 

stormwater studies to verify SLAMM. These studies areas were 

lawns, freeways and a flat roof. An Open-File Report will be 

published explaining calibration and uses of the model.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of 

Low-Impact Development Practices

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: William R. Selbig

Location: Cross Plains

Project Number: BQY25

Period of Project: July 1998–September 2007

Problem

Farmland in Wisconsin is rapidly being converted to urban land 

uses. This urban development, with the associated increase 

in impervious area, generally impacts the water quality and 

increases the runoff volume that is delivered to the receiving 

water-body. When new site plans are proposed, many of the 

plans use “end-of-pipe” structural Best Management Practices 

(BMPs) such as wet and dry detention ponds. However, these 

structural BMPs are primarily designed to reduce the flood peak 

of a runoff event. They have limited water quality and quantity 

benefits. 

Low-impact development is designed to reduce the volume and 

improve the quality of runoff while attempting to preserve the 

natural hydrology of the site. Low impact practices include the 

reduction of impervious surfaces and installation of infiltration 

devices, such as rain gardens. 

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of low-impact practices for 

reducing runoff quantity and improving runoff water quality.

Approach

Test and control sites have been selected in Cross Plains, 

Wisconsin. The control site, which was developed from 1988 

to 1991, used traditional urban design practices such as storm 

sewers, curbs and gutters, and a wet detention basin. The second 

site began development in May 1999 and is implementing lowimpact development practices. Both sites are finger valleys that 

are approximately a quarter mile apart. 

Equipment at both sites is maintained to continuously monitor 

water level, precipitation, and water temperature and is housed 

in a monitoring station that has phone telemetry and electrical 

power. An automated water-quality sampler at each site is 

programmed to take flow-proportional samples from runoff 

producing storm events. 

Comparisons in the performance of BMPs in the control and 

study area will be made based on unit-area runoff and unit-area 

loads. Trends in water quality and quantity will also be analyzed 

to further characterize the construction cycle (from platting to 

site closeout).

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Continuous discharge, precipitation, and temperature continue 

to be measured at both the control and test sites. Additional 

discharge monitoring equipment was installed in the outfall of a 

detention pond downstream of the control site. Runoff volumes 

leaving the detention pond will be compared to runoff volumes 

from the control site as a means to more accurately calculate total stormwater runoff. Monitoring equipment was also 

installed at a third residential subdivision to complement data 

collected at the control site. This subdivision will essentially 

act as a second control site as it also was built using traditional 

urban design practices such as storm sewers, curbs and gutters, 

and a large grassy area intended for recreational activities. 

Water-quality samplers were suspended from October 2002 until 

March 2004 then reactivated for the remainder of the project. 

Water-quality samples for the majority of runoff events will be 

analyzed for total and suspended solids, and total phosphorus.

A number of infiltration tests were conducted inside the infiltration basin of the test area. The results will be compared to 

previous tests to determine trends in infiltraton rates over time. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Continue to monitor discharge, precipitation, temperature, and 

water quality at both the control and test sites. Additional infiltration tests will be performed in the infiltration basin to comprehensively understand expected infiltration rates and track any 

increases or decreases over time. 

	 Nonpoint Evaluation Monitoring Team	 37

A detention pond (foreground) serves as one stormwater runoff 

control device during construction of a residential subdivision using 

low impact development practices in Dane County, Wis.
38	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Reports

Scientific Investigations Report is planned for September 2007.

DOT Street Sweeping Phase II

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Transportation and

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Location: City of Madison

Project Chief: Judy Horwatich

Project Number: BQY26

Period of Project: October 2004–September 2006

PROBLEM

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WDOT) is 

required to improve the quality of runoff from roadways 

under their control as part of the National Pollution Discharge 

Elimination System (NPDES) and an agreement with the 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). A 

possible cost-effective method to control stormwater-runoff 

pollutants on urban freeways is the use of highly efficient 

street sweepers.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project are to: (1) determine the effectiveness of street sweeping in removing pollutants from highways 

by alternating the technique and frequency throughout the 

project, (2) compare the measured removal efficiencies with 

manufacturers’ estimates, (3) characterize the variability in 

freeway runoff quality, and (4) characterize pollutant loading 

in freeway runoff.

APPROACH

The control site will be swept once per week with a broom 

sweeper. Storm discharge and water quality samples will be 

collected for at least 15 storms. Event Mean Concentrations 

(EMC) will be calculated at one water quality monitoring site. 

The test-site evaluation will compare changes in the dirt load on 

the roadway to predict the benefits of three sweeping formats. 

The sweeping formats will include: (1) sweeping at different 

speeds, (2) using tandem sweepers, and (3) sweeping twice per 

week instead of once. Roadway vacuuming at both the test and 

control sites will be done to determine particulate matter accumulation rates on the highway and street-sweeping efficiency. 

Vacuuming will initially need to occur immediately before and 

after a sweeper makes a pass.

Results from the water-quality sampling will be used to develop 

plots describing the amount of pollutants removed from the road 

surface for different rainfall amounts and intensities. A relation 

will be developed between the efficiency of each format and the 

amount of pollutants washed off the road surface. This relation 

will quantify the water-quality benefits of each street-sweeping 

format.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The WDOT, Dane County, City of Madison, WDNR, and USGS 

have cooperatively selected a monitoring site. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Install monitoring equipment and begin data collection. Initially, 

vacuuming of the highway will be done after a street sweeper 

makes a pass over the highway.
Database Applications Team

Office of the Assistant District Chief for Environmental Studies

Mission

Provide data organization and distribution services for water resources-related information at local, state, national, and international levels. Targeted organizations include 

local planning commissions, municipalities, the Wisconsin Department of Natural 

Resources, USGS, EPA, and others. An emphasis will be placed on using the Oracle 

RDBMS system and other Oracle tools for this purpose. Efforts will be made to acquire 

and develop solutions with the best state-of-the-art technologies available, including 

high-end data query tools, case tools, WWW-oriented distribution strategies, map 

serving software, and sophisticated relational database and multi-dimensional OLAP 

systems.

Team Members

Harry R. House, IT Specialist (Team Leader)

John F. Walker, Research Hydrologist (Engineering)

Daniel J. Sullivan, Hydrologist

Nathaniel L. Booth, IT Specialist (Systems Analysis)

Morgan A. Schneider, Hydrologist

Carolyn J. McCullough, Physical Scientist

James R. Statz, IT Specialist

Jessica L. Thompson, Hydrologist

Eric J. Everman, IT Specialist

Kathryn M. Schoephoester, IT Specialist

Database Applications Team	 39
40	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects

9BI75	 NAWQA Data Warehouse...............................................................................................................41

9KN10	 Database Applications.....................................................................................................................41

9KN12	 WDNR Beachhealth Database and Website ...............................................................................42

9KN14	 WDNR Biology Database ................................................................................................................42

9KN15	 USGS Mobile Computing.................................................................................................................43

9KN17	 Mercury Vulnerability Identification Maps ..................................................................................44

9KN20	 USGS National Map Hosting...........................................................................................................44

9KN21	 USGS Publications Warehouse......................................................................................................45

STATEWIDE PROJECTS

9KN10	 Database Applications	

9KN12	 WDNR Beachhealth Database	

Nationwide Projects

9BI75	 NAWQA Data Warehouse	

9KN14	 WDNR Biology Database	

9KN15	 USGS Mobile Computing	

9KN17	 Mercury Vulnerability Identification Maps	

9KN20	 USGS National Map Hosting	

9KN21	 USGS Publications Warehouse
NAWQA Data Warehouse

Cooperator: USGS

Project Chief: Nathaniel L. Booth

Location: National

Project Number: 9BI75

Period of Project: November 1998–Continuing

Problem

The USGS has need for a national system for storing, managing, 

and distributing data for the National Water-Quality Assessment 

program.

Objective

The purpose of the project is to organize, store, and present 

information for the National NAWQA program in a data warehouse-style system in the Wisconsin District. This system is to 

be a central resource for all data related to NAWQA that are 

relevant for analysis to NAWQA scientists, USGS scientists, 

and to the public at large. Data will be deployed via World Wide 

Web technology.

Approach

A database will be developed to store and organize the various 

data components for this project. Web-enabled interfaces will be 

developed to access that information by end users.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Main priorities for this time period include transforming data 

loading procedures to using Informatica “Extract Transform 

Load” (ETL) software to directly access USGS databases. Once 

load programs were converted, extensive acceptance testing 

was done. Automation efforts were made to allow databases to 

be aggregated on a monthly time interval. Many data-checking 

routines were ported from previous technologies and improved.

Several training courses were conducted around the country. 

User support continued to be a major emphasis both involving 

USGS scientists and the public.

Also in this period, a major overhaul of security procedures was 

made to the overall computing architecture that supports the data 

warehouse. Continued server maintenance and upgrades better 

supported the program.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Plans for this period include finalizing the design, testing and 

documentation of data loading procedures for remaining national 

NAWQA related datasets. Algae and habitat are among the new 

datasets to be included into the data warehouse this period. New 

data checking routines and a data owner-to-data warehouse feedback mechanism will be designed to accommodate NAWQA 

study units and national synthesis scientists. 

Value-added features to the data warehouse and/or the public 

interface planned for this period include: GIS front end to pick 

sites/networks; mechanism to output results on maps; online 

summary report graphs; and linked Pesticide Toxicity Index. A 

public data warehouse user group is to be formed this period.

Database Applications

Cooperators: City of Milwaukee; U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (USEPA); U.S. Geological Survey, (CAPP, WRD, GD),

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)

Project Chief: Harry House

Location: United States

Project Number: 9KN10

Period of Project: June 1998–Continuing

Problem

Some natural resources agencies have difficulty organizing, 

storing, and distributing their information products using their 

existing resources (staff, hardware, and software). This can 

result in less than optimal use of acquired data and loss of value 

to customers.

Objective

The purpose of this project is to provide our customers with the 

best possible data management systems for their given budget 

and resources.

Approach

The Database Applications Team employs skilled developers 

from a wide variety of natural science backgrounds. Each 

developer is supported by a robust set of software development 

tools and servers. Our strategy is to ensure we understand the 

customer’s data and scientific goals first. We then select the best 

technologies to meet their needs.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Many new servers were purchased to support the increasing 

resource demands of the team. Support licensing was renewed 

for all software, and additional purchases of software for 

web-enabled graphing were purchased from Visual Mining 

Corporation, as well as software to collect and store requirements information for projects. Additional copies of Redhat 

Linux were made to support all projection and some supporting 

database servers. A large number of publicity articles and bulletins came out describing the team’s activities with various IT 

products. 

Database Applications Team	 41
42	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

It is expected that there will be additional purchases of servers 

to further enhance our hardware infrastructure. We also expect 

to investigate the possibility of using some kind of SAN device 

to support multiple servers to simplify disk management issues 

that are becoming an issue. This may also have implications in 

regard to what backup system we use going forward.

We are working diligently to satisfy DOI security guidelines 

within our data center, and anticipate being accredited by the 

end of July 2004. This includes tightening firewalls, strengthening passwords and other measures.

WDNR Beach Health Database 

and Website

Cooperators: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Co-Project Chiefs: Carolyn J. McCullough and

Morgan A. Schneider

Location: Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KN12

Period of Project: November 1999–Continuing

Problem

WDNR is managing a statewide program to monitor Wisconsin 

Great Lakes public beaches with funding from the USEPA 

BEACH (Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal 

Health) Act of 2000. WDNR needed a statewide system for 

storing, managing, and distributing data for public beach datacollection activities.

Objective

The objectives of this project are to maintain a website with 

timely beach water-quality information for Wisconsin Great 

Lakes public swimming beaches (approximately 110), store 

information associated with beach water-quality advisories and 

monitoring data, and provide annual updates to the national 

dataset maintained by the USEPA. The Beach Health website 

(http://infotrek.er.usgs.gov/servlet/page?_

pageid=1993,2002&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30) 

allows users to find advisory and monitoring data via a map 

interface or tabular reporting format. Health departments 

and other individuals responsible for collecting beach waterquality information enter information directly into the database with online forms. At the end of the beach season, data 

will be sent to the USEPA where it will be compiled with data 

from other coastal states.

Approach

A database has been developed to store advisory and monitoring 

data. Web-enabled data-entry forms have been created to allow 

forms-based input for beach monitoring personnel. Web-based 

reporting applications provide access to information. Scripts 

have been written to extract data from the database in a format 

required by USEPA for submittal to the national dataset.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Updates to the forms, reports, website, and database were 

completed to account for minor changes in the program from the 

2003 to the 2004 swimming season. Data from the 2003 swimming season were prepared and submitted to the USEPA for 

incorporation into a national dataset.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Support of the data collection effort and the public website will 

continue through the end of the 2004 swimming season. At the 

end of the season the advisory and monitoring data will be sent 

to the USEPA for incorporation into the national dataset.

It is anticipated that the project will continue into the 2005 

swimming season but the need for additional work will be determined by WDNR and is dependent on available funding.

WDNR Biology Database

Cooperators: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Morgan A. Schneider

Location: Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KN14

Period of Project: June 1998–Continuing

Problem

The WDNR Bureau of Fisheries Management and Habitat 

Protection collect and manage a wide variety of biological data. 

Data from biological programs were previously managed and 

stored in multiple databases in a wide variety of formats, making 

Memorial Drive Wayside Beach South, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin 

(left) and Atwater Park Beach, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (right).
retrieval and analysis of data from the different programs difficult and time consuming. One central database was needed to 

manage data from the statewide fish propagation and habitat 

assessment programs.

Objective

A database was created to house data collected by the Bureau 

of Fish Management and Habitat Protection. Statewide WDNR 

personnel manage data using on-line forms and reports.

Approach

Initial development of the project was directed toward providing 

data entry and data reporting capability on the Internet for data 

from all major field activities. The database was deployed over 

the Internet so that geographically dispersed users across the 

State could input and access data using electronic forms and 

reports. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Creation and modification of existing forms and reports was 

ongoing. Selected legacy datasets were loaded into the database. 

Stocking data from 1972–2002 were made available on the 

public website. A data warehouse storing the WDNR Master 

Fish File (MFF) data was designed and loaded.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Support of data-entry forms and reports will continue. A major 

rearchitecturing of the system is planned which will move a 

majority of the historic data to a separate system. This will 

require a rework of most reports and forms.

USGS Mobile Computing

Cooperators: USGS

Project Chief: John F. Walker

Location: National

Project Number: 9KN15

Period of Project: October 2001–Continuing

Problem

USGS has a need for a nation-wide system for storing, 

managing, and distributing data collected on hand-held PDAs 

in the field. The development and implementation of this technology could dramatically reduce errors in data acquisition and 

transmission to central servers.

Objective

The purpose of the project is to develop an application capable 

of interfacing with a standard current meter (Price AA or 

Pygmy) and collecting and computing a discharge measurement. 

The application will run on either a Palm or WinCE handheld 

device, and will synchronize with a central Oracle database. The 

Oracle database will be designed such that the resulting data 

can be uploaded to NWIS via an XML parser/loader application 

being developed by the NWIS team.

Approach

A database will be developed to store and organize the various 

data components for this project on PDAs. Web-enabled front 

ends will be developed to access that information by end users. 

An application for presenting the online forms required for a 

standard USGS discharge and field site measurement will be 

created in C code to run on Palm OS and Pocket PC systems 

against Oracle Lite databases.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Consultants developed code for PalmOS version, and Alpha 

testing is nearly complete. Developed web-based forms for entry 

of user-specific information to be synched to PDA. 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources personnel electrofishing in Plum Creek, Wisconsin.

Database Applications Team	 43
44	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Beta testing of the Palm OS system is scheduled for Fall 2004, 

with an initial release to a small subset of users to follow. 

Conversion of the Palm OS version of the application to 

PocketPC platform will begin in August, and is expected to be 

completed by Spring 2005. 

It is anticipated that additional funds will be provided by USGS 

to support continued development of the application, through 

deployment in production environment during this period. 

Future resources dedicated to this effort would be expected to 

come in proportion to the degree of national acceptance of the 

system.

Mercury Vulnerability Identification 

Maps

Cooperators: USGS

Project Chief: Nathaniel L. Booth

Location: National

Project Number: 9KN17

Period of Project: March 2004–Continuing

Problem

Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses a 

serious risk to both humans and aquatic life. Literature reflects 

methylated mercury contributes the majority of the toxicological 

response. Methylation of inorganic mercury occurs through 

various geochemical processes. While mercury deposition 

patterns are somewhat understood, to more precisely understand 

where problem areas might arise, landscape and water-quality 

data need to be linked to aerial mercury deposition patterns. In 

order for policy makers to estimate the response from various 

mercury emission rule scenarios, regions of the United States 

that have chemical, biological, and physical environmental characteristics that foster the methylation process need to be identified. 

Objective

The intention of this project is to produce a series of map snapshots of mercury sensitivity based on several chemical, biological, and physical characteristics. The scale of the project is the 

48 contiguous United States. As such, sensitivity characteristics 

will be investigated at a regional scale.

Approach

A web-based mapping interface will be built that will display 

various individual physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The interface and the supporting datasets will be supported 

(hosted) under Phase I funds (below) until Phase I is complete. 

Report-quality map snapshots will be produced for various 

scenarios. Reference layers for the map will be limited to broad 

non-detailed physical, political, and infrastructure boundaries 

(i.e. U.S. highways, major rivers, state boundaries).

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Initial planning was undertaken to clarify the user and system 

requirements. A project plan was created and approved by the 

customer. Initial work was begun to bring together the required 

datasets and begin development of the mapping applications.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Identification of physical, chemical, and biological characteristics that lead to mercury sensitivity (i.e., methylation and 

bioaccumulation) will be conducted. Datasets that will provide 

coverage of these characteristics will be gathered. A database 

will be designed and populated from these disparate data 

sources.

Algorithms to deal with temporal and spatial variability of the 

characteristics will be defined and resultants will be displayed 

through a web-based mapping interface. Methylmercury surfacewater concentration data will be incorporated into the database. 

The mapping interface will allow researchers to identify areas 

where defined characteristics overlap which may indicate a 

susceptibility of that area to methylmercury occurrence in 

surface waters. 

USGS National Map Hosting

Cooperators: USGS

Project Chief: Nathaniel L. Booth

Location: National

Project Number: 9KN20

Period of Project: January 2004–Continuing

Problem

USGS has a need for a second node for the National Map 

Catalog application.

Objective

The purpose of the project is to site a second node developed 

by USGS-GD at a location separate from the central system in 

Rolla, MO.

Approach

A system will be configured in the Middleton, Wisconsin data 

center for housing the National Map Catalog.
Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

An agreement was entered into between GD and WRD to 

support this objective. Appropriate hardware and software were 

purchased. The application was successfully installed, and is 

currently in production as a secondary (or primary) node for the 

National Map.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

It is anticipated that GD will continue with the program as is 

for the remainder of the coming fiscal year. The Middleton Data 

Center is merely acting as a cohost location for this application, 

and is not directly involved in the development or other considerations related to the status of this system.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooperators: USGS

Project Chief: Carolyn McCullough

Location: National

Project Number: 9KN21

Period of Project: June 1998–Continuing

Problem

The USGS does not support a unified, up-to-date database to 

store and retrieve publications-related information, such as 

bibliographic elements and/or the content of the publications 

themselves. The lack of such a system has resulted in increased 

difficulties for USGS personnel and customers to locate and 

obtain information about or including publications they may be 

interested in for their varying needs. It is expected that the development and maintenance of such a system would significantly 

enhance the ability of the USGS to meet the needs of the users 

for which the publications were developed for in the first place.

Objective

The purpose of the project is to create a database to organize and 

store information on products produced by the USGS (as well as 

the products themselves when available) and create a web-based 

query interface that displays these data. 

Approach

A database will be built to store bibliographic information and 

electronic versions of USGS publications. Data will be accessible through a web-based search interface.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Public version of website (http://pubs.usgs.gov) was released 

January 15, 2004 in conjunction with the new USGS home page 

and the USGS Store. The public version included application of 

the new USGS template for web pages, links between the Pubs 

Warehouse and the USGS Store for ordering of publications, and 

links to scanned reports. Added features to the search interface 

including next and previous buttons, better layout, and better 

search capabilities.

A server was installed for storage and serving of scanned 

reports, and the first 9,000 reports where made available, tripling 

the number of online USGS reports. Development staff attended 

the Pubs 2003 meeting in Denver and presented an interactive 

poster presentation about the Publications Warehouse which was 

well received. A total of 61,000 records have been loaded into 

the database to date including some of the older BRD 

publications.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Plans include continuing to improve the current dataset by 

trying to fill in the remaining gaps, loading new publications and 

scanned reports as they become available, spatially tagging the 

citations for use in a map-based search interface, and the addition of keywords from the USGS thesaurus for a browse-based 

search interface. Development staff will begin loading publications lists from the BRD science centers.

Verification of the unnumbered series data from the USGS 

Library will be started. Development staff will continue to 

improve the web interface and incorporate user feedback. 

This includes improved searching; printable, citation, and 

downloadable versions of results lists; and result lists by 

program or cost center.

Database Applications Team	 45
46	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004
Ground-Water Systems Team 

Office of the Assistant District Chief for Ground-Water 

and National investigations

Mission

The mission of the Ground-Water Systems Team is to provide a pool of expertise in a 

variety of disciplines from which flexible and dynamic sub-teams are formed to conduct 

District projects. The team serves as a forum in which participating members are kept 

abreast of new techniques and approaches in ground-water research and investigations. 

The team provides technical review for existing ground-water projects and designs and 

presents proposals to cooperators. Team membership fosters a close working relationship with cooperators and the University community. The team provides cooperators 

with state-of-the-art techniques and expertise to provide an understanding of the relation 

of ground-water systems to other natural resources and humans.

Team Members

Charles P. Dunning, Assistant District Chief (Team Leader)

Randy J. Hunt, Research Hydrologist (Geology)

David A. Saad, Hydrologist

Daniel T. Feinstein, Hydrologist

Paul F. Juckem, Hydrologist

James M. Rauman, Hydrologic Technician

Cheryl A. Buchwald, Hydrologic Technician

Gregory D. Mueller, Student Trainee (Hydrology)

James T. Krohelski, Hydrologist (Scientist Emeritus)

Ground-Water Systems Team	 47
48	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects

9KC31	 USGS Black Earth Creek Ground-Water/Surface-Water Model..............................................60

9KH11	 Simulation of Shallow Ground-Water Flow on the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian

Reservation with the Use of an Analytic Element Model ..........................................................60

9KH12	 Characterization of the Regional Aquifer Flow System on the Menominee Indian

Reservation........................................................................................................................................61

9KH26	 Great Lakes Protection Fund Web site .........................................................................................61

9KH32	 Monitoring Contaminant Flux from a Stormwater Infiltration Facility to Ground Water.......62

9KH35	 Grindstone Springs...........................................................................................................................64

9KH36	 Simulation of Shallow Ground-Water Flow for the Ho-Chunk Nation Area of Indian

Mission and Sand Pillow with the Use of an Analytic Element Model....................................64

9KH37	 Chiwaukee Prairie Ground Water .................................................................................................65

9KH38	 USGS Recharge Project ..................................................................................................................66

9KH40	 USGS Department of Justice Assistance.....................................................................................66

9KH41	 NPS St. Croix Ground Water...........................................................................................................67

9KH44	 Drilling Operations Group................................................................................................................69

9KH47	 Crandon Ground Water....................................................................................................................69

9KH50	 Collection of Basic Records – Ground Water..............................................................................70

9KH51	 Wisconsin Water-Use Data File.....................................................................................................71

9KH52	 Hydrologic and Biogeochemical Budgets in Temperate Lakes and their Watersheds,

Northern Wisconsin.........................................................................................................................72
STATEWIDE PROJECTS

9KH50	 Collection of Basic Records – Ground Water	

9KH51	 Wisconsin Water-Use Data File	

9KH38	 Recharge

Nationwide Projects

9KH44	 Drilling Operations Group

LOCATION-SPECIFIC PROJECTS

Tribal

Ho-Chunk Communities of Indian Mission and Sand Pillow

9KH36	 Simulation of Shallow Ground-Water Flow for the HoChunk Nation area of Indian Mission and Sand Pillow

with the Use of an Analytic Element Model

Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Reservation

9KH35	 Grindstone Springs

Stockbridge-Munsee Indian Reservation

9KH11	 Simulation of Shallow Ground-Water Flow on the

Stockbridge-Munsee Indian Reservation with the Use

of an Analytic Element Model

Regional

North-central Wisconsin

9KH52	 Hydrologic and Biogeochemical Budgets in Temperate

Lakes and their Watersheds, Northern Wisconsin	

Northwest Wisconsin and Northwest Minnesota

9KH41	 NPS St. Croix Ground Water

Southeast Wisconsin

9KH26	 Great Lakes Protection Fund Web site

9KH37	 Chiwaukee Prairie Ground Water

County

Dane County

9KC31	 Black Earth Creek Ground-Water/Surface-Water Model

9KH32	 Monitoring Contaminant Flux from a Stormwater

Infiltration Facility to Ground Water

Forest County

9KH47	 Crandon Ground Water

Menominee County

9KH12	 Characterization of the Regional Aquifer Flow-System on

the Menominee Indian Reservation

municipal

Tomah, Monroe County

9KH40	 Department of Justice Assistance

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Ground-Water Systems Team	 49
50	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

USGS Black Earth Creek GW/SW 

Model

Cooperator: Village of Cross Plains, Wisconsin Department of

Natural Resources

Project Chief: Randy Hunt, Dave Graczyk

Location: Western Dane County

Project Number: 9KC31

Period of Project: July 2003–June 2004

Problem

Six miles of Black Earth Creek are classified as Class I trout 

water with an additional six miles of stream classified as Class 

II trout water. Urbanization within Dane County may affect 

the water resources that are critical to maintain the coldwater 

fishery. A DNR report on the 2001 fish kill on Black Earth Creek 

notes, “Increased development which brings with it an increase 

in impervious surfaces poses a long-term threat to the stream 

ecosystem.”

Objective

The objective of the study is to compile existing data from the 

watershed and construct a ground-water and surface-water 

model suitable for future work on: (1) quantitatively characterizing the hydrologic system, (2) assessing gaps in the existing 

data, and (3) providing an initial tool suitable for urbanization 

and associated mitigation scenario simulations.

Approach

The hydrologic system will be simulated using a ground-water/

surface-water numerical model. The ground-water-flow model is 

extracted from a regional Dane County model with subsequent 

vertical and horizontal detail and refinement of surface-water 

features. The surface-water model was developed using the highresolution digital elevation model and data sets available for the 

basin.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Historical data and reports were compiled and evaluated. The 

models were constructed and calibrated using historic data. A 

draft report describing model approach, construction, and calibration was prepared.

plans (July 2004–June 2005)

The project report will be finalized.

Simulation of Shallow Ground-Water 

Flow on the Stockbridge-Munsee 

Indian Reservation with the Use of an 

Analytic Element Model

Cooperator: Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians

Project Chief: Charles P. Dunning

Location: Stockbridge-Munsee Reservation

Project Number: 9KH11

Period of Project: January 2002–September 2004

Problem

The Stockbridge-Munsee Indian Tribe of northeastern Wisconsin 

is interested in increasing their understanding of regional 

ground-water flow across the reservation. This understanding 

can be applied to a variety of water-management needs, and will 

enable the Tribe to make informed decisions about water quantity and quality issues.

Objective

The objective of this study is to develop an understanding of 

the regional ground-water flow system across the StockbridgeMunsee Indian Reservation, and to provide the Tribe a tool to 

investigate a wide range of water-resource problems.

Approach

Water supply for the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian Reservation 

is provided primarily by shallow wells completed in unconsolidated glacial sediments. Because of the relatively uncomplicated 

nature of the glacial sediment aquifer on the reservation, the 

analytic element model code GFLOW has been used to simulate 

the ground-water/surface-water system across the StockbridgeMunsee Reservation. Once calibrated, the model can be used to 

simulate and plot the direction of ground-water flow and groundwater travel time. The results of this study will provide the Tribe 

with a water-resources-management tool that will help assess 

the fate and transport of contaminants and provide the necessary information to plan well-head protection strategies for the 

community well systems. Tribal staff will benefit from this study 

by learning appropriate techniques to determine contributing 

areas and time of travel. The study will help determine areas 

where future data collection may be needed to understand the 

complexities of the ground-water-flow system.

Progress (October 2003–September 2004)

Hydraulic detail has been added to the regional GFLOW model 

around the Stockbridge-Munsee reservation area. Additional 

hydraulic head and streamflow targets have been compiled and 

added to the model. Additional streamflow measurements were 

taken at several locations across the reservation. 
Model calibration has been completed, and the model is being 

used to address a number of water-management issues including 

evaluating new municipal locations. The results of this investigation are being summarized in a Scientific Investigations Report.

Plans (October 2004–September 2005)

The Scientific Investigations Report will be printed and 

distributed.

Characterization of the Regional 

Aquifer Flow System on the 

Menominee Indian Reservation

Cooperator: Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Project Chief: Charles P. Dunning

Location: Menominee County

Project Number: 9KH12

Period of Project: October 1998–September 2005

ProbleM

The Menominee Indian Tribe is interested in increasing their 

understanding of regional ground-water flow across the reservation. Of specific interest is determining contributing areas 

and time of travel for water captured by wells for a number of 

community water systems. The Tribe’s interest in well-head 

protection is heightened over concern about the presence of 

elevated nitrate levels in several wells.

Objective

The objective of the study is to increase understanding of 

regional ground-water flow, and to determine the contributing 

areas and time of travel for water captured by community wells. 

This information will be used by the Menominee Indian Tribe 

for water resource and well-head protection planning in community areas.

Approach

The USGS will construct a simple one-layer, analytic element 

model to simulate regional ground-water flow across the reservation, and specificaly the hydrologic conditions in an appropriate 

area around community wells. The ground-water flow model 

will be used to delineate the zone of ground-water contribution 

to the wells for 5-, 10- and 100-year times of travel, and define 

the associated area of contribution. The results of these investigations will provide the Tribe with the necessary information to 

plan a well-head protection strategy for each community system. 

Progress (October 2003–September 2004)

Calibration of the reservation-wide analytic element model has 

been completed. Model simulations and insight gained through 

the study have been instrumental in:

• identifying locations around Zoar that will avoid the 

elevated nitrate found in the current municipal wells.

• identifying locations around Keshena for new municipal 

wells whose contributing areas are undeveloped, do not 

include the Wolf River, and are on land controlled by the 

Tribe.

• evaluating the hydrologic setting of the community wells 

and the sewage treatment lagoons in Neopit.

• completing specific ground-water-flow modeling at five 

other communities on the Reservation—Zoar, Neopit, 

Middle Village, Onekewat, and Redwing. 

Results of these investigations are being summarized in a 

Scientific Investigations Report.

Plans (October 2004–September 2005)

The Scientific Investigations Report will be printed and 

distributed.

Great Lakes Protection Fund Web Site

Cooperator: Great Lakes Protection Fund

Project Chief: Daniel T. Feinstein

Location: Southeastern Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KH26

Period of Project: September 2002–September 2004

Problem

Much attention has been focused in the last several years on 

the problem of insuring an adequate and inexpensive supply 

of water to southeastern Wisconsin in the next century. The 

southeastern Wisconsin communities of Waukesha, Brookfield, 

Germantown, Menomonee Falls, and Pewaukee are prohibited 

by the Great Lakes Charter from drawing water from Lake 

Michigan. Water utilities in these areas are concerned that 

rapidly falling ground-water levels in the sandstone aquifer indicate that water supply will not be able to keep pace with development. At a more regional scale, the issue of protecting the 

waters of the Great Lakes has become central and led to efforts 

to revise the Great Lakes Charter to strictly regulate diversions 

from the Great Lakes Basin. An example of the kind of question raised by the proposed Annex to the Charter is the location 

of ground-water divides relative to the surface-water divide that 

separates the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River Basins and 

the implications of its location for regulating diversions.

Ground-Water Systems Team	 51
52	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Objective

The three-dimensional ground-water model for southeastern 

Wisconsin, completed in 2003, provides a good tool to study 

the effects of pumping on ground-water flow to Lake Michigan 

and ground-water flow between the Mississippi River and Great 

Lakes Basins. The Great Lakes Protection Fund asked the USGS 

to construct a web site that would serve to educate the public 

about ground-water flow and present the model findings in the 

context of resource issues involving the Great Lakes. The web 

site is also meant to provide policy makers such as members of 

the Great Lakes Council of Governors with information helpful 

in revising the Great Lakes Charter. The model of Southeastern 

Wisconsin provides a case study for how ground water interacts 

with the Great Lakes and how pumping has influenced these 

interactions.

Approach

The web site contains two main parts. The first provides 

concepts important in understanding the flow and availability 

of ground water. The second applies these concepts to the case 

study of southeastern Wisconsin. A final page summarizes the 

findings of the model in terms of the location of ground-water 

divides, their response to pumping, and the effect of pumping on 

ground-water movement toward Lake Michigan.

Progress (July 2003–September 2004)

A full version of the web site was completed during this period 

and the site is available to the public at:

http://wi.water.usgs.gov/glpf/.

Plans (October 2004–September 2005)

Future updates to the web site are aimed at improving its 

appearance and ease of use.





 







 







 





 



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Monitoring Contaminant Flux from 

a Stormwater Infiltration Facility to 

Ground Water

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Charles P. Dunning

Location: Dane County

Project Number: 9KH32

Period of Project: July 2001–October 2005
Problem

Wisconsin State administrative code NR 151 defines performance standards for infiltration of stormwater from new developments. The stormwater infiltration standards are intended to 

preserve ground-water recharge and stream baseflow. However, 

depending on the land-use characteristics of a drainage area, 

stormwater may contain significant amounts of contaminants 

including hydrocarbons, metals, and chloride. In such cases, 

enforcement of infiltration performance standards has the potential to adversely affect ground-water quality. 

Objective

The objective of this study is to quantify the relation between 

the quality of stormwater from the Stonefield neighborhood in 

Middleton, Wisconsin, the hydrologic character of the infiltration basin, and transport of contaminants to the ground-water 

system. 

Approach

The hydrology of the Stonefield infiltration site was characterized by defining the contributing watershed, coring and 

describing the sediments from the ground surface in the basin 

to the ground-water table, monitoring pond stage during stormwater runoff events, monitoring water-table elevation, and 

monitoring flow into the injection well. Water was sampled for 

chemical analysis from ponded stormwater, from the water table, 

and from the vadose zone above the water table. Water-quality 

sampling was done on a routine schedule as well as in response 

to events. The period of study was from July 2001 to June 2004, 

with data collection for different study aspects beginning at 

different times. 

Progress (October 2003–October 2004)

The Stonefield basin appears to be working as an infiltration site 

largely because the stormwater discharge well routes ponded 

stormwater to porous, unsaturated sediments below. Infiltration 

is generally slow through the basin bottom, but could probably 

be improved with conditioning of the shallow soils, establishment of appropriate vegetation, and strict control of sediment 

and debris in the watershed. Water-quality analyses to date 

suggest that the concentration of many constituents is lower in 

the site stormwater than in vadose or ground water; this is particularly true of the concentration of solids and most metals. While 

much work is yet to be done in interpreting these data, it appears 

that for such constituents, infiltration of stormwater from this 

watershed may benefit rather than degrade ground-water quality. 

Hydrologic and water-quality data collected during stormwater 

events may yet reveal some interesting relations between stormwater quality and transport of contaminants at the Stonefield 

site. Data continue to be collected and interpretation is ongoing.

Plans (October 2004–September 2005)

No additional sampling or analyses are planned. Data reduction 

and interpretation will continue. The project will be summarized 

in a USGS Scientific Investigations Report.

Ground-Water Systems Team	 53

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Aerial photo of a portion of Stonefield 

neighborhood including the infiltration 

basin, stormwater drainage well,

storm sewer outfalls, and grass spillway.
54	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Grindstone Springs

Cooperator: Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Project Chief: Randy Hunt

Location: Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Reservation

Project Number: 9KH35

Period of Project: July 2002−December 2003

Problem

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe has concerns regarding possible 

reductions in springflow along Grindstone Creek due to development in the area. An understanding of the ground-water-flow 

system in the vicinity of the springs is needed to evaluate potential effects such as pumping on discharge from the springs and 

base flow in the creek.

Objective

The project objectives are to: (1) monitor streamflow in 

Grindstone Creek, (2) simulate the regional and local groundwater/surface-water system and the effects of hypothetical 

pumping on springflow and flow in Grindstone Creek.

Approach

The ground-water-flow system in the vicinity of Grindstone 

Creek was simulated with GFLOW, an analytic element groundwater-flow model. The parameter estimation model, UCODE, 

was used to optimize the GFLOW model calibration to measured 

streamflows and ground-water levels, including existing data and 

measurements made during this project. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The ground-water-flow model was calibrated, and scenarios 

based on hypothetical annual pumping and maximum seasonal 

pumping were simulated. The parameter estimation code, 

UCODE, was used to estimate 95 percent confidence intervals 

around simulated reductions in base flow in Grindstone Creek 

for the pumping scenarios.

Plans (July 2004–September 2005)

The project has been completed.

Reports

None.

Simulation of Shallow Ground-Water 

Flow for the Ho-Chunk Nation Area of 

Indian Mission and Sand Pillow with 

the Use of an Analytic Element Model

Cooperator: The Ho-Chunk Nation

Project Chief: Charles P. Dunning

Location: The Ho-Chunk Nation communities of Indian Mission

and Sand Pillow

Project Number: 9KH36

Period of Project: January 2003–September 2004

Problem

The Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin is seeking assistance in 

identifying sources of ground water to satisfy future water 

needs of the Indian Mission and Sand Pillow communities in 

Jackson County, Wisconsin. Projected demand in five years 

is 114,000 gpd (gallons per day); projected demand in twenty 

years is 216,000 gpd. In order to provide for the anticipated 

water demand in the most efficient and sustainable way, an 

understanding of the geology and hydrology of the aquifer is 

necessary. 

Objective

The objective of this USGS project is to assist the Ho-Chunk 

Nation in understanding ground-water flow in the vicinity of 

the Mission and Sand Pillow communities, and identify water 

resources to support planned growth in the area. In doing so 

this work will help characterize the regional ground-water flow 

system across the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian Reservation, and 

provide the Tribe a tool to investigate a wide range of waterresource problems. This understanding can be applied to a 

variety of water-management needs, and will enable the Tribe 

to make informed decisions about water-quantity and -quality 

issues.

Approach

This hydrologic investigation was undertaken using a singlelayer model calibrated to existing data. Additional field data may 

be collected to assist in characterizing the aquifer and refine the 

hydrologic model. Zones of contribution to existing municipal 

wells will be delineated and hydrogeologically favorable locations for new municipal wells will be identified. 

Progress (January 2003–October 2004)

The single-layer analytic element model has been constructed 

and calibrated to existing data and additional data that resulted 

from a USGS augering program in the Sand Pillow and Indian 

Mission areas. Based on model simulations and hydrogeologic 

information gained through the auger investigation, three loca-
tions were identified as most favorable for future water supplies. 

Two of the three test wells returned very good water-quality 

analyses; the third well tested high in iron, the principle waterquality problem in the area. Using the analytic element model, 

zones of contribution were determined for the existing municipal 

wells, as well as for combinations of location and pumping rates 

for the new well locations. A USGS Scientific Investigations 

Report is in preparation.

Plans (October 2004–September 2005)

Print and distribute Scientific Investigations Report.

Chiwaukee Prairie Ground Water 

Cooperator: Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning

Commission (SEWRPC)

Project Chief: Daniel Feinstein

Location: Southeastern corner of Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KH37

Period of Project: June 2003–June 2004

Problem

Wetland loss has been an important issue in Wisconsin and 

across the United States. Seasonal wetlands, which may be dry 

during much of the growing season, have been most significantly 

affected due to the difficulties associated with their identification and their easy conversion to other uses. In southeastern 

Wisconsin seasonal wetlands occupy the coastal zone near the 

border with Illinois, and are threatened by development in the 

area. 

Objective

The objectives of this data-collection and ground-watermodeling study are to better understand the shallow groundwater conditions in the vicinity of these seasonal wetlands and 

to develop a planning tool that can be used to help protect them. 

The modeling puts great emphasis on the relation between 

ground water and ground-water-fed surface-water bodies that 

include perennial creeks and Lake Michigan as well as wetlands. 

The model identifies expected recharge areas that act as sources 

of waters to the wetlands, and simulates effects of land-use 

changes associated with potential development on seasonal 

wetland ground-water levels.

Approach

The approach combined field activities and ground-water-flow 

modeling to produce a better understanding of the sources, 

circulation, and discharge behavior of the ground water in the 

vicinity of the wetlands. By accounting for all ground-water 

sinks in the area, the flow model is capable of delineating the 

recharge areas that contribute water that sustains the seasonal 

coastal wetlands. By calibrating the model to observed field 

data, the model provides a reliable tool for studying the effects 

of development and other land-use or climatic changes on water 

level conditions around and under the wetlands. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Field activities included installation of six water-table wells and 

three piezometers in the sedge meadow and wet prairie parts of 

three seasonal coastal wetlands. Continuous water levels were 

collected from some of the wells. The data showed that the 

Carol Beach/Chiwaukee Prairie wetlands are dry during much of 

the growing season, but at other times they interact with ground 

water when the water table rises into the root zone of the vegetation. Water-level data from wells installed in these wetlands 

demonstrates that this ground-water-fed condition occurs over 

much of the year. Other field-related activities involved GPS 

surveys to determine precise stages of water bodies and stream 

gaging to provide measurements of baseflow in streams. 

Because of the importance of shallow ground-water/surfacewater interactions in understanding the hydrology of the 

Chiwaukee Prairie area, we applied a modeling code called 

GFLOW that is particularly adapted to modeling ground-water 

flow in the presence of many small water bodies. After construction of the model and calibration to water-table depths and 

stream baseflow, particle tracking was used to delineate contributing areas to three wetlands. A set of simulations was devoted 

to what-if scenarios involving changing levels of Lake Michigan, 

installation of dewatering drains near the coast, and development 

near the coast. The model predicted the effect of such changes 

on water levels around the seasonal wetlands. 

In the spring of 2004, a technical memorandum was prepared 

to describe the field and modeling activities. This memorandum 

is part of a larger report on the wetland ecology prepared by 

SEWRPC.

Ground-Water Systems Team	 55
56	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Plans (July 2004–September 2004)

An account of the fieldwork and modeling activities will 

contribute to future journal article(s) on the seasonal wetlands in 

southeastern Wisconsin.

Reports

None.

USGS Recharge Project

Cooperator: USGS Office of Ground Water

Project Chief: Randy Hunt

Location: Statewide

Project Number: 9KH38

Period of Project: March 2003–September 2006

Problem

Knowledge of recharge rates is paramount for understanding 

ground-water systems and determining water-resource vulnerability. Moreover, the travel time of contaminants in the subsurface, and the time lag before contamination may affect important 

water resources, depends in part on recharge rates. More accurate estimates of ground-water recharge rates by the USGS will 

greatly enhance our ability to simulate ground-water systems, 

and provide a higher level of understanding for informed waterresource-management decisions. 

Objectives

The objective of the study is to improve the understanding of the 

spatial and temporal characteristics of ground-water recharge in 

humid climates. Work elements include both interpretation of 

existing data sets and new data collection as needed. 

Approach

The approaches used include regression modeling of base flow, 

coupled ground-water/surface-water modeling, and investigation into the temporal and spatial distribution of recharge in 

Wisconsin. A second area of work will involve analysis of the 

long-term Ground Water Observation Well database for climate 

trends and effects of oceanic climate signals. 

PROGRESS (july 2003–September 2004)

A preliminary time series analysis of 23 water-table wells 

in Wisconsin’s ground-water observation well network was 

completed; the time series show Monsoonal decadal climate 

influences. Increasing water level trends from the 1970s through 

1999 were noted, with an indication of decline in water levels 

since 1999. Stream baseflow measurements throughout the state 

were compiled and analyzed to assess ground-water recharge 

rates. The results show both regional coherence and appreciable basin variability. A climate/recharge journal article was 

completed and included in the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, 

Arts, and Letters “Waters of Wisconsin” Transactions volume.

plans (October 2004–September 2005)

Future work will investigate recharge zonation in a highland 

forest, a glaciated rural area, and an unglaciated rural area of the 

state. Zonation will be evaluated using hydrologic models and 

measured data. Time series analysis will be performed on all the 

Observation Well Network data and selected streamflow data for 

climate effects and representativeness for the statewide conditions. 

USGS DOJ Assistance

Cooperator: U.S. Department of Justice

Project Chief: Randy Hunt

Location: Tomah

Project Number: 9KH40

Period of Project: March 2003–May 2004

Problem

As part of a Clean Water Act enforcement on an alleged wetland 

fill, questions regarding the presence of wetland hydrology 

became an issue. The definition of a “wetland” requires that soil, 

vegetation, and hydrology criteria be met. 

Objective

The objective of the study was to characterize the hydrology of 

the site to determine if wetland hydrology criteria were met.

Approach

The approach included installation of 6 shallow wells, 1 deeper 

piezometer, and 2 staff gages in a stream and ditch adjacent to 

the site area. Shallow wells were instrumented with pressure 

transducers and dataloggers. Periodic hand measurements were 

taken from all wells and the staff gages. Meteorological data 

from a nearby weather station were used to evaluate climate 

effects on the site hydrology. 

PROGRESS (July 2003–June 2004)

Data were collected and evaluated for the 2003 growing season. 

Wetland hydrology criteria were met at all locations on the site. 

A summary judgment was handed down before trial that ruled 

the site was a wetland, but left some questions regarding liability 

unresolved. The litigation with the landowner was then settled 
before trial, and the contractor performing the fill was found 

at fault at the conclusion of the trial. Civil penalties totaling 

$160,000 were assessed to the landowner and contractor.

PLANS (july 2004–September 2005)

The project is complete.

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NPS St. Croix Ground Water 

Cooperator: National Park Service (NPS)

Project Chief: Daniel Feinstein

Location: Northwestern Wisconsin and Northeastern Minnesota

Project Number: 9KH41

Period of Project: October 2002–September 2004

Problem

Streams tributary to the St. Croix River flow through 19 counties in northwestern Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota. A 

number of water-quality studies have been done in the St. Croix 

Basin to determine loadings and source areas of contamination, 

but none of these studies have attempted to explain water-quality 

results based on how the hydrologic system works. To do this, 

a process-based framework synthesizing what is known about 

the hydrology (both ground and surface water) is needed. The 

framework required would describe sources and sinks of water 

and general directions of ground-water flow and estimates of 

travel times. This framework should also highlight areas where 

more and what types of data are needed to contribute to the 

understanding of the system. 

Objective

The overall study objective is to improve understanding of the 

St. Croix River Basin by testing alternative conceptual models of 

the system in a quantitative framework, a process that highlights 

areas where more data are needed. Other objectives include: 

evaluating surface-water/ground-water interactions and baseflow contributions to streams; describing general directions of 

ground-water flow and estimating rates of flow and travel times; 

and providing information that can be used to characterize 

contaminant movement in the Basin.

Approach

A stepwise modeling approach has been adopted that uses 

a simple screening model to test conceptual models and to 

guide future field data collection. This approach is preferable 

to more traditional approaches (where all data collection takes 

place before the modeling is initiated) because gaps in our 

understanding are identified at the beginning of the project. 

The analytic-element code GFLOW will be used in this study 

because the regional system is largely two-dimensional and 

seasonal precipitation can be approximated by steady-state 

conditions. Moreover, conceptual model testing that evaluates 

the importance of surface-water features as sinks and sources of 

water are easily accommodated in GFLOW.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The main tasks fulfilled in 2003 and 2004 include completion 

of databases, construction of a regional screening model, and 

calibration of the model. Numerous GIS-based geologic maps 

from science agencies in both Wisconsin and Minnesota have 

been trimmed and projected into a unified project coordinate 

Ground-Water Systems Team	 57
58	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

system. Additional GIS-based maps with land use, hydrography, 

and infrastructure data have been incorporated as well. Well data 

from over 27,000 geologic logs and well construction records 

were selected in the 19-county watershed, and evaluated for 

use in the development of the flow model. Currently, there are 

six databases: well location and unifying identifier database, 

geology database, lithology database, surface-water discharge 

database, water-use database, and the ground-water-level observation database. 

Construction of the flow model has involved delineation of 

hydraulic conductivity zones based on information in the 

geology and lithology databases. Point estimates of hydraulic 

conductivity across glacial and bedrock deposits are contoured, 

and the resulting map is zoned to provide model input. Stage 

data for hundreds of streams and lakes has been carefully 

compiled from topographic maps. 

Calibration of the flow model depends on the match of observed 

head and base-flow values to simulated results. The head values 

reflect water-table conditions and are derived from measurement 

on shallow wells. The base flow estimates reflect the average 

ground-water contribution to streams and are derived from the 

streamflow database maintained by the USGS. Both trial-anderror and a parameter-estimation tool (UCODE) were used to 

calibrate the model. Sensitivity runs have also been performed 

to evaluate the effect of changing the input zonation and introducing pumping wells. Finally, the model was used to simulate 

ground-water contributing areas to streams in sensitive areas 

identified by the NPS.

Plans (July 2004–september 2004)

Maps detailing model input along with the simulated regional 

water table and capture zones around streams will be prepared. 

Also under preparation are explanations of methodology (for 

example, the application of parameter estimation) and discussions of uncertainty related to data gaps made evident in the 

modeling process. Tables will be constructed to present the 

series of databases devoted to geology, lithology, well information, water levels, and streamflow. 

Reports

A USGS Scientific Investigations Report detailing data collection, construction and calibration of the screening model, and 

analysis of results for the St. Croix Basin will be prepared for 

the NPS in the summer and fall of 2004.

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Location of study area, St. Croix River Basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Drilling Operations Group

Cooperators: Numerous

Project Chief: James M. Rauman

Location: Nationwide

Project Number: 9KH44

Period of Project: Ongoing

Problem

Ground-water investigations often required installation of monitoring wells or piezometers, collection of rock core or unconsolidated samples, or sampling for water-quality analysis. 

Objective

The objective of the Wisconsin District Drilling Operations 

Group is to provide equipment and expertise for a wide range of 

field drilling, instrumentation, and testing in support of hydrogeologic investigations. Equipment and staff are available to 

assist state, local, and tribal agencies with needed field support.

APPROACH

Equipment includes a drill rig, a packer rig, and a geoprobe 

mounted on an all-terrain vehicle. Drilling and testing activities are tailored to project requirements, and since the staff and 

equipment are housed at the Wisconsin District, field logistics 

are efficient. The following figure summarizes recent activities 

of the Drilling Operations Group.

State, County 

 or City 

Drill rig 

Packer rig 

Geoprobe

Driller

Tribal GD NAWQA US EPA DOJ

USGS OFA 

WRD

X

X

X

+

+

++

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X

X

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Activities of the Wisconsin District Drilling Operations Group

Crandon Ground Water 

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Daniel Feinstein

Location: Forest County

Project Number: 9KH47

Period of Project: October 1994–June 2004

Problem

A large underground zinc-copper mine is being proposed at a 

site about five miles south of Crandon, Wisconsin, in Forest 

County. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 

(WDNR) requested that District staff review the development 

of a ground-water-flow model and associated hydrologic documents as part of a permitting process for the proposed mine. 

After a very long technical process but before a final permit 

hearing, the mining rights were purchased by two local Native 

American tribes who have withdrawn the permit.

Objective

The objective is to archive a decade of work involving mostly 

interpretation of hydrogeologic data, and submit part of the 

archive to the WDNR. 

Ground-Water Systems Team	 59
60	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Approach

Hard copies of data sheets, analyses and memo drafts will be 

stored in boxes according to USGS protocol. All computer material is to be submitted to the WDNR on DVD disks. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

During this last period of work, several technical memoranda 

were completed including studies of effects of heterogeneity 

on ground-water/lake interactions. A new draft of the Technical 

Working Group’s report for the ground-water-flow model was 

completed and reviewed. It includes new sections such as an 

analysis of the effect of drought on mine impacts. A review of 

two contaminant transport models, one devoted to the Tailings 

Management Area and the other to issues arising from mine 

reflooding, was completed. Beginning in later 2003, activities 

shifted to archiving hardcopy and computer material. The base, 

sensitivity, and scenario runs with the MODFLOW flow model 

have been entirely archived.

Plans (July 2004–September 2004)

The archiving will be completed in 2004, completing the project.

Reports

None.

Collection of Basic Records–

Ground Water

Cooperator: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey,

University of Wisconsin-Extension

Project Chief: Charles P. Dunning

Location: Statewide

Project Number: 9KH50

Period of Project: July 1946–Continuing

Problem

Ground-water data are needed to determine short-term changes 

and long-term trends in ground-water levels in the State. It 

is important to know if these changes are natural or humaninduced and how these changes are affecting storage in the 

ground-water reservoirs.

Objective

Maintain records of ground-water level fluctuations from a 

network of observation wells representative of Wisconsin’s 

principal aquifers.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/gw

Approach

A basic network of 106 wells is being maintained. The network 

will be constantly modified and improved to provide the best 

possible coverage of our ground-water resource. A subnetwork 

of key wells is included in this network. Key wells have long 

periods of record and are measured weekly or are equipped with 

continuous recorders.

Progress (October 2003–September 2004)

Routine data collection and data being collected by observers 

is evaluated and entered into USGS databases. Water-level data 

for the annual report, “Water Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water 

Year 2003” was completed. Water-level data for all observation 

wells was made available on the Internet at 

http://wi.water.usgs.gov.

Plans (October 2004–September 2005)

Plans include: (1) continue measurements on the observationwell network, (2) replace and hire new observers as needed, and 

make quality-assurance visits when possible, and (3) evaluate 

and prepare data for the annual report. A thorough re-evaluation 

of the network and its objectives is planned, as is an aggressive 

program for converting to real-time reporting of water levels 

where possible and identifying new sources of funding.

Reports

Patterson, G.L., and Zaporozec, A., 1988, Analysis of waterlevel fluctuations in Wisconsin wells: Wisconsin Geological and 

Natural History Survey Information Circular 63, 38 p.

Erickson, R.M., and Cotter, R.D., 1983, Trends in ground-water 

levels in Wisconsin through 1981: Wisconsin Geological and 

Natural History Survey Information Circular No. 43, 139 p.
Erickson, R.M., 1972, Trends in ground-water levels in 

Wisconsin, 1967–71: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History 

Survey Information Circular No. 21, 40 p.

Devaul, R.W., 1967, Trends in ground-water levels in Wisconsin 

through 1966: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey 

Information Circular No. 9, 109 p.

Wisconsin Water-Use Data File

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chief: Charles P. Dunning

Location: Statewide

Project Number: 9KH51

Period of Project: March 1978–Continuing

Problem

The need for reliable water-use data by State and Federal 

planning agencies is increasing as the competition for water 

resources grows. Water-use data in a standardized format needs 

to be available to assist in making decisions on future water use. 

Since about 1950 the federal government has had a program for 

estimating national water use. Since 1995, USGS and WDNR 

have been involved in a cooperative program to collect and 

summarize water use in Wisconsin.

Objective

The purpose of the National Water-Use Information Program 

is to: 

• analyze the source, use, and disposition of water resources 

at local, state, and national levels;

• reply to water-use information requests from the public; 

• document trends in water use in the United States;

• cooperate with state and local agencies on projects of 

special interest;

• develop water-use databases; and

• publish local, state, and national water-use data reports

The specific goals of the cooperative USGS/WDNR project is 

to collect accurate and complete data on Wisconsin’s water use, 

archive the data in useful format, and to prepare periodic reports 

on water use in the State.

Approach

Analyze the source, use, and disposition of water resources at 

local and state levels. The best available data is compiled, evaluated, and managed in a USGS database. The means of collecting 

water-use data, and its resulting accuracy, is constantly evaluated.

Progress (October 2003–September 2004)

The database has been updated with current water-use data. 

These data included high-capacity well data, public-supply 

information, and data used to estimate irrigation water use. 

Plans (September 2004–October 2005)

Plans include: (1) continue to update and maintain the database 

with current water-use data, (2) supply water-use data for waterresources studies currently being conducted in the State, and (3) 

prepare for the next water-use report, “Water Use in Wisconsin, 

2005.” A thorough re-evaluation of the water-use project is 

planned, as is an aggressive program for identifying new ways 

of identifying and compiling data. We will work with the State 

of Wisconsin to maximize the effectiveness of those aspects of 

the new water quantity legislation intended to provide accurate 

and complete estimates of water use around the state. At the 

federal level there is growing interest in quantifying water use 

by aquifer as well as by the traditional use categories.

Reports

Ellefson, B.R., Mueller, G.D., and Buchwald, C.A., 2002, Water 

use in Wisconsin, 2000: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 02–356, 1 sheet, scale 1:5,000,000.

Ground-Water Systems Team	 61

    

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62	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Ellefson, B.R., Fan, C.H., and Ripley, J.L., 1995, Water use in 

Wisconsin, 1995: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

97–356, 1 sheet, scale 1:5,000,000.

Ellefson, B.R., Sabin, T.J., and Krohelski, J.T., 1993, Water use 

in Wisconsin, 1990: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

93–118, 1 sheet, scale 1:5,000,000.

Ellefson, B.R., Rury, K.S., and Krohelski, J.T., 1988, Water-use 

in Wisconsin, 1985: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

87–699, 1 sheet, scale 1:5,000,000.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1990, National Water Summary, 1987– 

Hydrologic events and water supply and use: U.S. Geological 

Survey Water-Supply Paper 2350, 553 p.

Krohelski, J.T., Ellefson, B.R., and Storlie, C.A., 1987, 

Estimated use of ground water for irrigation in Wisconsin, 1984: 

U.S. Geological Survey Water- Resources Investigations Report 

86–4079, 12 p., 1 pl.

Lawrence, C.L., and Ellefson, B.R., 1984, Public-supply 

pumpage in Wisconsin, by aquifer: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 83–931, 40 p.

Lawrence, C.L., and Ellefson, B.R., 1982, Water use in 

Wisconsin, 1979: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

82–444, 98 p.

Hydrologic and Biogeochemical 

Budgets in Temperate Lakes and their 

Watersheds, Northern Wisconsin

Cooperator: Global Change Hydrology Program, U.S. Geological

Survey

Project Chiefs: John F. Walker; David P. Krabbenhoft;

Randy J. Hunt

Location: North-Central Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KH52

Period of Project: October 1990–Continuing

Problem

There has been expanding evidence that rates of global change 

are increasing. There is a need for research to identify, describe, 

and quantify the processes that control the Water, Energy, 

and Biogeochemical Budgets (WEBB) of aquatic ecosystems 

in order to understand and predict their responses to global 

change. Promotion of such research is the function of the 

Water Resources Discipline’s WEBB program. In the northern 

highlands lakes district of north-central Wisconsin, five lakes 

and two bog lakes have been the site of long-term ecological 

research conducted by University of Wisconsin scientists for the 

past decade. These studies have provided extensive information 

about biological and chemical features of the lake systems, but 

understanding of interactions among the lakes, streams, groundwater system, and wetlands is still limited. Research is urgently 

needed to describe these interactions and basin-wide processes 

that influence the character of the lakes.

Objective

Objectives are to: (1) describe processes controlling water 

and solute fluxes in northern Wisconsin lake watersheds, (2) 

examine interactions among those processes and their relations 

to climatic variables, and (3) improve the capability to predict 

changes in water and solute fluxes for a range of spatial and 

temporal scales. Fulfillment of these objectives in Wisconsin 

will contribute to meeting the overall objective of the federal 

global change program—to understand processes underlying 

the responses of hydrologic, biologic, and chemical systems to 

climate variations and human activities.

Approach

Selected streamflow/recharge sites on tributaries of Trout Lake 

are the sites for detailed research of hydrologic processes. 

Most of the current research effort is concentrated at Allequash 

Creek, one of four inflowing tributaries of Trout Lake. Analyses 

of hydrologic connections among precipitation, streamflow, 

and ground water are conducted at three cross sections of the 

Allequash Creek basin. Monitoring and sampling equipment 

installed at these sites include piezometer nests, lysimeters, 

tensiometers, precipitation collectors, and thermocouple nests. 

Analyses of stable isotopes (13C, 18O, 87Sr, and 2H) are also used 

to determine water exchange pathways and sources of stream 

water. The site-specific hydrologic research is supported by 

data from several rain gages throughout the study area and a 

complete climatological station in the vicinity.

Stream- and ground-water samples, collected at each of the 

Trout Lake tributaries and at different points in the Allequash 

system, undergo analysis for nitrogen species, phosphorus, 

silica, organic carbon, major ions, and metals. Tributary 

sampling is done on a monthly basis, supplemented with more 

intense sampling of particular storms. Coupled with hydrologic 

data, the water sampling provides a basis for describing chemical budgets.

Investigation of geochemical processes that control transport of 

important chemical species across stream and lake sediments 

involves fine-scale sampling at the sediment/water interface. 

This is done by a variety of techniques, including membrane 

equilibrators, core squeezing, microprobes, and seepage meters.

Progress (July 2003–September 2004)

Ongoing data collection efforts have continued, which include 

collecting samples at the streams tributary to Trout Lake, operating 5 continuous-record stream gages monitoring water levels 
in a network of 22 wells, and operating four detailed monitoring 

sites at existing benthic invertebrate sampling sites. A new initiative in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin included 

installation and monthly sampling of piezometers located 

along three flowpaths within the Allequash Creek basin. Work 

continued on five new research efforts, including a comparison 

of solute budgets across the five WEBB sites, a unified approach 

to watershed modeling applied to the five WEBB sites, comparison of land-use history and sediment and carbon budgets across 

the five sites, investigation of mercury cycling across the five 

sites, and an investigation of macroinvertebrate populations and 

energy dynamics in the Allequash Creek system. 

Plans (October 2004–September 2005)

Basic data collection efforts will continue, as well as datacollection efforts related to flow-path studies, carbon dynamics 

in the hyporheic zone, unsaturated zone processes, mercury 

cycling and macroinvertebrate dynamics. Collaborative work 

with the Geology Department at the University of Wisconsin 

will continue. Several papers currently in preparation will be 

completed and submitted to appropriate journals.

Reports

Dripps, W.R., Hunt, R.J. and Anderson, M.P., in review, 

Estimating Recharge Rates With Analytic Element Models and 

Parameter Estimation: submitted to Ground Water.

Hunt, R.J., in review, Evaluating the importance of data type 

and location using parameter estimation and groundwater flow 

models: submitted to Ground Water.

Hunt, R.J., Strand, R.M., and Walker, J.F., in review, Measuring 

groundwater-surface water interaction and its effect on wetland 

stream benthic productivity, Trout Lake watershed, northern 

Wisconsin, USA: submitted to Journal of Hydrology.

Walker, J.F., Hunt, R.J., Saad, D.A., and Plummer, L.N., in 

review, Using CFCs to age date ground-water recharge from 

lakes: submitted to Limnology and Oceanography.

Dripps, W.R., 2003, The spatial and temporal variability of 

groundwater recharge within the Trout Lake Basin of Northern 

Wisconsin: Madison, WI, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 

Ph.D., 250 p.

Hunt, R.J., 2003, Ground WaterLake interaction modeling using 

the LAK3 Package for MODFLOW2000: invited contribution 

for special MODFLOW2001 issue: Ground Water, v. 41, no. 2, 

p. 114-118.

Hunt, R.J., Haitjema, H.M., Krohelski, J.T., and Feinstein, D.T., 

2003, Simulating ground water-lake interactions: approaches 

and insights: invited contribution for special MODFLOW2001 

issue: Ground Water, v. 41, no. 2, p. 227-237.

Pint, C.N., Hunt, R.J., and Anderson, M.P., 2003, Flow 

Path Delineation and Ground Water Age, Allequash Basin, 

Wisconsin: Groundwater, v. 41, no. 7, p. 895-902.

Walker, J.F., Hunt, R.J., Bullen, T.D., Krabbenhoft, D.P., and 

Kendall, C., 2003, Spatial and temporal variability of isotope 

and major ion chemistry in the Allequash Creek basin, northern 

Wisconsin: Ground Water, v. 41, no. 7, p. 883-902.

Hunt, R.J., 2002, Evaluating the importance of future data 

collection sites using parameter estimation and analytic 

element groundwater flow models in Proceedings of the XIV 

International Conference on Computational Methods in Water 

Resource: Delft, Netherlands, Delft University.

Pint, C.D., 2002, A Groundwater Flow Model of the Trout Lake 

Basin, Wisconsin: Calibration and Lake Capture Zone Analysis: 

Madison, WI, University of Wisconsin, MS, 123 p.

Hunt, R.J., Haitjema, H.M., Krohelski, J.T., and Feinstein, D.T., 

2001, Simulating groundwater-lake interactions with models: 

MODFLOW and analytic element approaches, p. 328-334 in 

MODFLOW 2001 and Other Modeling Odysseys in Proceedings 

of the 4th International Conference of the International Ground 

Water Modeling Center, Golden, CO: Colorado School of 

Mines.

Elder, J.F., Goddard, G.L., and Homant, P.R., Phosphorus retention and yields in hydrologically different types of wetland 

systems in Wisconsin (USA), in Proceedings of Societas 

Internationalis Limnologiae, Dublin, Ireland (in press).

Elder, J.F., Rybicki, N.B., Carter, V., and Weintraub, V., 2000, 

Sources and yields of dissolved carbon in Northern Wisconsin 

stream catchments with differing amounts of peatland: 

WETLANDS, v. 20, no. 1, p. 113–125.

Walker, J.F. and Bullen, T.D., 1999, Trout Lake, Wisconsin: A 

water, energy and biogeochemical budgets program site, U.S. 

Geological Survey Fact Sheet 134–99, 4 p.

Hunt, R.J., Anderson, M.P., and Kelson, V.A., 1998, Improving 

a complex finite-difference ground water flow model through the 

use of an analytic element screening model: Ground Water, 

v. 36, no. 6, p. 1011–1017.

Elder, John F., Carter, Virginia, and Rybicki, N.B., 1998, 

Dissolved carbon mobilization in peatland/stream systems in 

northern Wisconsin (U.S.A.), Proceedings of V INTECOL 

Wetlands Symposium, Perth, Australia (in press).

Champion, G., 1998, Transient and steady-state flow of models 

of ground-water and lake system: Trout Lake basin, northern 

Wisconsin: Madison, Wis., University of Wisconsin, MS, 109 p.

Ground-Water Systems Team	 63
64	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Hunt, R.J., Kelson, V.A., and Anderson, M.P., 1998, Linking 

an analytic element code to MODFLOW–Implementation and 

benefits, in MODFLOW 98: Proceedings of the 3rd International 

Conference of the International Groundwater Modeling Center, 

Golden, Colorado, Colorado School of Mines, p. 497–504.

Keating, E.H., and Bahr, J.M., 1998, Using reactive solutes 

to constrain groundwater flow models at a site in northern 

Wisconsin: Water Resources Research, v. 34, no. 12, p. 3561–

3571.

Keating, E.H., and Bahr, J.M., 1998, Reactive transport 

modeling of redox geochemistry: Approaches to chemical 

disequilibrium and reaction rate estimation at a site in northern 

Wisconsin: Water Resources Research, v. 34, no. 12, p. 3573–

3584.

Schindler, J.E., and Krabbenhoft, D.P., 1998, The hyporheic 

zone as a source of dissolved organic carbon and carbon gases to 

a temperate forested stream: Biogeochemistry, v. 43, p. 157–174.

Walker, J.F., and Krabbenhoft, D.P., 1998, Groundwater and 

surface-water interactions in riparian and lake-dominated 

systems, in McDonnell, J.J., and Kendall, C., eds., Isotope 

tracers in catchment hydrology: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 

Elsevier, p. 467–488.

Bullen, Thomas D., Krabbenhoft, D.P., and Kendall, Carol, 

1996, Kinetic and mineralogic controls on the evolution of 

groundwater chemistry and 87Sr/86Sr in a sandy silicate aquifer, 

northern Wisconsin, U.S.A., Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 

v. 60, no. 10, p. 1807–1821.

Krabbenhoft, D.P., Benoit, J.M., Babiarz, D.L., Hurley, J.P., and 

Andren, A.W., 1995, Mercury cycling in the Allequash Creek 

Watershed, northern Wisconsin, Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 

v. 80, p. 425–433.

Keating, E.H., 1995, Reactive transport modelling: an application to redox geochemistry of groundwater discharging to 

a stream in northern Wisconsin, Ph.D. thesis, University of 

Wisconsin-Madison: Madison, Wisconsin, 216 p.

Krabbenhoft, D.P., Bowser, Carl J. Kendall, C., and Gat, J.R., 

1994, Use of oxygen-18 and deuterium to assess the hydrology 

of groundwater-lake systems, in Environmental Chemistry of 

Lakes and Reservoirs (L.A. Baker, editor), American Chemical 

Society, p. 67–90.

Elder, J.F., Krabbenhoft, D.P., and Walker, J.F., 1992, Water, 

Energy, and Biogeochemical Budgets (WEBB) program: data 

availability and research at the Northern Temperate Lakes site, 

Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 92–48, 

15 p.
Mercury Team

Office of the Assistant District Chief for Ground-Water 

and National investigations

Mission

The mission of the Wisconsin District Mercury Research Laboratory (WDMRL) is to 

provide a better understanding of the causes of aquatic mercury contamination through 

the execution of scientific studies, and to provide expert assistance to the USGS and 

other state and Federal agencies. Assistance is provided through consultation, drafting 

and reviewing proposals, field sampling, sample analysis, interpreting data, and drafting 

reports. We strive to provide the best possible data and service by remaining on the 

cutting edge of mercury research, and maintaining a state-of-the-art mercury analysis 

laboratory. Our team objectives are:

• Continually seek high-quality projects that contribute to providing a better 

understanding of factors controlling mercury toxicity in the environment;

• Enhance the scientific level and facilitate the execution of mercury studies 

conducted by the USGS, and provide a better awareness of the nature of the 

mercury problem nationwide;

• Maintain a reliable level of challenging work that will sustain the professional 

and financial needs of the team; and

• Achieve a significant level of outreach to the USGS, other agencies, and the 

public. 

An online description of the Mercury Studies Team mission, project descriptions, publications, laboratory operations, and other general information on mercury is at our Team 

home page: http://infotrek.er.usgs.gov/mercury.

Team Members

David P. Krabbenhoft, Research Hydrologist (Co-Team Leader, Geochemistry)

Mark L. Olson, Biologist (Co-Team Leader)

John F. DeWild, Hydrologic Technician

Shane D. Olund, Chemist

Michael T. Tate, Chemist

Tom Sabin, Hydrologic Technician

Michael O’Keefe, Student Trainee (Hydrology)

Carl Johnson, Hydrologic Technician (Student)

Angie Marik, Hydrologic Technician (Student)

Mercury Team	 65
66	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects 

0H712	 Florida Everglades Mercury Cycling .............................................................................................67

9BI81	 NAWQA Mercury Topical Study.....................................................................................................68

9KL16	 Mercury Cycling in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, Louisiana Project.....................................69

AK710	 National Mercury Project................................................................................................................70

ARN00	 Mercury Contamination at the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, Northwestern

North Dakota .....................................................................................................................................71

Nationwide Projects

9BI81	 NAWQA Mercury Topical Study

AK710	 National Mercury Project

PROJECTS Outside of Wisconsin

Florida Everglades

0H712	 Florida Everglades Mercury Cycling

Lake Pontchartrain Basin, Southern Louisiana

9KL16	 Mercury Cycling in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, Louisiana Project	

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, Northwestern North Dakota

ARN00	 Mercury Contamination at the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge,

Northwestern North Dakota	
Florida Everglades Mercury Cycling

Cooperator: Critical Ecosystems Program, U.S. Geological

Survey, Reston, Virginia

Project Chief: David P. Krabbenhoft

Location: Florida Everglades

Project Number: OH712

Period of Project: January 1995–Continuing

Problem

Mercury contamination is one of the largest potential health 

risks to aquatic organisms, predatory animals, and humans. This 

great concern is the result of two observations: (1) mercury 

biomagnifies in the food chain to toxic concentrations even 

though it is found at very low aqueous concentrations, and 

(2) the principal source to most areas is atmospheric deposition. 

Thus, almost any aquatic ecosystem with a food chain is potentially susceptible to mercury contamination.

Objective

The overall objective of this project is to provide a better understanding of the mercury contamination problem in the Florida 

Everglades and other aquatic ecosystems. Specific processes 

and applied, in-field experiments are used to determine the most 

important processes regulating the transport, fate, and toxicity 

of mercury in the Everglades, including methylation, volatilization, biological uptake, and interactions with dissolved organic 

carbon.

Approach

Mercury contamination of the Florida Everglades has been 

recognized as a serious problem for over a decade, yet solutions to the problem have remained elusive. Research conducted 

by the Wisconsin District Mercury Research Laboratory from 

1995 to 2000 on the factors leading to high levels of mercury 

bioaccumulation revealed that in addition to mercury inputs, 

sulfate, phosphate, and organic carbon loading from upstream 

point sources, as well as water-level management, all likely 

contribute to the problem. To aid in the decision-making process 

for the Consolidated Everglades Restoration Program (CERP), 

which is an interagency program charged with developing the 

restoration plan for the Everglades, we have taken a new direction in our research to directly evaluate the relative importance 

of each of the co-factors. We have installed 75 wetland enclosures at five sites in the Everglades, and within them we are 

performing chemical addition studies using stable isotopes of 

mercury, sulfate, phosphate, and organic carbon to quantify the 

dose response of each to the formation of methylmercury and 

bioaccumulation in the food web. Following each amendment, 

sediment, surface water, pore water, plant, and fish samples are 

collected at several time intervals for periods up to six months. 

With this type of information, we will be able to provide a much 

clearer quantitative context of the relative importance of each of 

the contributing factors to the mercury problem, and agencies 

responsible for direction.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

During this time period, we executed our last planned mesocosm 

dosing experiment. Experimental variables included dosing 

at different rates with mercury (202Hg and 200Hg), sulfate and 

dissolved organic carbon (hydrophobic acid extracted from 

water taken from the northern Everglades). In addition, in 

November 2003, we initiated a sulfur toxicity experiment to 

determine whether sulfur loading derived from agricultural fields 

may be at least partially responsible for the die-off of sawgrass 

and replacement by cattails (sulfur tolerant) and net habitat 

degradation. Results to date show substantial methylmercury 

production response to mercury, sulfate, and dissolved organic 

carbon additions, the last being somewhat unexpected. Given 

that there are external sources of all three of these controlling 

factors on methylmercury production, and all of which are 

potentially influenced by existing Everglades Restoration plans, 

a robust plan is necessary. Presently, sulfur abatement is not part 

of Everglades Restoration planning, and if our toxicity experiments show a definitive and substantial response, new considerations may be necessary for Restoration Planners.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Plans for this time period call for planning and beginning a new 

phase of mercury cycling research in south Florida that would 

include evaluations of methylmercury production and biological 

uptake in near coastal zones and embayments (for example, 

Florida Bay). Presently, most human exposure to methylmercury is through the consumption of marine fish, yet very little is 

known about how marine fish derive their methylmercury. This 

effort would begin to evaluate where this important exposure 

pathway originates.

Mercury Team	 67
68	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Reports

The Aquatic Cycling of Mercury in the Everglades (ACME) 

project: A Synthesis of Scientific Findings (complete first draft 

by September 30, 2004). 

NAWQA Mercury Topical Study

Cooperators: USGS: National Water Quality Assessment

(NAWQA) Program, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology

Program, USGS National Research Program, Wisconsin

Department of Natural Resources, Menominee Indian Tribe of

Wisconsin

Project Chief: Barbara C. Scudder

Location: Nationwide, including 3 sites in Wisconsin: Oak Creek

in Milwaukee, Evergreen River in the Menominee Indian

Reservation, and Pike River near Amberg

Project Number: 9BI81

Period of Project: October 2001–September 2006

Problem

Mercury is a widespread contaminant affecting aquatic ecosystems. Methylmercury is the most toxic form and it is readily 

accumulated in aquatic life. It magnifies in concentration in 

aquatic food chains. Most mercury studies have focused on 

lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands. Much less is known about 

mercury in water, sediment, and biota of streams and rivers. 

Objective

The objectives of the study are to determine the effects of source 

strength, cycling, and food-web interactions on bioaccumulation of mercury in fish. The study also aims to quantify the 

source and seasonality of mercury and methylmercury as well as 

biogeochemical species and transformation rates related to the 

aquatic mercury cycle. 

Approach

Stream sampling sites were selected based on the availability of target predator fish and mercury-source landscapes 

including urban and reference or non-cultivated. Three streams 

in the Western Lake Michigan Drainages (WMIC) NAWQA 

unit are being sampled as part of this study and data collection for this unit will be complete by September 2004. Total 

and methylmercury in water are sampled monthly plus during 

selected storm events over two years. Potential net methylation rates in sediment and mercury in porewater and sediment 

are measured seasonally. Total mercury and stable carbon and 

nitrogen isotopes are being determined in predator fish; total 

and methylmercury and stable isotopes will be determined in 

food chain organisms (forage fish and invertebrates). Data from 

the Mercury Deposition Network will be used to determine 

loading rates so that the amount of mercury entering the stream 

ecosystems can be assessed in relation to the amount of mercury 

accumulating in the water, sediment, and fish. The Wisconsin 

District Mercury Laboratory will analyze surface water, porewater, streambed sediment, and invertebrates for mercury and 

methylmercury.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Surface water was sampled monthly plus several storm events. 

Sediment and porewater were collected in June, August, 

December 2003, and March 2004. Collections of biota were 

completed in June and August 2003. We provided input and 

assistance to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 

(WDNR) toward a new atmospheric MDN site in Milwaukee. 

The WDNR supplied and installed MDN equipment in fall 2002 

and collected samples; the USGS is funding laboratory analyses 

of the samples through September 2004. The Menominee Indian 

Tribe provided field assistance at the Evergreen River site in the 

Menominee Reservation.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Water sampling and analysis of atmospheric deposition samples 

will continue through September 2004 for the WMIC unit. 

An intensive streambed sediment sampling is planned at all 

Wisconsin sites in July 2004 for total and methylmercury, 

sulfide, and microbial methylation; porewater will be collected 

concurrently from one site. We will continue to review and 

process results for a USGS Fact Sheet and national scope journal 

articles. Additional NAWQA study units across the nation are 

scheduled to begin mercury sampling in 2005.
Mercury Cycling in the Lake 

Pontchartrain Basin, Louisiana 

Project

Cooperator: USGS Headquarters (Toxic Substances Hydrology

and National Research Programs) Reston, VA

Project Chief: David P. Krabbenhoft

Location: Lake Pontchartrain Basin, southern Louisiana

Project Number: 9KL16

Period of Project: July 2003–September 30, 2004

Problem

Mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystems is a widely 

recognized global problem. Exposure to food webs is generally 

known to be most pronounced in areas where abundant wetlands 

exist, due to the effective transformation of inorganic mercury 

(from atmospheric deposition) to methylmercury (the most toxic 

and bioaccumulative form of mercury), which is optimized in 

anaerobic wetland sediments. In addition, the scientific literature has recently shown that coastal settings appear to be areas 

where elevated mercury deposition occurs. Therefore, ecological 

settings like the Lake Pontchartrain Basin that are dominated 

by wetlands and near the coast are especially prone to problems 

related to mercury contamination. The entire Lake Pontchartrain 

Basin is currently under an advisory for high levels of mercury 

in fish. However, very little was known regarding which areas 

of the Basin were most prone to yield methylmercury and the 

linkages that may exist between the freshwater streams, Lake 

Pontchartrain and other estuaries, and the saltwater systems 

along the coast. As a result, the USGS received a Congressional 

allocation to conduct assessment studies that will address waterquality issues in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, and mercury was 

one of those issues.

Objective

The objectives of the project are: (1) to provide data and 

scientific insight that may be used to improve water-quality 

management of Lake Pontchartrain, and (2) to gain scientific 

understanding and to develop methods, models, and theories that 

will have transfer value to other impacted areas of the Nation. 

Mercury contamination is widespread, although areas of the 

southeastern U.S. seem particularly prone to yield very high 

levels of methylmercury in food webs, but the reasons for this 

are still not resolved. Research efforts on this project will help 

to resolve what factors and what sub-ecosystem types lead to 

exacerbated methylmercury contamination. The distribution, 

speciation (especially methylmercury), and transport of mercury 

will be investigated throughout the Lake Pontchartrain basin, 

focusing particularly on the Tchefuncte or Tangipahoa subbasins and on the wetlands near the Lake. In addition, some key 

processes regulating the exposure of mercury to local food webs, 

such as microbial mercury methylation, will be evaluated. Field 

sampling is supported by measurements of important process 

rate measurements (methylation, demethylation, and reactive 

mercury measurements) that can help in the interpretation and 

aid in understanding of the factors controlling mercury cycling, 

fate, and toxicity in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.

Approach

The USGS already has some data on mercury in the basin, but 

many results to date have proved counter-intuitive given the 

current knowledge of factors regulating mercury cycling. Further 

analysis and fieldwork will be conducted to try to resolve some 

of the important research questions regarding the sources, transport and transformations of mercury and methylmercury. One 

hypothesis suggested that eutrophication caused by excessive 

nutrient loadings provides a highly reactive source of organic 

carbon that can facilitate the methylmercury formation process. 

Other redox and microbially mediated reactions, such as those 

involving sulfur, can also affect mercury methylation and will 

be measured. To achieve these goals, the Wisconsin District 

Mercury Research Team, in collaboration with researchers 

from the National Research Program and the Louisiana District 

Office, is conducting a series of field-oriented studies to examine 

spatial and temporal variations in mercury and methylmercury 

distributions in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. The research team 

has established a network of four sub-ecosystem locations where 

detailed sampling is performed to assess the mechanisms and 

rates of methylmercury production and transfer to streams. The 

four locations include two freshwater settings (Tchefuncte and 

Blind Rivers), one estuarian site (the mouth Bayou Lacombe at 

Lake Pontchartrain), and a coastal saltwater marsh site downstream of Lake Pontchartrain. At each site, detailed sampling of 

the sediments, porewater, and surface water is conducted for a 

variety of constituents that are known to affect mercury methylation and speciation.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

During this time period, two field trips were conducted to 

provide an initial examination of the overall levels of methylmercury in the Basin, and to reveal any temporal and spatial 

patterns. Each study site has a transect of six sampling locations 

that are aligned with the direction of surface-water flow from the 

wetland to the adjoining stream. Sampling efforts were focused 

on assessing the wetland-to-stream transfer of methylmercury at 

four study sites.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Plans for this time period call for continued sampling, and to 

expand the network of sampling sites into the coastal environment, where tidal actions and dramatic changes to water quality 

are expected to have pronounced effects on mercury and methylmercury abundance and distributions. We plan to execute several 

novel measurements of mercury reactivity in sediments, poreMercury Team	 69
70	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

water and surface water to help explain the patterns observed 

among the field data. Particular emphasis will be placed on 

understanding the connections between the freshwater-estuarinesaltwater environments.

National Mercury Project

Cooperator: Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, U.S.

Geological Survey, Reston, VA

Project Chief: David P. Krabbenhoft

Location: Nationwide

Project Number: AK710

Period of Project: July 2001–June 2010

Problem

Concerns about environmental mercury pollution and contamination of aquatic food webs stem largely from the human and 

wildlife health risks of dietary exposure to methylmercury, the 

dominant form of mercury in the edible flesh of fish and aquatic 

mammals. The widespread nature and adverse consequences 

of mercury pollution continue to prompt considerable scientific 

investigation, and the environmental sources, biogeochemistry, 

transformations, transport, fate, and effects of mercury in the 

environment are subjects of frequent symposia, workshops, and 

a large steadily expanding body of scientific literature. 

Objective

The Mercury in Aquatic Ecosystems project, coordinated by the 

Wisconsin District Mercury Research Laboratory (WDMRL) 

has several overall objectives that seek to provide critical information to aid in the definition of the mercury problem and seek 

possible solutions or mitigation strategies. These goals are: 

(1) to clarify the broader mercury problem from a scientific 

perspective, (2) conduct research that will provide critical (but 

previously unavailable) information for resource managers and 

decision makers on what should be done to improve environmental mercury conditions, (3) continue to provide scientific 

leadership (within the USGS and nationally and internationally) 

for the planning and execution of investigations of mercury 

biogeochemistry, transformations, transport, and fate in the 

environment, and (4) serve as an intra-agency and inter-agency 

communication and coordination point for mercury research. 

Approach

To achieve these goals, the Wisconsin District Mercury Research 

Team is conducting a variety of field-oriented studies. First, 

in the summer of 2002 we are continuing our collaboration 

with the NAWQA program to collect fish, water, and sediment 

samples from across the United States in a variety of watershed types. This synoptic type sampling will be followed by 

more intense sampling efforts in a few of the watersheds where 

the goal will be to provide a detailed understanding of the 

processes that control mercury bioaccumulation in food webs. 

In addition, the Mercury Research Team is involved in two 

“mercury-loading” studies in the Everglades of Florida and the 

Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) of Ontario, Canada, whereby 

the overall goal is to establish what the mercury dose to bioaccumulation response is for natural systems using traceable amounts 

of mercury stable isotopes. Previously, research of this kind 

has been conducted in laboratories or controlled environments 

where the natural response was not adequately represented. 

For the study site in Canada, we are dosing an entire watershed 

with three different stable isotopes of mercury (198Hg, 200Hg, and 

202Hg), which are being added to the wetland, upland forests, 

and lake, respectively. By applying different stable isotopes to 

the three major components of the watershed, we will be able to 

track where the mercury comes from, and at what time scales, 

that accumulates in fish.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

During this time period, the Mercury Cycling in Aquatic 

Ecosystems project was active in a wide variety of settings 

across North America, evaluating the factors controlling 

mercury cycling and toxicity. These activities include studies at 

the following locations:

•	 The Yukon River Baseline project (Alaska)

•	 The Marcell Experimental Forest Sulfate Addition study 

(Minnesota)

•	 The New England Coastal Basins project (New England)

•	 Yellowstone National Park Mercury Emissions project 

(Wyoming)

•	 Lostwood National Wild Life Refuge Mercury 

Assessment project (North Dakota)

•	 Four Corners Source-Receptor Project (Colorado)

In addition, this project continues to focus a great deal of 

effort on the The Mercury Experiment to Assess Atmospheric 

Loadings in Canada and the U.S. (METAALICUS) project. 
The METAALICUS project is an internationally recognized 

whole-ecosystem loading experiment to assess environmental 

responses to changes in atmospheric loading of mercury. The 

USGS Mercury Research Lab is one of the principal participating investigators involved with the project, and serves as the 

lead group for conducting studies in the terrestrial and wetland 

sub-ecosystems, as well as watershed mass balances. This 

project is in the fourth of a five-year loading effort, in which 

three different stable isotopes of mercury are applied annually 

to the three major sub-ecosystems of the watershed (202Hg on 

the lake, 200Hg on the forest, and 198Hg on the wetland). Each 

year, the isotopic mercury additions are about 3–5 times the 

current ambient loading. The overall goal of the study is to 

assess the major processes regulating the fate and transport of 

newly deposited mercury to a watershed, and to determine the 

net effect on the food web. At the conclusion of the 5-year addition effort, the METAALICUS project will become a wholeecosystem “mercury-reduction” study, which will probably have 

even more relevance to proposed mercury reduction regulations 

that are being considered throughout the U.S. and worldwide. As 

such, the METAALICUS project will serve a sentinel study for 

expected benefits to such regulations.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Plans for this time period call for continued widespread efforts 

across a wide variety of ecosystem settings that will allow 

for a robust scientific assessment of the controlling factors 

of mercury cycling in aquatic ecosystems. In addition to the 

studies mentioned above, this project will include new study 

sites during this time period including a synoptic sampling effort 

of about 200 sensitive, high-elevation lakes in the eastern U.S. 

(from northern Maine to Pennsylvania), controls of mercury 

methylation in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin (Louisiana) and an 

assessment of the “mercury-halo effect” around known mercury 

emitters in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

Mercury Contamination at the 

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, 

Northwestern North Dakota

Cooperator: North Dakota State Department of Health, U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Project Chief: David P. Krabbenhoft

Location: Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, Northwestern

North Dakota

Project Number: ARN00

Period of Project: July 2003–September 30, 2004

Problem

The Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (LNWR) is a 26,904-

acre rolling prairie/wetland ecosystem in northwestern North 

Dakota, and is a critically important aquatic ecosystem for resident migratory wildlife. Recently, however, the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service and the State of North Dakota have become 

concerned that the proximal location of a large coal combustion 

facility immediately upwind of the LNWR may be impacting 

the ecosystem through the deposition of atmospherically transported mercury. In the past 15 years, scientists have revealed 

that wetlands and their landscapes have a pronounced ability to 

expose resident wildlife to mercury loads; however, no known 

mercury assessments have ever been conducted on pothole 

wetlands in this region or anywhere else. Recent surveys have 

revealed that certain ecosystem types (for example, wetland 

ecosystems, newly flooded reservoirs, or seasonal impoundments) are particularly sensitive to mercury inputs and can 

result in high concentrations of mercury in fish or other aquatic 

biota. The pothole wetlands at the LNWR have most or all of 

these environmental characteristics, and in addition, the annual 

or semiannual wetting and drying cycles that are characteristic 

of the pothole wetlands likely exacerbate the methylmercury 

production cycle. However, previous to this study, there were no 

available data to test whether high mercury exposure levels to 

the food web occurred in pothole wetlands like the LNWR.

Objective

The overall goal of this project is to assess the mercury contamination level of pothole wetland environments, and to determine 

whether these ecosystems are “naturally prone” to be high in 

mercury exposure to indigenous wildlife. The goal of decreasing 

wildlife and human exposure to mercury presents major challenges to environmental managers and scientists alike. However, 

the first steps are to provide a better definition of the environments that are most prone to producing methylmercury, and then 

to establish what the limiting factors are for mercury exposure 

for each ecosystem type such that the most effective decision 

can be made. Currently, there is no known information on 

mercury cycling, fate, and biological exposure in prairie pothole 

wetlands. Many tens of thousands of these wetlands exist across 

the northern high plains, and they serve as a critical aquatic 

ecosystem for native and migratory wildlife in North America. 

This assessment study would provide sorely needed information 

on the level of methylmercury exposure in pothole wetlands, 

the controls on the levels of methylmercury produced across a 

range of physical, hydrological, and chemical characteristics 

represented at the LNWR, and whether or not local mercury 

source contributions play a role in potentially elevated levels of 

exposure.

Mercury Team	 71
72	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Approach

This assessment project will have three integrated work 

elements, including: (1) a widespread synoptic sampling effort, 

(2) an atmospheric mercury monitoring effort to assess whether 

any nearby emissions sources can be “sensed” at LNWR, and 

(3) a historical determination of mercury deposition using 

dated sediment cores. The first element will be accomplished 

by sampling approximately 30 prairie pothole wetlands on the 

LNWR that span a wide range of geomorphic, hydrologic, and 

chemical conditions. The primary land-management method 

currently used by the Fish and Wildlife Service at LNWR is 

planned prairie burns. Recent studies have revealed that burning 

generally serves to stimulate mercury methylation by oxidizing 

sulfur to sulfate, and produces more reactive carbon substrate for 

bacteria to utilize when the soils are re-flooded. We will include 

sites that have been recently burned in the synoptic sampling 

to test whether this practice is possibly exacerbating methylmercury exposure at LNWR. Atmospheric mercury monitoring 

can be used to ascribe source-receptor relationships for areas of 

concern. Recently, the USGS has constructed a mobile mercury 

lab that has the capability of providing real-time atmospheric 

mercury measurements, that when coupled with supporting 

information, can help ascertain the relative importance of local 

versus global mercury pools. Lastly, a carefully collected set 

of sediment cores will be used to determine whether the establishment of several nearby coal combustion facilities in northwestern North Dakota and southern Saskatchewan, Canada has 

any local impacts on mercury deposition rates to the LNWR. 

The cores will be dated with radio-isotope markers (210Pb and 

137Cs) and combined with mercury profiles to determine if 

local mercury deposition conditions were altered in response to 

startup operations of these facilities.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

During this time period, two field trips were conducted to 

sample about 30 pothole wetlands on the LNWR. Sediment 

and water samples were collected and shipped to the Wisconsin 

District Mercury Research Laboratory for analysis. In addition, the mobile mercury lab was deployed to LNWR for five 

weeks in the spring of 2004. Presently, sample analyses of the 

dated cores are underway, and are expected to be completed by 

October 2004.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Future plans on this project call for synthesis of all the data 

collected at LNWR, and the formulation of a USGS report. If 

data gaps are identified during the reporting process, a proposal 

will be developed to follow up the present studies.
Regional and National Assessment Team

Office of the Assistant District chief for ground-Water 

AND NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS

Mission

The Regional and National Assessment Team consists of projects and personnel 

involved in studies at the multi-state to national level. Personnel are engaged in studies 

at many levels, from serving on national-level workgroups and advisory panels to 

collection, synthesis, and interpretation of data. Investigations focus on water-quality 

issues, utilize new technologies and techniques, and are conducted over a wide range 

of spatial and temporal scales. The goal of the team is to understand the interactions 

among components of hydrologic systems and their relations to water quality in order to 

enhance the management of water resources on a broad scale.

Team Members

Jeff Steuer, Hydrologist (Team Leader)

Dale M. Robertson, Research Hydrologist

Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Research Hydrologist (Geology)

Kevin D. Richards, Physical Scientist

Barbara C. Scudder, Hydrologist

Jana S. Stewart, Geographer

Daniel J. Sullivan, Hydrologist

Brett M. Esser, Hydrologic Technician

Judith C. Thomas, Hydrologist

Michelle A. Lutz, Physical Scientist

David A. Saad, Hydrologist

Rebecca H. Woll, Hydrologist

Krista A. Stensvold, Student Trainee (Hydrology)

Amanda A. Bell, Student Trainee (Hydrology)

Marie C. Peppler, Student Trainee (Geography)

David O. Bratz, Hydrologic Technician (Student)

Laura L. Rozumalski, Hydrologic Technician (Student)

	 Regional and National Assessment Team	 73
74	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects

9BI31	 Western Lake Michigan Drainages National Water-Quality Assessment

(NAWQA)............................................................................................................................................75

9BI57	 Upper Illinois River Basin National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) ............................77

9BI92	 Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Great Lakes River Basins Regional Synthesis:

National Water-Quality Assessment Program.............................................................................78

9KM16	 National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Scientific Records Management

and Data Synthesis...........................................................................................................................78

9KM30	 Technical Assistance in the Development of Regionalization Schemes for

Suspended Sediments and Nutrients in Streams in the Midwest ..........................................79

9KM42	 National Environmental Methods Index .......................................................................................80

9KM43	 Interagency Methods and Data Comparability Board (MDCB) ................................................81

9KM47	 Great Lakes Aquatic Gap.................................................................................................................82

B2100	 Periphyton-Mercury: The Role of Periphyton in Mercury Bioaccumulation in

Stream Ecosystems..........................................................................................................................83

Nationwide PROJECTS

9KM16	 National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Special

9KM42	 National Environmental Methods Index	

9KM43	 Interagency Methods and Data Comparability Board (MDCB)

LOCATION-SPECIFIC PROJECTS

Regional

Great Lakes States

9KM47	 Great Lakes Aquatic Gap

Upper Illinois River Basin in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin

9BI57	 Upper Illinois River Basin National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)

Upper Midwest

9KM30	 Technical Assistance in the Development of Regionalization Schemes for Suspended Sediments and

Nutrients in Streams in the Midwest

Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Great Lakes River Basins

9BI92	 Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Great Lakes River Basins Regional Synthesis: National Water-Quality

Assessment Program

Western Lake Michigan Basin (WMIC), Georgia-Florida Costal Plains Basin (GAFL), Willamette River 

Basin (WILL)

B2100	 Periphyton-Mercury: The Role of Periphyton in Mercury Bioaccumulation in Stream Ecosystems

Local

Upper peninsula of Michigan, eastern Wisconsin basins discharging to Green Bay, and western 

Wisconsin basins that directly drain into Lake Michigan

9BI31	 Western Lake Michigan Drainages National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)	
Western Lake Michigan Drainages 

National Water-Quality Assessment 

(NAWQA)

Cooperator: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia

Locations: Upper Peninsula of Michigan from the Menominee

River basin in the west to the Fishdam River basin in the

east; and the eastern portion of Wisconsin to include the

Menominee, Oconto, Peshtigo, Fox-Wolf River basins

discharging to Green Bay, and in Wisconsin that directly

drain into Lake Michigan from the west which include the

Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Milwaukee, Root, and Pike River

basins.

Project Number: 9BI31

Project Chief: Jeffrey J. Steuer

Period of Project: December 1990–Continuing

Problem

Growing populations throughout the United States have resulted 

in increased development and use of our water resources. As our 

water resources become stressed, decisions on how to effectively 

utilize and manage these resources will need to be made. These 

decisions must be based on accurate assessments of the quality 

of the water resource and the factors affecting its quality.

Objective

The long-term goals of the NAWQA project are to determine 

the water quality of the streams and aquifers in the Western 

Lake Michigan Drainages (WMIC), determine the presence or 

absence of any trends in the water quality, and provide an understanding of the link between natural and anthropogenic factors 

and observed water quality. 

Approach

Western Lake Michigan Drainages study unit investigations will 

be conducted in 10-year cycles. Cycle 1 took place between 

1991 and 2000 and consisted of a retrospective analysis of 

existing water quality (1991–1993), high intensity phase data 

collection (1993–1995), data analyses and report writing (1995–

1997), and low-intensity phase data collection (1996–2000). 

Cycle 2 began with a planning and retrospective data analyses 

phase (2000–2001) and is followed by high-intensity phase data 

collection (2002–2004), topical study data collection (2002–

2004), data analyses and report writing (2004–2007), and lowintensity phase data collection (2005–2010).

These types of studies will be conducted as part of the Western 

Lake Michigan Drainages study unit investigation: (1) occurrence and distribution assessments, (2) trends assessments, and 

(3) topical studies.

The surface water occurrence and distribution and trends 

assessment networks were developed by identifying relatively 

homogeneous areas of specific land use and environmental 

characteristics. Sampling sites were chosen to assess watersheds 

representing a single relatively homogeneous unit (RHU) or 

watersheds defined by several RHUs. Sites sampling a single 

RHU were called indicator sites and those sampling several 

RHUs were termed integrator sites.

The ground-water sampling networks were designed to assess 

the primarily used aquifers in the study unit (the CambrianOrdivician Sandstone and the glacial outwash aquifer systems) 

and also to assess the effect of various land uses on shallow 

ground water.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Cycle 1 (1991–2000)

Eleven basic-fixed sites (BFS) were sampled during the cycle 

1 high-intensity sampling phase (HIP), including 8 indicator 

sites and 3 integrator sites. The sites were sampled monthly 

and augmented with seasonal storm sampling for major ions, 

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	 Regional and National Assessment Team	 75
76	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

ments, and pesticides during the HIP. Several agricultural and 

urban land use indicator sites were also sampled more intensively for pesticides during the growing season. The 11 BFS 

were also assessed for habitat and sampled for fish, macroinvertebrates, and algae annually during the HIP.

The ground-water occurrence and distribution assessment 

networks were developed around major aquifers in the study 

unit. During cycle 1, 29 wells in the Cambrian-Ordivician 

aquifer system were sampled for major ions, nutrients, VOCs, 

trace elements, radon, tritium, DOC, and pesticides. The shallow 

ground water land-use networks studied the effect of surficial 

deposits (clayey or sandy) in agricultural areas on water quality.

Streambed sediments and tissue from aquatic biota were 

sampled at each of the fixed sites and about 25 additional 

sites throughout the basin during cycle 1. These samples were 

analyzed for trace metals, pesticides, and organic compounds.

Special studies during cycle 1 included: a comparison of shallow 

ground-water chemistry in agricultural areas with varying 

permeability; ground-water flow-path investigation of agricultural chemical transport; an assessment of biological communities in benchmark streams in agricultural areas; assessments of 

high- and low-flow chemical conditions; a study to determine 

the representativeness of the BFS; an investigation of groundwater/surface-water interactions at the end of a flow path; and 

two studies comparing results obtained using a variety of chemical and biological sampling methods.

Low-intensity phase samples were collected monthly at 3 of 

the BFS for major ions, nutrients, organic contaminants, trace 

elements, suspended sediments, and pesticides. 

Forty-seven reports were prepared to describe the results of the 

cycle 1 investigations.

Cycle 2 (2001–2010)

During cycle 2, trends sampling has been conducted at 4 of 

the BFS, now termed trends sites, for the same list of constituents and at a similar frequency as analyzed for during cycle 1. 

Approximately 30 Cambrian-Ordivician aquifer wells and the 

highly permeable shallow ground-water wells in agricultural 

areas have been sampled for the same set of constituents as 

sampled during cycle 1. In addition, the entire study unit extent 

of the glacial aquifer was sampled during 2003 for the same list 

of constituents as sampled at ground-water sites during cycle 1. 

Cores will be collected from two or three lakes to determine 

deposition history of trace elements and organic compounds 

using age-dating techniques. Occurrence and distribution 

samples were collected for total mercury in sediment, tissue, and 

the water column at eight surface-water sites during 2002. 

Two topical studies have been in progress since 2003: 

(1) The urban land use gradient study assesses the impacts of 

urbanization on the health of aquatic biota in the Milwaukee and 

Lower Fox River urbanized area. The study focuses on assessing 

the health of watersheds with urbanized land use in the 0−100 

percent range. Stream chemical, biological, and physical parameters are being measured and will be assessed against a calculated urban index. 

(2) The mercury topical study assesses the bioaccumulation of 

mercury in game-fish species. Total mercury will be determined 

in axial muscle tissue, composited from 6–10 individuals taken 

at the same site. Axial muscle is the most relevant component 

for human health, and can be related to whole-body burdens 

for toxicity relevance regarding piscivorous wildlife. Sampling 

of methylmercury and total mercury in water, porewater, and 

un-sieved streambed sediment at the fish sampling sites will 

yield useful data regarding exposure of the fish to mercury. 

Instantaneous methylmercury data from the water and sediment 

samples will help indicate the relative potential of a watershed 

to convert inorganic mercury to methylmercury, a critical step 

in mercury bioaccumulation. Methylmercury is more effectively 

biomagnified in food chains, is the predominant species of 

mercury in fish, and is more toxic than inorganic mercury. 

Plans (July 2004–2005)

Sampling will continue at the ground-water and surface-water 

trend sites. It is anticipated that the number of surface-water 

trend sites will be reduced from four to two after October 1, 

2004. Sampling will be completed for the two topical studies 

(urban and mercury) in September 2004 with data analysis and 

report writing efforts to commence shortly thereafter.

Reports (July 2002–July 2004)

Robertson, D.M., 2003, Influence of different temporal sampling 

strategies on estimating total phosphorus an suspended sediment concentration and transport in small streams: Journal of the 

American Water Resources Association, v. 39, no. 5, 

p. 1281−1308. 

Robertson, D.M., and Saad, D.A., October 2003, Environmental 

water-quality zones for streams: Environmental Management, 

v. 31, no. 5, p. 581−602.
Fitzpatrick, F.A., Harris, H.A., Arnold, T.L., and Richards, 

K.D., 2004, Urbanization influences on aquatic communities 

in northeastern Illinois streams: Journal of the American Water 

Resources Association, v. 40, no. 2, p. 461−475. 

Upper Illinois River Basin National 

Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)

Cooperator: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia

Project Chief: Kevin D. Richards

Locations: Upper Illinois River Basin in Illinois, Indiana, and

Wisconsin

Project Number: 9BI57

Period of Project: October 1996–September 2004

Problem

Growing populations throughout the United States have resulted 

in increased development and use of our water resources. As our 

water resources become stressed, decisions on how to effectively 

utilize and manage these resources will need to be made. These 

decisions must be based on accurate assessments of the quality 

of the water resource and the factors affecting its use.

Objective

The long-term goals of the NAWQA project are to determine the 

water quality of the streams and aquifers in the Upper Illinois 

River Basin (UIRB), determine the presence or absence of any 

trends in water quality, and provide an understanding of the link 

between natural and anthropogenic factors and observed water 

quality. Specific goals are to: (1) determine the occurrence and 

spatial distribution of a broad array of water-quality constituents in ground and surface water and streambed sediments, 

(2) determine the occurrence of contaminants in selected target 

taxa, (3) evaluate the aquatic habitat and community structure of 

streams in the study unit, (4) assess the effects of urbanization 

on surface-water quality in selected stream reaches, (5) evaluate 

the sources and transport of selected hydrophilic compounds in 

agricultural settings, and (6) assess the influence of land use on 

shallow ground-water quality in selected land-use settings.

Approach

The foundation of the study approach is based upon identifying 

relatively homogeneous areas of specific land-use and environmental characteristics. Identification of these areas was accomplished by overlaying digital coverages of land use and various 

environmental variables using a geographic information system 

(GIS). Sampling sites completely contained in these relatively 

homogeneous areas (indicator sites) were incorporated into a 

nested design of surface-water, streambed sediment, and biological sampling. The sampling strategy consists of a retrospective 

analysis of available water-quality data (1997–1999), followed 

by a high (1999–2001) and then a low-phase (2002–2006) 

data-collection effort. Monitoring of basic fixed sites (BFS) 

in selected areas (indicator sites), as well as downstream sites 

draining heterogeneous land uses and environmental characteristics (integrator sites), are being conducted. These sites will be 

sampled monthly and augmented with event-related samples. 

A subset of these sites will be extensively sampled for pesticides and volatile organic compounds. Pesticide samples will 

be collected approximately biweekly during the early to midsummer period and less frequently during the rest of the year. 

Volatile organic compound samples will be collected weekly 

during the winter and less frequently during the rest of the year. 

Other program components include an urban gradient study 

to evaluate the relation between community (fish, algae, and 

invertebrates), habitat structure, land-use practices, and environmental factors. Ground-water studies include a study-unit survey 

and two land-use studies.

The land-use survey studies the effects of land use on groundwater quality through sampling in specific relatively homogeneous areas (1999 and 2000). A study unit survey provides 

an indication of water-quality conditions of the major aquifer 

(Silurian-Devonian) in the study unit.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The GIS coverages will continue to be compiled and archived 

including: labeling the clustered Landsat data, wetlands data 

from the WISCland inventory, Natural Resource Inventory, 

Toxic Release Inventory, and others. Data archiving for data 

collected during the HIP (1999–2001) continues.

Land-use gradient special study—Open-File Data report was 

published. The retrospective journal article “Urbanization influences on aquatic communities in northeastern Illinois streams” 

was prepared, underwent colleague review and the comments 

were incorporated. Data analysis and interpretation are ongoing 

for the proposed journal article “Ecological responses to physical and chemical changes related to urbanization in the Upper 

Illinois River Basin.”

	 Regional and National Assessment Team	 77
78	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Two surface-water trend sites will be monitored for continuous 

flow and sampled 10 times a year for field parameters, pesticides, nutrients, selected ions, and suspended sediment. This will 

be reduced to one site starting in October 2004.

Data from the high-intensity phase will continue to be analyzed 

and the results of analyses compiled in reports. 

Ecological sampling will be conducted at the surface-water trend 

sites in August 2004.

A number of publications are planned related to the ecological 

data collected and the land use gradient study.

Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and 

Great Lakes River Basins Regional 

Synthesis: National Water-Quality 

Assessment Program

Cooperator: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia

Project Chief: Daniel J. Sullivan

Location: Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Great Lakes River Basins

Project Number: 9BI92

Period of Project: September 2003–September 2006

Problem

A large amount of water-quality data have been collected in 

National Water-Quality Assessment Study Units across the U.S. 

since 2001. In some cases these data have been analyzed at the 

local (Study Unit) and national level, but there has been little 

or no synthesis at the regional level, where great value may be 

realized due to similarity of landscapes and water-quality issues. 

In addition, there are sufficient time-series data to allow trend 

analysis for the first time at many of the sites that have been 

monitored.

Objective

To synthesize, analyze, and produce a series of reports on 

important regional water-quality issues using NAWQA and other 

compatible data. Issues examined will include analysis for the 

presence or absence of trends, new understanding of factors 

affecting water quality, and to determine if there are 

links between natural and anthropogenic factors and observed 

water quality.

Approach

Surface-water chemistry and biological data for the NAWQA 

Program in the Upper Mississippi River basin, Great Lakes 

drainages, and Ohio River basin will be synthesized and 

analyzed for trends and understanding of factors that affect 

water quality. Significant water-quality issues pertinent to key 

stakeholders within the region will be analyzed for new regional 

findings. 

PROGRESS (jULY 2003–JUNE 2004) AND 

PLANS (july 2004–june 2005)

Lead scientists were selected for each of eight major river 

basins across the U.S., report proposals were written, report 

teams formed, and report plans and budgets finalized. Beginning 

October 1, 2004, report teams will finalize site selection and 

begin data compilation, analysis and report writing on the 

following topics:

• Effects of multi-scale environmental characteristics on 

agricultural stream biota in the Midwestern United States

• Responses of aquatic communities to land use and hydrologic characteristics in agricultural and urban areas in the 

north-temperate United States

• Trends in nutrient and suspended-sediment concentrations and loads in the Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Great 

Lakes River Basins

• Spatial and temporal trends of pesticides and pesticide 

degradates in agricultural areas of the upper Midwestern 

United States

National Water-Quality Assessment 

(NAWQA) Scientific Records 

Management and Data Synthesis

Cooperator: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia

Project Chief: Jana Stewart

Locations: Support of NAWQA National Leadership and

Synthesis Teams

Project Number: 9KM16

Period of Project: October 1996–Continuing

Problem

Since 1991, USGS scientists with the NAWQA program have 

been collecting and analyzing data and information in more than 

50 major river basins and aquifers across the Nation. The goal is 

to develop long-term consistent and comparable information on 

streams, ground water, and aquatic ecosystems to support sound 

management and policy decisions. These data are collected 

to define baseline conditions, recognize long-term hydrologic 

and water-quality trends and gain an understanding of natural 

and anthropogenic factors influencing hydrologic processes 

and conditions. These records are critical to the mission of the 
USGS, and represent a unique National data set that must be 

managed and preserved to ensure its availability to present and 

future generations of natural scientists and resource managers. 

Objective

The objectives of this project are to (1) provide technical support 

to the NAWQA program for managing and preserving scientific 

records, and ( 2) represent the study unit level to help identify, 

manage and resolve data issues for the NAWQA program. 

Approach

During the first cycle of NAWQA (1991–2003), data collection 

was conducted at the study unit level, within major river basins 

around the country. A comprehensive data archival checklist was 

developed and used by study units to document and track information related to the archival of study unit hydrologic records 

and supporting information. A final archival review is conducted 

at the completion of each of the Cycle I studies. During the 

second cycle of NAWQA, beginning in 2001, data collection 

was based around program level topical studies, designed to gain 

an understanding of hydrologic processes and the natural and 

anthropogenic factors influencing these processes. Data continue 

to be collected within study units, however, are aggregated up 

to a topical study level for regional and national analysis. As 

a result, data archival needs to be accomplished at both the 

study unit and topical study level. Other data issues are identified, managed and resolved by the NAWQA Data Synthesis 

Team, that include scientists and data managers at all levels of 

NAWQA, during monthly conference calls and frequent email 

correspondence.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Archive reviews were conducted for a number of the remaining 

Cycle I study units and draft plans were developed to manage 

and archive scientific records in Cycle II. A committee was 

developed to assess Scientific Records Management in USGS 

WRD and to update the guidance for managing and archiving 

USGS WRD mission-critical scientific records. Monthly conference calls were conducted to identify and resolve NAWQA data 

issues at the National, Regional, and local study unit levels. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Work is underway to develop customized plans to manage and 

archive scientific records for NAWQA topical studies that center 

around the effects of urbanization, nutrient enrichment, and 

mercury contamination in streams; understanding the transport 

of natural and anthropogenic contaminants to public supply 

wells; and understanding the transport of agricultural chemicals 

in ground water. Additional work is being conducted to identify 

and address data problems related to these topical studies. 

Technical Assistance in the 

Development of Regionalization 

Schemes for Suspended Sediments 

and Nutrients in Streams in the 

Midwest 

Cooperator: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Project Chief: Dale M. Robertson

Location: Upper Midwest

Project Number: 9KM30

Period of Project: October 2002–September 2004

Problem

According to the USEPA National Water Quality Inventories, 

reports to Congress, states, tribes, and other jurisdictions 

consider siltation and the over-enrichment of nutrients to be two 

of the three most significant causes of impairment in many of 

the streams throughout the Nation. Much of the sediment and 

nutrients in streams can be associated with poor land-management practices; however, studies have shown high concentrations 

and loads can also be directly related to natural environmental 

factors, such as the type of soil and the slope of the terrain in the 

basin (Robertson, 1997). To try to reduce nutrient concentrations 

in streams around Lake Michigan and the Nation, the USEPA 

in collaboration with states and tribes are developing regional 

nutrient criteria from which standards will be produced. Once 

established, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) will be 

needed for tributaries that have been shown to exceed these standards and are considered to be impaired. Therefore, there is a 

need to develop regional criteria for concentrations and loads of 

sediment and specific nutrients that reflect the natural variability 

in water quality that occurs throughout the area (potential water 

quality). 

	 Regional and National Assessment Team	 79

3USPENDEDSEDIMENTCONCENTRATIONZONES



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80	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Objectives

The project objectives are to: (1) describe the distribution of 

suspended sediment and nutrient concentrations and loads 

throughout streams in the Upper Midwest, (2) use regressiontree analysis to determine which environmental factors influence 

their respective distributions, (3) determine similar potential 

water-quality zones by regionalizing results of the regression 

tree analysis (that is, classifying individual watersheds based on 

their respective natural environmental characteristics), 

(4) determine background concentrations and yields from each 

zone, and (5) compare the new potential water-quality zones 

with those developed by past studies.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

All water-quality data and corresponding flow data were 

obtained from the USGS and the major sampling agency in each 

state. Water-quality data were statistically summarized and loads 

were computed for all sites with sufficient water-quality data and 

flow data. Drainage basins of all of the sites with water-quality 

data were delineated and their environmental characteristics 

were computed. The distribution of water-quality concentrations 

and loads have been described. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Use a stepwise residual approach to remove the effects of land 

use from the water-quality data and each natural environmental 

factor prior to performing SPARTA (Spatial regression-tree analyses) and determining which environmental factors influence the 

distributions of suspended sediment and nutrient concentrations 

and loads. Determine similar potential water-quality zones and 

background concentrations and yields from each zone. Compare 

results of this study with those of past studies. Publish final 

report.

Reports

Robertson, D.M., and Saad, D.A., 2003, Environmental waterquality zones for streams, a regional classification scheme: 

Environmental Management, v. 31, no. 5, p. 581−602.

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National Environmental Methods 

Index

Cooperator: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Project Chief: Daniel J. Sullivan

Location: United States

Project Numbers: 9KM42, 9KM39, and 9KM19

Period of Project: October 1999–Continuing

Problem

Many regulatory and non-regulatory water-quality monitoring 

programs specify the methodology to be used in analyzing water 

samples. Although this provides each monitoring program with 

a measure of comparability, there has been virtually no consistency of methods between programs. This program-specific 

approach to water-quality monitoring inappropriately and 

inefficiently increases the demands on limited resources while 

reducing the utility of water-quality information available.

Objective

The selection of analytical methods is a critical component of 

the planning process for environmental monitoring programs. 

NEMI allows rapid communication and comparison of methods, 

thus ensuring that the consideration of analytical methods 

is a more active part of the planning and implementation of 
programs. NEMI also allows the use and sharing of monitoring 

data among different agencies, using different methods at 

different times.

Approach

NEMI is a clearinghouse of environmental monitoring methods. 

The NEMI database contains method summaries of field and 

lab protocols for regulatory and non-regulatory water-quality 

analyses. It is searchable over the World Wide Web 

(http://www.nemi.gov/), and provides up-to-date methods information through a standard Internet connection and browser.

Progress

To date, NEMI contains more than 650 chemical, immunoassay, 

physical, microbiological, and radiochemical methods. Data 

fields in NEMI include detection levels, bias, precision, and 

Quality Assurance/Quality Control requirements that will enable 

users to document and report on data quality.

Plans

Conventional analytical methods are continually being added 

to NEMI. In addition, increased focus is being placed on 

adding field-collection protocols and analytical methods that use 

new technologies.

Interagency Methods and Data 

Comparability Board

Cooperator: U.S. Geological Survey

Project Chief: Daniel J. Sullivan

Location: Comprised of individuals from throughout the United

States

Project Number: 9KM43

Period of Project: April 1998–Continuing

Problem

Significant resources are spent to monitor water quality in the 

United States. The methods used to collect water samples and 

to analyze the samples collected vary between the collecting 

authority. The data obtained using the various methods may not 

be comparable and therefore monitoring entities may collect 

duplicate data.

Objective

The Methods and Data Comparability Board (Board) is a nationwide partnership of water-monitoring authorities from Federal 

and State agencies, tribes, municipalities, business and industry, 

academia, and others with expertise in environmental monitoring. The Board has been assembled to coordinate and provide 

recommendations for the implementation of a voluntary, integrated, nationwide water-quality monitoring strategy.

Approach

The Board holds quarterly meetings to discuss the progress and 

plans of work groups formed to develop consensus positions 

regarding issues related to sampling and analytical approaches. 

The eight work groups (Performance Based Systems, National 

Environmental Methods Index, Laboratory Accreditation and 

Field Certification, Biological Methods, Nutrient Methods, 

Water Quality Data Elements, New Technologies, and Publicity 

and Outreach) establish work plans and meet via conference 

calls and at the quarterly MDCB meetings to accomplish work 

plan objectives.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The USGS Board co-chair and executive secretary develop and 

maintain the Board Web site (http://wi.water.usgs.gov/methods/), 

develop work plans, organize meetings and conference calls, 

prepare meeting minutes, assist with the preparation of position 

papers and pilot studies, prepare outreach products, and provide 

guidance for and participate in other Board activities. The cochair also participates as a steering committee member of the 

National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC), and 

as a co-chair for the biannual National Monitoring Conference, 

held in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2004.

Plans (July 2004–April 2005)

Beginning October 1, 2004, the Board co-chair position will 

rotate to a new person in another District. The Executive 

Secretary position remains in Wisconsin.

Reports

MDCB, 2003, The Value of Data Comparability (Fact sheet). 

MDCB, 2003, National Environmental Methods Index (Fact 

sheet).

MDCB, 2003, Accreditation of Laboratory and Field Activities 

for Water Quality Monitoring (Fact sheet). 

Ward, R.C., and Peters, C.A., 2003, Seeking a Common 

Framework for Water Quality Monitoring: Water Resources 

IMPACT, American Water Resources Association, v. 5, no. 5, 

Sept. 2003. 

	 Regional and National Assessment Team	 81

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82	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

MDCB, 2002, National Methods and Data Comparability Board: 

Collaboration and Comparability (Fact sheet). 

Diamond, J., Eaton, A., Annis, C., Brass, H., Keith, L., 

Strong, A., McChesney, D., and Shockey, M., 2001, Towards 

a Definition of Performance- Based Laboratory Methods - 

National Water Quality Monitoring Council Technical Report 

01–02 

Keith, L., Sullivan, D., Boiani, J., Brass, H., and Peters, C., 

2001, The National Environmental Methods Index as a Tool 

to Achieve Methods Comparability: American Water Works 

Association—Water Quality Technology Conference, Nashville, 

TN, Nov. 2001 

Peters, C.A., Brass, H., and Diamond, J., 2000, United States 

Water Quality Methods and Data Comparability Board: Creating 

a framework for collaboration and comparability, in proceedings of Monitoring Tailor-made III, September 25–28, 2000, 

Nunspeet, the Netherlands. 

Parr, J., 2000, Determining and Documenting the Suitability 

of Analytical Procedures Used for Analysis of Environmental 

Samples: NWQMC National Monitoring Conference 2000, 

Austin, TX. 

MDCB, 2000, Why is a National Environmental Methods Index 

needed?, Fact Sheet. 

Brass, H.J., Ardourel, H., Diamond, J., Eaton, A., Keith, L., 

Peters, C., 2000, Activities of the Interagency Methods and 

Data Comparability Board: Proceedings of the American Water 

Works Association, Water Quality Technology Conference, Salt 

Lake City, Utah. 

Eaton, A. and Diamond, J., 1999, Reservoir dogs and performance-based systems: J. Environ. Testing and Analysis, 8:18-19. 

Brass, H., Spooner, C., Klein, J.M., and Shockey, M., 1999, 

Objectives and Activities of the National Water Monitoring 

Council: International Conference of the Israel Society for 

Ecology and Environmental Quality Sciences, Jerusalem, Israel. 

Diamond, J.M., J.B. Stribling, and Yoder, C., 1998, Determining 

the Comparability of Bio-assessment methods and their results: 

NWQMC National Monitoring Conference 1998, Reno, NV. 

Diamond, J.M., J.B. Stribling, and M.T. Barbour, 1996, 

Characterizing and comparing bioassessment approaches and 

their results: A perspective: J. North American Benthological 

Society 15:713-727. 

Strong, A., 1998, Performance Based Methods Systems, 

NWQMC National Monitoring Conference 1998, Reno, NV. 

Eaton, A., 1999, Performance Based Systems (PBMS) - The 

Methods and Data Comparability Board Approach: 15th Annual 

WTQA Conference, Washington, DC, July, 1999.

Brass, H., 1999, The Methods and Data Comparability Board: 

Collaboration and Comparability: American Water Works 

Association - Water Quality Technology Conference, Tampa, 

FL, Nov 1999.

Great Lakes Aquatic Gap

Cooperator: U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources

Discipline

Project Chief: Jana S. Stewart

Location: Great Lakes States

Project Number: 9KM47	 	

Period of Project: September 2001–September 2006

Problem

An Aquatic Gap program is underway for the riverine systems 

of the Great Lakes Region to identify those aquatic species and 

communities that are not adequately represented in existing 

conservation areas. A pilot study to develop a coastal component 

for Aquatic Gap is also underway for the Great Lakes Region. 

The Great Lakes are the largest system of freshwater on earth 

and provide habitat for a wide variety of aquatic organisms 

unique to these systems. The aquatic biodiversity of the region is 

being threatened due to increased population growth from urban 

expansion, more intensive agricultural practices, continued 

logging and coastal zone shoreline destruction. The Aquatic Gap 

project seeks to identify the gaps in the conservation of aquatic 

biodiversity in the Great Lakes region.

Objective

The objectives of this project are to: (1) build and maintain 

partnerships with interested stakeholders, (2) classify aquatic 

habitats in rivers, streams, and in selected coastal margins using 

regionally consistent methods, (3) develop aquatic biological 

databases at state and regional scales, (4) map the actual and 

predicted occurrence and distribution of fish and other aquatic 

species in streams and selected coastal habitats, (6) complete a 

Gap analysis of fish and selected aquatic invertebrate species, (7) 

serve these data and products on the Internet and on CD-ROM, 

and (8) analyze, synthesize, interpret, and publish results at 

statewide, lakewide, and basinwide scales. 

Approach

Habitat characteristics and species occurrences are being 

compiled and modeled for riverine and near-shore coastal 

systems as part of the Great Lakes Aquatic Gap Project. Habitat 

data from both riverine and coastal studies are being used in 

conjunction with fish occurrence data to characterize the habitat, 

identify species-habitat relationships, and model expected 
species distributions. For riverine systems, habitat characteristics 

have been derived for 1:100,000 National Hydrography Data 

stream segments in MI, NY, OH, and WI using a Geographic 

Information System and are based on physical characteristics 

that describe stream geology, geomorphology, temperature, and 

flow. A spatially nested hierarchical framework has been developed to classify coastal habitat types and has been applied to 

near-shore coastal systems in two pilot areas, western Lake Erie 

and eastern Lake Ontario. Characteristics such as circulation, 

geology, wind and wave exposure, geomorphology, and temperature regime were combined to form coastal habitat units. All 

habitat characteristics and fish observations are geo-referenced 

and stored in a central relational database where information is 

linked to stream segments and coastal units. Results of analyses 

will be overlaid with land stewardship and other maps to identify 

gaps in the protection of these species and their habitats. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

A central database has been developed to accommodate stream 

habitat characteristics, aquatic biota sample collections, and 

habitat affinity information for all Great Lakes GAP projects and 

is housed at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center. For riverine 

projects, streams have been attributed with habitat characteristics 

and regression models have been developed to predict stream 

temperature. Fish data have been acquired and loaded into the 

central database and sample locations have been linked to the 

hydrologic network. Initial exploration of modeling methods 

for fish-environment relations has begun. For near-shore coastal 

systems, a conceptual framework for identification and classification of coastal habitat types has been developed and applied to 

a pilot study area in western Lake Erie.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Ecological stream classifications will be finalized and a draft 

geospatial dataset of physical habitat attributes will be prepared 

for future publication. Presence/absence modeling will begin for 

all native and non-native established fish species in WI, MI, and 

NY streams, and abundance modeling will be undertaken for 

selected fish species. 

Periphyton-Mercury: The 

Role of Periphyton in Mercury 

Bioaccumulation

in Stream Ecosystems 

Cooperators: US Environmental Protection Agency,

NAWQA Mercury Topical Study Toxics Program

Project Chief: Barbara C. Scudder; Amanda H. Roehrborn

Location: Western Lake Michigan Basin (WMIC), Georgia-Florida

Costal Plains Basin (GAFL), Willamette River Basin (WILL)

Project Number: B2100

Period of Project: May 2003–December 2004

Problem

In 2003, the USGS NAWQA and Toxics Program began a 

study to examine total mercury and methylmercury in water, 

streambed sediments, forage fish, predator fish, and benthic 

macroinvertebrates. Missing from the NAWQA mercury study 

was an investigation of the role of periphyton (benthic attached 

algae)—primary producers in riverine systems—in mercury 

methylation and mercury cycling in river ecosystems. Our USGS 

NAWQA and USEPA-funded study proposed to fill the gap from 

the water column and sediments to the invertebrates and fish by 

conducting an evaluation of the periphyton at the eight NAWQA 

mercury study sites.

Objective

This study will focus on collection and analysis of periphyton to 

address three main questions: 

(1) Is there a correlation between mercury concentrations in 

the periphyton and water or sediment?

(2) Is periphyton a significant source of methylmercury to 

biota at higher trophic levels in riverine systems? 

(3) Is there a correlation between the concentration of 

mercury in the periphyton and the invertebrates that feed 

on periphyton? 

Approach

Periphyton samples were collected using current NAWQA 

protocols (Moulton and others, 2002) and ultra-clean techniques. 

Two composite periphyton samples were collected from each of 

the eight NAWQA. Analyses include total mercury, methylmercury, stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, chlorophyll a, ash-free 

dry mass, and general divisional enumeration. Results will be 

published as a USGS Open-File Report, Scientific Investigations 

Report, and journal article. 

Progress (May 2003–June 2004)

All sampling has been completed and analysis has begun on data 

returned. Preliminary report writing is in progress. 

Plans (June 2004–December 2004)

Finish data analysis and report writing, and prepare for fall 

conference.

Reports (Proposed)

Roehrborn, A.H. and Scudder, B.C., The role of periphyton in 

the bioaccumulation of mercury in riverine ecosystems.

	 Regional and National Assessment Team	 83
84	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004
Lake Studies Team

Office of the Assistant District Chief for Surface-Water Monitoring

Mission

The mission of the Lake Studies Team is to provide hydrologic, water-quality, and other 

scientific information to: 

• describe current characteristics and conditions of lakes, 

• identify and understand water-quality problems, and 

• help determine effective management actions to protect or restore lakes in 

Wisconsin and the Nation and evaluate their effectiveness.

Team Members

William J. Rose, Hydrologist (Team Leader, Engineering)

Herbert S. Garn, Assistant District Chief

Dale M. Robertson, Research Hydrologist (Limnology)

Gerald L. Goddard, Hydrologic Technician

Daniel L. Olson, Hydrologic Technician

Josef Schuler, Hydrologic Technician

Brent W. Olson, Hydrologic Technician

Stephanie M. Berg, Student Trainee (Hydrology)

Chad J. Bloom, Hydrologic Technician (Student)

S. Bridgett Marsh, Hydrologist

Bernard N. Lenz, Civil Engineer

Lake Studies Team	 85
86	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects

9KB25	 Lake Water-Quality Monitoring, Chemical and Biological Monitoring of Selected

Lakes...................................................................................................................................................88

9KB26	 Miscellaneous Monitoring Associated with Lakes.....................................................................88

9KB27	 Wisconsin Lakes, Green Lake Tributary Monitoring...................................................................89

9KB29	 Assessment of Phosphorus Loading, Winter Anoxia, and Stage Regulation of

Little St. Germain Lake, Vilas County.............................................................................................90

9KB30	 Assessment of the Water Quality, Hydrology, and Biology of Geneva Lake ..........................91

9KB32	 Assessment of the Water Quality of Wazee Lake, Jackson County ........................................92

9KB33	 Assessment of the Hydrology, Water Quality, and Biology of Delavan Lake .........................92

9KB34	 Assessment of the Hydrology, Water Quality, and Phosphorus Loading of

Butternut Lake...................................................................................................................................94

9KB35	 Water Quality of Nagawicka Lake in Response to Hydrologic and Phosphorus

Loading...............................................................................................................................................94

9KM32	 Eutrophication Modeling to Aid in the Development of a TMDL for the

Salton Sea, California.......................................................................................................................95
STATEWIDE PROJECTS

9KB25	 Lake Water-Quality Monitoring, Chemical and Biological

Monitoring of Selected Lakes

9KB26	 Miscellaneous Monitoring Associated with Lakes

PROJECTS Outside of Wisconsin

Southern California

9KM32	 Eutrophication Modeling to Aid in the Development of a

TMDL for the Salton Sea	

LOCATION-SPECIFIC PROJECTS

County

Ashland County

9KB34	 Assessment of the Hydrology, Water Quality, and

Phosphorus Loading of Butternut Lake

Green Lake County

9KB27	 Green Lake Monitoring

Jackson County

9KB32	 Assessment of the Water Quality of Wazee Lake,

Jackson County

Price County

9KB34	 Assessment of the Hydrology, Water Quality, and

Phosphorus Loading of Butternut Lake

Waukesha County

9KB35	 Water Quality of Nagawicka Lake in Response to

Hydrologic and Phosphorus Loading

Local

Delavan Lake, Walworth County

9KB33	 Assessment of the Hydrology, Water Quality, and Biology

of Delavan Lake

Geneva Lake, Walworth County

9KB30	 Assessment of the Water Quality, Hydrology, and Biology

of Geneva Lake

Little St. Germain Lake, Vilas County

9KB29	 Assessment of Phosphorus Loading, Winter Anoxia, and

Stage Regulation of Little St. Germain Lake, Vilas County

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Lake Studies Team	 87
88	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Lake Water-Quality Monitoring, 

Chemical and Biological Monitoring 

of Selected Lakes

Project Chief: William J. Rose

Location: Selected lakes in Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KB25

Period of Project: June 1983–Continuing

Cooperators:

In the 2003 water year:

Big Cedar, Booth, Lac La Belle, Little Cedar, Little Green, 

Lauderdale, Middle Genesee, Okauchee, Potter, Powers, 

Waterford Waterways, and Wind Lake Districts; townships of 

Minocqua (Kawaguesaga and Minocqua Lakes) and Springfield 

(East and West Twin Lakes); and Village of Oconomowoc Lake 

(Oconomowoc Lake).

In the 2004 water year: 

Big Cedar, Lauderdale, Little Cedar, Middle Genesee, 

Okauchee, Potter, Powers, Waterford Waterways, and Wind 

Lake Districts; townships Auburn (Forest Lake) and Springfield 

(East and West Twin Lakes); and village of Oconomowoc Lake 

(Oconomowoc Lake). 

Problem

Lakes are a significant and valuable resource in the State of 

Wisconsin and are experiencing increased pressure from development and use. Many lakes do not have adequate water-quality 

information available for management of the lake or to assess 

water-quality trends. Hence, their water quality needs to be 

assessed and documented. 

Objective

Objectives of this project are to: (1) determine the current water 

quality and trophic status of lakes, (2) assess the condition of 

specific lakes in comparison with other lakes of the same type 

in the region, and (3) build a quantitative database so that any 

detrimental changes or trends that might occur in the future can 

be detected quickly and evaluated objectively.

Approach

For most lakes in the program water quality will be monitored 

in February, April, June, July, and August. Depth profiles of 

dissolved-oxygen concentration, temperature, pH, and specific 

conductance will be determined. In April, the lakes will be 

sampled for analysis of the major anions and cations, nitrogen, 

and dissolved phosphorus. Secchi-depth measurements will be 

made for all months (except February), and total phosphorus and 

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chlorophyll a samples will be collected and analyzed. Lake stage 

will be measured at each of the five visits to the lake. For some 

lakes, such as those with multiple basins, more than one site on 

the lake is monitored.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Data were collected, published, and archived for 17 lakes during 

water year 2003. The locations of lakes included in the monitoring program for water years 2003–2004 are shown on the 

map above.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Thirteen lakes will be monitored in water year 2004. Data 

collected during the year will be compiled and transmitted to the 

respective cooperators. The data will be prepared for publication 

in the annual report “Water Quality and Lake-Stage Data for 

Wisconsin Lakes, Water Year 2004.”

Miscellaneous Monitoring Associated 

with Lakes 

Cooperators: City of Muskego, Little Muskego Lake Management

District, Wind Lake Management District, Town of Rice Lake

Project Chief: William J. Rose

Location: Statewide

Project Number: 9KB26

Period of Project: October 1998–Continuing
Problem

Monitoring miscellaneous, single hydrologic aspects of lakes is 

needed, but does not warrant establishing separate projects or 

subprojects. This monitoring is typically narrow in scope, such 

as flow or loading from a single lake tributary or lake stage, and 

is usually a prelude to, or follow-up from, a more comprehensive 

lake study. 

Objective

The objective is to collect lake stage, streamflow, stream-water 

quality, and constituent load data as needed. These lake-related 

monitoring efforts will be managed and financially tracked in 

this project.

Approach

Monitoring that fits into this subproject will be done using 

appropriate standard USGS practices. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Monitoring of flow, phosphorus loading, and suspended-sediment loading to Little Muskego Lake at the mouth of Jewel 

Creek was discontinued September 30, 2003. Monitoring of 

flow from Big Muskego Lake continued. Flow in a small tributary with intermittent diversions to Devils Lake was monitored. 

Water levels in Big Muskego and Wind Lakes were monitored. 

Five near-lake piezometers were installed and sampled at Desair 

Lake in Barron County to assess the significance of ground 

water as a source of phosphorus to the lake.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Monitoring at last year’s sites will continue. An effort will 

be made to restore funding for the Jewel Creek site in order 

to resume water, sediment, and phosphorus monitoring. Data 

will be published in the annual reports “Water Resources 

Data–Wisconsin” and “Water-Quality and Lake-Stage Data for 

Wisconsin Lakes.”

Wisconsin Lakes, Green Lake 

Tributary Monitoring 

Cooperator: Green Lake Sanitary District

Project Chief: William J. Rose

Location: Green Lake County

Project Number: 9KB27

Period of Project: October 1977–Continuing

Problem

Silver Creek is the primary source of phosphorus to Green Lake, 

the deepest natural inland lake in Wisconsin. Continued documentation of suspended sediment and phosphorus loads from 

major tributaries are needed to evaluate the lake’s water quality. 

Data are needed to determine changes in loads over time and 

loading variability in relation to streamflow.

Objective

The objectives of this project are to determine suspended sediment and phosphorus loads in relation to streamflow in selected 

tributaries to Green Lake and to monitor the lake’s water quality.

Approach

Streamflow will be monitored continuously at selected sites. 

Water-sediment samples will be collected manually and by 

automatic samplers during storm runoff. Suspended-sediment 

and nutrient concentrations will be determined. Daily, monthly, 

and annual mean suspended-sediment and nutrient loads will be 

computed. Lake water quality will be measured at two locations 

six times per year.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Streamflow and water quality were monitored at the Silver Creek 

inlet to Green Lake and at the mouth of White Creek. The Silver 

Creek site is equipped with a Doppler velocity meter, a stage 

gage, and an automatic water sampler. The White Creek site is 

a conventional stream-gaging site and is equipped with an automatic water sampler. Streamflow, phosphorus, and suspendedsediment loading to the lake were determined for both sites.

A gage on the Puchyan River near the outlet of Green Lake was 

operated to monitor flow from the lake. Water samples were 

collected manually for phosphorus analysis. Streamflow, loads, 

and concentration data were published in the report “Water 

Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 2003.”

USGS began monitoring lake water-quality in Green Lake in 

May 2004.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Streamflow and water-quality monitoring at the Silver Creek 

and White Creek inlets and at the Puchyan River outlet will be 

continued. Streamflow, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment 

loads will be published in the annual report, “Water Resources 

Data—Wisconsin.” Lake water-quality monitoring will continue. 

These data will be published in the annual lakes data report, 

“Water-Quality and Lake-Stage Data for Wisconsin.”

Lake Studies Team	 89
90	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Assessment of Phosphorus Loading, 

Winter Anoxia, and Stage Regulation 

of Little St. Germain Lake, Vilas 

County

Cooperator: Little St. Germain Lake District

Project Chiefs: William J. Rose; Dale M. Robertson

Location: 10 miles west of Eagle River

Project Number: 9KB29

Period of Project: August 1996–September 2004

Problem

Little St. Germain Lake consists of four main basins (East 

Bay, Upper East Bay, South Bay, and West Bay) separated by 

narrows. Muskellunge Creek, the lake’s only inlet stream, enters 

East Bay. A dam at the lake’s outlet is used to regulate lake 

stage and flow from South Bay. Hence, the net flow of water is 

from East Bay to South Bay. Summer water quality ranges from 

good to very good in the West Bay, fair to good in the South 

Bay, and poor to very poor in the East Bay, based on monitoring 

from 1992–1994. Dissolved oxygen was absent at the South 

Bay monitoring site in late winter each year from 1992–1994. 

The areal extent and cause of the oxygen problem was identified 

in studies from 1994–2000. The Lake District is considering 

various measures to improve lake water quality. These include 

aeration of Upper East and South Bays in winter and possible 

treatment of Muskellunge Creek water before it enters the lake.

Objective

The primary objectives of this project are to: (1) continue the 

water-quality trend monitoring at sites in the four main basins 

of the lake, (2) continue monitoring to determine water and 

phosphorus loading to the lake from Muskellunge Creek, 

(3) identify sources of phosphorus to Muskellunge Creek, 

(4) determine spatial and temporal distribution of oxygen in 

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winter before and after installation of aeration systems, 

(5) model ground-water/lake-water interaction and estimate 

loading of phosphorus to the lake from ground water, and 

(6) synthesize all data, new and old, to evaluate the effectiveness of aeration systems and refine lake water and phosphorus 

budgets. 

Approach

The lake’s water and phosphorus budgets will be defined to 

better resolution than in previous studies by quantifying groundwater inflow and outflow through modeling aided by data from 

piezometers installed around the lake’s perimeter. Determination 

of inflow to the lake from Muskellunge Creek will be improved 

by the operation of a continuous stage monitor. Measurements 

of flow and phosphorus concentration will be made at three locations along Muskellunge Creek to identify general source areas 

for phosphorus. Phosphorus loading from ground water will be 

based on data from sampled near-lake piezometers and inflow 

estimates generated by the ground-water model (GFLOW). 

Lake-water quality trend monitoring will continue at the four 

main basins of the lake. Measurements will be made to 

determine the spatial and temporal distribution of oxygen in 

winter before and after installation of aeration systems. All new 

and old data will be synthesized to evaluate the effectiveness of 

the aerations systems and to refine lake water and phosphorus 

budgets.
Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Data monitoring continued as scheduled. The Lake District 

installed an aerator in the Upper South Bay and continued 

operation of the aerators in East Bay and Northeast Bay, which 

were installed two year earlier. Ground-water modeling was 

completed.

Plans (July 2002–June 2003)

A report containing refined water and phosphorus budgets for 

the lake and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the aerators 

will be prepared.

Reports

Robertson, D.M., and Rose, W.J., 2000, Hydrology, water 

quality, and phosphorus loading of Little St. Germain Lake, 

Vilas County, Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey WaterResources Investigations Report 00–4209, 8 p.

Assessment of the Water Quality, 

Hydrology, and Biology of 

Geneva Lake

Cooperator: Geneva Lake Environmental Agency

Project Chief: Dale M. Robertson

Location: Walworth County

Project Number: 9KB30

Period of Project: March 1997–Continuing

Problem

Concerns continue to arise over the potential decline in the water 

quality of Geneva Lake because of increased urban development and recreational use. To reduce the impact on the lake, 

efforts have been and are continuing to be made to decrease the 

point- and nonpoint-source pollution to the lake. As part of past 

cooperative studies on Geneva Lake, historical water-quality 

data collected on the lake were assembled and compared with 

that collected by the USGS from 1997 through 1999. Empirical 

eutrophication models were also developed for the lake and used 

to demonstrate that the changes in the water quality of the lake 

were consistent with the reductions in the phosphorus loading to 

the lake. Continued water-quality and biological information are 

needed to determine the effectiveness of pollution preventionstrategies implemented in the basin.

Objective

The objectives of this project are to document the water quality 

and planktonic populations in the lake. 

Approach

Standard limnological procedures are being used to monitor 

water quality and plankton populations in the lake. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Lake sampling continued at the deep hole in the West Basin. 

Lake data were compiled for publication in the report, “Water 

Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 2003” and “WaterQuality and Lake-Stage Data for Wisconsin Lakes, Water Year 

2003.” 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Lake sampling will continue in the West Bay of the lake. Lake 

data will be compiled and published in the Water Resources 

Data–Wisconsin reports. 

REPORTS

Robertson, D.M., Goddard, G.L., Mergener, E.A., Rose, W.J., 

and Garrison, P.J., 2002, Hydrology and water quality of Geneva 

Lake, Walworth County, Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Resources Investigations Report 02–4039, 73 p.

Lake Studies Team	 91

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92	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Assessment of the Water Quality of 

Wazee Lake, Jackson County

Cooperator: Jackson County

Project Chief: Dale M. Robertson

Location: Jackson County

Project Number: 9KB32

Period of Project: October 2002–September 2004

Problem

Because Wazee Lake is only about 20 years old, it is undergoing 

the very early stages in its aging process. Some intermittent 

measurements of the lake’s water quality have been made in 

recent years and changes have been observed. One change is 

that the lake has gone from being dimictic, a lake with complete 

mixing during spring and fall, to being meromictic, or a lake 

with a monimolimnion (a lower zone which does not mix with 

the primary mass of lake water). A program of systematic waterquality monitoring is needed to document changes, to allow for 

early detection of undesirable changes, and to aid in making 

management decisions.

Because Wazee Lake is such a valuable and unique resource 

to Jackson County, the region, and the State of Wisconsin, the 

County wants to manage and develop the lake and surrounding 

park for public use in ways that avoid damaging the quality of 

the lake. The primary reason for the proposed monitoring of 

Wazee Lake is to build on the lake’s water-quality data base. 

Objective

The goals of the proposed program are to (1) determine the 

current water quality and trophic status of the lake, (2) begin 

evaluating the impact of the beach area on the water quality of 

the lake, and (3) build a quantitative database so that improving 

or worsening changes or trends that might occur in the future 

can be detected quickly and evaluated objectively.

Approach

Measurements and analyses will be made at the deepest location 

in the lake to characterize the trophic status (degree of nutrient 

enrichment) of the lake, the chemical composition of the water, 

and the temperature and dissolved oxygen distribution within the 

lake. Profiles (from surface to bottom) of temperature, specific 

conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity will be 

measured during each of seven sampling visits during the year. 

These data will define the nature of stratification and mixing 

during the year. Sampling for chemical characterization of the 

water will be done at spring turnover when the water above the 

monimolimnion is uniformly mixed.

Progress (july 2003–june 2004)

Lake sampling, water level measurements, and beach sampling 

was completed. Lake data were compiled and published in the 

report, “Water-Quality and Lake-Stage Data for Wisconsin 

Lakes, Water Year 2003.” 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Begin development of a future study to define and quantify 

lake/ground-water interactions and define the recharge area for 

ground water entering the lake.

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Assessment of the Hydrology, Water 

Quality, and Biology of Delavan Lake 

Cooperator: Delavan Lake Sanitary District

Project Chiefs: Dale M. Robertson; Gerald L. Goddard

Location: Walworth County

Project Number: 9KB33

Period of Project: August 1983–Continuing

Problem

Eutrophication of Delavan Lake accelerated from the 1940s to 

1980s, resulting in a hypereutrophic lake with severe blue-green 

algae blooms. Extensive rehabilitation efforts were implemented 

from 1990–1993 to improve the lake’s water quality. Monitoring 
of the lake and nutrient and sediment loads to the lake is 

continuing to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts 

and guide future management decisions.

Objective

The objectives of this project are to: (1) quantify the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts by measuring nutrient and 

suspended sediment loads at Jackson Creek tributary near 

Elkhorn, Jackson Creek at Mound Road (wetland outlet), 

Delavan Lake Inlet at Highway 50, and at the lake’s outlet, 

(2) measure water quality, and plankton populations in the 

lake, and (3) determine the trapping efficiency of the upstream 

wetlands for phosphorus and suspended sediment.

Approach

Nutrients, suspended sediments, and streamflow are monitored 

at Jackson Creek tributary, the wetland outlet at Mound Road, 

at Highway 50, and the lake outlet. Nutrient concentrations, 

dissolved oxygen, water temperature, pH, specific conductance, 

and planktonic populations are monitored within the lake. The 

effectiveness of the wetland is estimated by examining changes 

in the morphometry of the wetland ponds and changes in phosphorus and suspended sediment export at Mound Road.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Streamflow was monitored continuously at three inflow sites 

and at one outflow site. Water samples were collected monthly 

and during storm-runoff events at all stream sites. Water 

samples were collected at the center of the lake and analyzed for 

nutrients and plankton populations. The 2003 water-year data 

were compiled and published in USGS annual reports, “Water 

Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 2003” and “WaterQuality and Lake-Stage Data for Wisconsin Lakes, Water Year 

2003.” Although summer average total phosphorus concentrations have increased since 1993 (to about 40 μg/L), chlorophyll 

a concentrations remain relatively low and water clarity remains 

very good. Additional sediment deposition was measured in the 

wetland ponds.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Reconfiguration of the wetlands is planned for this period. The 

monitoring program for the tributaries and the lake will be 

continued and the effects of changes to the wetland will be documented. Data will be compiled for publication. 

Reports

Robertson, D.M., Goddard, G.L., Helsel, D.R., and MacKinnon, 

K.L., 2000, Rehabilitation of Delavan Lake, Wisconsin: Lake 

and Reservoir Management, v. 20, no. 1, p. 155–176.

Panuska, J.C., and Robertson, D.M., 1999, Estimating phosphorus concentrations following alum treatment using apparent 

settling velocities: Lakes and Reservoir Management, v. 15, 

no. 1, p. 28–38.

Robertson, D.M., Elder, J.F., Goddard, G.L., and James, W.F., 

1998, Dynamics in phosphorus retention in wetlands upstream 

of Delavan Lake, Wisconsin: Lakes and Reservoir Management, 

v. 14, no. 4, p. 466–477.

Elder, J.F., Manion, B.J., and Goddard, G.L., 1997, Mesocosm 

experiments to assess factors affecting phosphorus retention 

and release in an extended Wisconsin wetland: U.S. Geological 

Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 97–4272, 14 p.

Goddard, G.L., and Elder, J.F., 1997, Retention of sediments 

and nutrients in Jackson Creek Wetland near Delavan Lake, 

Wisconsin, 1993–95, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources 

Investigations Report 97–4014, 22 p.

Elder, J.F., and Goddard, G.L., 1996, Sediment and nutrient 

trapping efficiency of a constructed wetland near Delavan Lake, 

Wisconsin, 1993–1995: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 

232–96.

Robertson, D.M., Field, S.J, Elder, J.F., Goddard, G.L., and 

James, W.F., 1996, Phosphorus dynamics of Delavan Lake inlet 

in southeastern Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey WaterResources Investigations Report 96–4160, 18 p.

Field, S.J., and Duerk, M.D., 1988, Hydrology and water quality 

of Delavan Lake in southeastern Wisconsin: U.S. Geological 

Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 87–4168, 61 p.

Lake Studies Team	 93

             











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94	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Assessment of the Hydrology, Water 

Quality, and Phosphorus Loading of 

Butternut Lake

Cooperator: Price County

Project Chief: William J. Rose

Location: Ashland and Price Counties

Project Number: 9KB34

Period of Project: October 2002–December 2006

Problem

Butternut Lake area residents and authorities would like to 

improve the lake’s water quality, which they feel was degraded 

by past activities in the watershed. Prior to the 1960s, untreated 

municipal and cheese factory waste and losses from agricultural fields and inadequate failing septic systems were the main 

sources of nutrients to the lake. Since the 1960s, implementation 

and enforcement of a zoning ordinance regulating these systems 

has likely eliminated or significantly reduced these sources of 

nutrients. Agricultural activity in the watershed, particularly 

dairy farming, has declined considerably in the last 30 years. In 

the early 1980s, conditions in the lake appeared to be improving 

(written commun., Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 

1982); however, the lake is still quite eutrophic, having occasional algal blooms and excessive weed growth. Recycling of 

accumulated phosphorus from bottom sediments, rather than 

loading from external sources, is now believed to be the major 

cause of current poor water quality.

Lake-area residents and lake users would like to implement 

management or restoration steps to return the lake to a more 

natural, pre-settlement state. Before management decisions are 

made, a good understanding of the lake’s hydrology, nutrient 

loading by specific source, and internal recycling of nutrients 

is needed. In addition, the lake’s likely response to incremental 

increases or decreases in phosphorus loading needs to be determined.

Objective

The objectives are to: (1) Define hydrology and water budget 

of the lake, (2) determine the phosphorus loads from various 

sources and develop a phosphorus budget for the lake, (3) 

evaluate current lake water quality (trophic state) in relation to 

longer-term trends and in relation to current nutrient loading 

from external sources, and (4) evaluate the effects of increases or 

decreases in phosphorus loading on the trophic status of the lake 

using the BATHTUB model.

Approach

Stream data will be collected from November 2002 through 

October 2004. Lake water-quality monitoring will begin 

in March 2003 and continue through September 2004. 

Instrumentation needed for the water and phosphorus budget 

determination will be installed in October 2002. Data collection for water and phosphorus budget determination will be for 

two years, November 2002 through October 2004. Water and 

phosphorus budgets will be compiled using the measured major 

inputs and outputs and estimated minor inputs and outputs. Lake 

water quality will be evaluated using data collected for this study 

in addition to available historical data. The BATHTUB model 

will be calibrated using the detailed data collected during this 

study and then the model will be used to simulate lake waterquality response to incremental increases and decreases in phosphorus loading.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Operation of the data-collection network on the lake, streams, 

precipitation, and ground water continued. First-year data were 

published in the annual data reports, “Water Resources Data—

Wisconsin” and “Water-Quality Data and Lake-Stage Data for 

Wisconsin Lakes.” Preliminary water and phosphorus budgets 

for the first year of data collection were constructed.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Continue operation of the data collection network through 

October 31, 2004 and publish second-year data in the annual 

data reports. Complete interpretation of data and begin preparing 

the final report for the study.

Water Quality of Nagawicka Lake 

in Response to Hydrologic and 

Phosphorus Loading

Cooperator: City of Delafield

Project Chief: Herbert S. Garn

Location: Waukesha County

Project Number: 9KB35

Period of Project: October 2002–September 2006

Problem

The trophic state of Nagawicka Lake is mesotrophic-borderline 

eutrophic, and quantified information on actual phosphorus 

loading sources and rates are not available to accurately evaluate 

the potential changes in lake condition under increased or 

decreased loading. Critical information to the City of Delafield, 

Lake Welfare Committee necessary for the management of 
Nagawicka Lake is needed to address identified nonpoint-pollution sources and stormwater management. Potential changes in 

the water quality of Nagawicka Lake due to human activities 

and development in the watershed, and operation of lake outlet 

structures to maintain water levels and reduce flooding were 

identified as issues in the lake-management plan. The effects of 

increasing development in the watershed and possible resulting 

increased stormwater runoff and nutrient loading are a concern 

to residents, the City, and other entities. In order to establish 

realistic water-quality goals for Nagawicka Lake, accurate 

nutrient loading estimates are needed to enable water-quality 

models to be calibrated and used to simulate future response of 

the lake. With a calibrated model, the lake’s response to incremental increases or decreases in phosphorus loading can be 

evaluated and used to refine the lake-management plan.

Objective

This study will quantify the actual phosphorus and sediment 

loads entering and leaving Nagawicka Lake from the Bark River 

watershed, and will determine how incoming loads affect lake 

water quality.

The objectives of the proposed project are to:

• quantify the flows, phosphorus and sediment loads 

entering and leaving Nagawicka Lake;

• determine measured water and phosphorus budgets 

for Nagawicka Lake, thereby providing a better understanding of the problems and sources of nutrients for 

developing future lake management actions;

• relate the measured water and contaminant loads to 

observed and modeled water-quality responses within the 

Lake; and

• model the response of the Lake to future phosphorusloading scenarios and to specific management actions 

aimed at reducing phosphorus loads to Nagawicka Lake. 

A better understanding of the hydrologic and phosphorus inputs 

and potential response of the lake to various management 

scenarios will enhance the management of Nagawicka Lake.

Approach

The study will consist of gage installation and two years of data 

collection followed by data analysis and report preparation. 

Water quality will be sampled six times per year in Nagawicka 

Lake and water levels will be recorded continuously at a lake 

gage. To estimate the nutrient loading at the Bark River inlet and 

outlet, daily streamflow will be measured and samples will be 

collected by automatic water sampler at the inlet and manually 

at the outlet. To estimate nutrient loading from other direct tributaries, three miscellaneous sites will also be sampled manually 

and with siphon samplers. Phosphorus load data at the stream 

sites will be used to estimate unit-area loads for unmonitored 

portions of the basin. These measured data, along with other 

estimates, will be used to develop complete hydrologic and 

phosphorus budgets for the lake. Concurrent water and phosphorus budgets for the lake and in-lake water-quality data will 

be used to calibrate WiLMS (Wisconsin Lake Modeling Suite) 

and used to estimate the response of the lake to various phosphorus-loading scenarios.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The project is in the second year of data-collection phase. The 

project began October 2002 with installation of two recording 

streamflow-gaging stations (Bark River inlet and outflow from 

dam) and a recording lake gage. An automatic water sampler is 

installed at the Bark River inlet site. Operated continuous-record 

monitoring stations for the first year of data collection. Collected 

suspended sediment, total phosphorus, and dissolved orthophosphorus data at streamflow stations for computation of loads; 

collected water samples at 3 miscellaneous water-quality sites. 

In-lake water quality was sampled at one main site on the lake. 

Installed and sampled 5 piezometers located near the shoreline 

around the lake. Stream data were compiled and published in the 

report “Water Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 2003.” 

Lake data were compiled and published in “Water-Quality and 

Lake-Stage Data for Wisconsin Lakes, Water Year 2003.”

Plans (July 2004 to June 2005)

Continue on-going streamflow and water-quality data collection at continuous-record monitoring stations, miscellaneous 

sites, and the lake. Prepare final data and compute records from 

second year of monitoring for publication in annual data reports. 

Begin draft of summary interpretive report.

Reports

Contributions published in annual data reports for Water 

Year 2003.

Eutrophication Modeling to Aid in the 

Development of a TMDL for the Salton 

Sea, California

Cooperator: University of California, Davis

Project Chief: Dale M. Robertson

Location: Southern California

Project Number: 9KM32

Period of Project: October 2003–September 2004

Lake Studies Team	 95
96	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Problem

The Salton Sea is a eutrophic to hypereutrophic water body in 

southern California characterized by high nutrient concentrations, high algal biomass as demonstrated by high chlorophyll a 

concentrations, high fish productivity, low clarity, frequent very 

low dissolved oxygen concentrations, massive fish kills, and 

noxious odors. Its eutrophic condition is primarily controlled 

or limited by phosphorus concentrations in the Sea. Most of the 

phosphorus input to the Salton Sea on an annual basis is from 

tributary loading; however, it is uncertain how important the 

release of phosphorus from the sediments of the Sea (associated 

with resuspension or redox conditions at the sediment surface) 

is to driving short-term algal blooms and anoxic conditions. To 

reduce the phosphorus loading to the Sea, a Total Maximum 

Daily Load (TMDL) is being prepared by the California 

Regional Water Quality Control Board, that, if implemented, is 

intended to improve the water quality and eliminate/reduce the 

problems with eutrophication.

To determine a TMDL for phosphorus that will reduce the 

productivity of the Salton Sea to acceptable limits and reduce 

the extent of fish kill and noxious odors, a better understanding 

is needed for the link between nutrient loading from the watershed and sediments and the water quality of the Sea.

Objectives

The work proposed by the USGS is part of a collaborative effort 

with the University of California, Davis (Dr. S. Geoff Schladow, 

Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering), and the National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration (Dr. Simon Hook). The 

objectives of the USGS part of the study are: (1) refine all of the 

inputs (hydrologic and nutrient loading) to the Salton Sea, (2) 

determine what are the most important factors influencing shortterm (daily) and long-term (annual and longer) productivity of 

the Salton Sea, (3) determine how modifications to the nutrient 

loading to the Sea should affect its short- and long-term productivity, and (4) in collaboration with the University of California, 

help the California Regional Water Quality Control Board establish a TMDL for the Salton Sea.

Approach

Historical data describing water quality in the Salton Sea and 

its tributaries will be assembled from the various agencies that 

collected the original data. Tributary loading will be estimated 

using the USGS load-estimating program Estimator, based on 

flow-to-load relations based on water-quality data and corresponding daily flow estimates from 1969 to 1999. To determine 

the sensitivity of the Salton Sea to decreases and increases in 

phosphorus loading, the BATHTUB model and other empirical 

models will be calibrated using lake and tributary data collected 

in 1999 and used to simulate conditions in the Sea with incremental increases and decreases in phosphorus loading. A 

dynamical model will also be developed by the University of 

California, Davis to describe how changes in the water quality 

of the Salton Sea should respond to decreases and increases in 

phosphorus loading. The results of the two different approaches 

will be compared.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

All of the hydrologic, loading, and in-lake data for the Salton 

Sea were assembled and summarized. Loading inputs were 

estimated from 1965 through 2002. Empirical eutrophication 

models were developed and response curves were estimated for 

changes in phosphorus loading. Phosphorus response curves of 

the empirical eutrophication models were compared with those 

generated using a dynamic model produced for the Salton Sea. 

A first draft of the final report was produced and provided to the 

California Regional Water Quality Control Board for review.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Complete final report and publish individual journal articles.

An upwelling on the north end of the Salton Sea, induced by northerly 

winds, can be observed on May 28, 2001, from this MODIS/Terra 

thermal infrared image. On the following day, a fish kill totaling an 

estimated 1,269,200 fish was reported as having occurred at the north 

end of the Sea, between Desert Shores and Mecca.
Surface-Water Quality Monitoring Team 

Office of the Assistant District chief for surface-Water Monitoring

MISSION

The mission of the Water-Quality Monitoring Team is to collect, store, interpret, and 

disseminate water-quality data at the state and local levels. The multi-disciplinary 

team will focus on water-quality issues utilizing new technologies and techniques to 

study the physical, chemical, biological, geological interactions in rivers and streams 

in Wisconsin. The use of current, innovative techniques and the latest technology 

will enable the Water-Quality Monitoring Team to work with cooperators to address 

emerging water-quality issues. Water quality issues may include occurrence and distribution, trends, and modeling of certain pollutants, relationships between natural factors, 

land use and water quality, and the relationship between ecological responses and water 

quality. Understanding the various components of the hydrologic system and their relationship to water quality will aid Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments in the 

management and protection of their water-quality resources.

Team Members

Kevin D. Richards, Physical Scientist (Team Leader)

Herbert S. Garn, Supervisory Hydrologist (Assistant District Chief)

Dale M. Robertson, Research Hydrologist (Limnology)

David J. Graczyk, Hydrologist

Sharon Fitzgerald, Research Hydrologist

Brett Esser, Hydrologic Technician 

Michelle Lutz, Physical Scientist 

Rob Waschbusch, Hydrologist 

Barb Scudder, Biologist 

Judith Thomas, Hydrologist 

David Hall, Hydrologist 

Rebecca Woll, Geographer 

Bernard Lenz, Engineer

Krista Stensvold, Student Trainee (Hydrology)

Laura Rozumalski, Hydrologic Technician (Student)

	 Surface-Water Quality Monitoring Team	 97
98	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects

9KM44	 Benthic Algae of Streams in the Menominee Indian Reservation.........................................100

9KP32	 Collection of Real-Time and Pathogen Data at Recreational Beaches in Madison ...........100

9KP41	 Dane County Water-Quality Program..........................................................................................101

9KP42	 Water Quality of the Lower Fox River Tributaries and Duck Creek Watersheds .................102

9KP43	 Impact of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Concentrations on the Biological Integrity of

Wisconsin Streams ........................................................................................................................103

9KP44	 Oneida Nation Hydrologic Investigations...................................................................................104

9KP45	 The Surface Water Resources of the Ho-Chunk Tribe.............................................................105

9KP46	 Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Corridor Study ..................................................106

9KP47	 Collection of Water-Quality Data for Calibration and Verification of the HSPF

Watershed Model for the Milwaukee and Root River Watersheds.......................................107
STATEWIDE PROJECTS

9KP43	 Impact of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Concentrations on

the Biological Integrity of Wisconsin Streams	

LOCATION-SPECIFIC PROJECTS

Tribal

Menominee Indian Reservation

9KM44	 Benthic algae of streams in the Menominee Indian

Reservation

Oneida Indian Reservation

9KP44	 Oneida Nation Hydrologic Investigations

County

Dane

9KP41	 Dane County Water-Quality Program

Brown

9KP42	 Water Quality of the Lower Fox River Tributaries and

Duck Creek Watersheds

Jackson, Juneau, Monroe, Sauk, Shawano, Wood

9KP45	 Surface Water Resources of the Ho-Chunk Tribe

Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, Waukesha

9KP46	 Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Corridor

Study

Municipal

Madison

9KP32	 Collection of Real-Time and Pathogen Data at

Recreational Beaches in Madison

Local

Milwaukee River and Root River Basins

9KP47	 Collection of Water-Quality Data for Calibration and

Verification of the HSPF Watershed Model for the

Milwaukee and Root River Watersheds	

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	 Surface-Water Quality Monitoring Team	 99
100	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Benthic Algae of Streams in the 

Menominee Indian Reservation

Cooperator: Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Project Chief: Barbara C. Scudder

Location: Menominee Indian Reservation

Project Number: 9KM44

Period of Project: October 2003–October 2004

Problem

Information from this project is desired by the Menominee 

Indian Tribe to construct a baseline status assessment of the 

water quality of streams in their reservation. Currently, the only 

previous algal sampling conducted in streams of the reservation 

was at two sites sampled by Scudder in 1998 (Garn and others, 

2001). Analyses of these algal samples also would provide information for the USGS NAWQA program for the Western Lake 

Michigan Drainages Study Unit.

Objective

The objectives of this project are to provide analysis of benthic 

algae samples and interpretation of water quality for 12 streams 

in the Menominee Indian Reservation as reflected by the abundance and distribution of algae in those streams. The project 

scope includes only the single set of algal samples collected in 

October 2000 for the 12 streams and would complement water 

quality and invertebrate information that was collected concurrently.

Approach

In October 2000, quantitative samples of benthic algae 

(periphyton) were collected from 12 streams of the Menominee 

Indian Reservation. A composite sample from woody snags in 

each stream was collected to allow calculation of metrics for 

water-quality assessment. Methods used were the same as those 

used to collect algae in the USGS’s National Water-Quality 

Assessment (NAWQA) program (method described in Porter 

and others, 1993). The sampling was done in conjunction with 

a USGS water-quality reconnaissance of these streams that 

included invertebrate sampling. At the time, funding was not 

available for analysis and interpretation of the algae samples. 

The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin (MITW) has 

submitted a proposal to the USEPA for funding to analyze the 

algae samples and interpret results. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Algae samples were sent to the Academy of Natural Sciences 

in Philadelphia (currently under contract by USGS NAWQA 

program) for identification and enumeration (relative count) in 

December 2003.

Plans (July 2002–June 2003)

Data interpretation will include a list of benthic algal taxa occurring at each stream site, selected metrics related to water quality 

such as the relative proportion of each algal group including 

diatoms, taxa richness, and data interpretation with regard to 

water quality and biotic integrity of sampled streams. A limited 

distribution report will include interpretation of data and algal 

species and abundance information and will include a CD-ROM 

with data tables. 

Collection of Real-Time and Pathogen 

Data at Recreational Beaches in 

Madison 

Cooperator: City of Madison

Project Chiefs: Robert J. Waschbusch; Steven R. Corsi

Location: Madison

Project Number: 9KP32

Period of Project: January 2002−September 2004

Problem

The City of Madison, Wisconsin contains three lakes with 

over 20 miles of shoreline. For over 50 years, the Madison 

Department of Public Health (MDPH) has conducted weekly 

microbiological testing of the 13 beaches surrounding these 

lakes. The MDPH has developed beach-closing criteria based on 

testing results, combined with physical observations of conditions at the beach site. Traditionally the decision to close a beach 

has been communicated via posting of signs at the beach site as 

well as press releases. Since 1999, the MDPH has also posted a 

rating system on their web page to communicate beach conditions.

Although the MDPH has developed beach-closing criteria based 

on microbial indicators, there is a concern that the criteria may 

not reflect the actual risk to swimmers since the occurrence of 

pathogenic microorganisms during periods of high indicator 

levels has never been determined. The historic records demonstrate that bacterial indicator levels may vary significantly from 

one beach to another and from location to location within a 

beach with no apparent explanation for the differences. This 

variation confounds the beach closing decision-making process. 

There is a need to gather data to clarify the decision process.
Objective

The objectives of this project were to: 

(1) develop a mathematical model that predicts the probability of high E. coli levels based on environmental data 

that can be monitored and reported in real-time, 

(2) evaluate and implement a new sensitive analytical method 

for detecting E.coli 0157:H7,

(3) develop a model that estimates the risk of pathogen 

occurrence, and 

(4) provide real-time, user-friendly, state-of-the-art waterquality information to the public, including education 

regarding recreational water-quality issues.

Approach

Three public swimming beaches were selected for monitoring, 

one on each of the three lakes representing differing lake 

morphology and beach user levels. The three beaches selected 

were:

Vilas Beach: Lake Wingra; high user levels.

Olbrich Beach: Lake Monona; medium user levels.

Spring Harbor Beach: Lake Mendota; low user levels.

During the swimming seasons of 2002 and 2003, the three 

beaches were continuously monitored for numerous water 

quality, meteorological and physical parameters. City of 

Madison beach personnel recorded daily swimmer and waterfowl counts. Madison Department of Public Health personnel 

collected fixed-interval samples at each beach five days per week 

for indicator organism and pathogen analysis. Custom-designed 

automatic water-quality samplers collected indicator organism 

and pathogen samples from 12 events at each beach. Events 

were defined as rainfall-runoff periods, high-turbidity periods, 

periods of high user counts or high wind/wave periods.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

The continuously monitored water quality, meteorological, 

physical data and indicator organism data were checked, 

compiled and used to develop probability-based models for realtime assessment of the risk of pathogen and high-level indicator 

organism occurrence. Although the indicator model significantly 

improved the prediction of high levels of E. coli the other model 

did not provide improved predictive ability for pathogen occurrence.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Publication of the final report. 

Reports

A final report entitled “Data Collection and Modeling of Enteric 

Pathogens, Fecal Indicators and Real-Time Environmental Data 

at Madison, Wisconsin Recreational Beaches for Timely Public 

Access to Water Quality Information” has been submitted for 

USGS and USEPA review.

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Dane County Water-Quality Program

Cooperator: Dane County Regional Planning Commission

Location: Dane County

Project Number: 9KP41

Period of Project: March 1992−Continuing

Problem

A long-term base of water-quality data is needed for waterresource planning and assessment purposes of the lakes and 

streams in Dane County.

Objective

The objectives of this program are to collect long-term waterquality data to establish a database, including (1) operating four 

continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations with automatic 

water-quality samplers to compute sediment and total-phosphorus loads of selected major tributaries to Lake Mendota, 

(2) operating one continuous-record streamflow gage on Black 

Earth Creek, and (3) conducting base-flow water-quality 

	 Surface-Water Quality Monitoring Team	 101
102	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

sampling six times per year during the open-water season at 

selected sites on streams throughout Dane County as agreed 

upon in an annual work plan. 

Approach

Streamflow-monitoring stations with automatic water-quality 

samplers are operated on three tributaries to Lake Mendota. 

Samples for analysis of suspended-sediment and phosphorus 

concentrations are collected at low flow and during periods 

when surface runoff is entering the streams. The concentration 

and streamflow data are used to compute annual suspended-sediment and total-phosphorus loads for the stations. On a rotating 

basis, various water-quality constituents (field measurements, 

nutrients, and common ions) are measured six times during the 

year at base flow of four selected streams in the county.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Streamflow and water-quality data collection at four continuousrecord monitoring sites (Pheasant Branch at Middleton, Spring 

Harbor Storm Sewer at Madison, and Yahara River at Windsor 

and at SH113 at Madison) continued. Suspended-sediment loads 

were computed for Spring Harbor Storm Sewer; suspended 

sediment and total phosphorus loads were computed for Yahara 

River at Windsor and SH113 and at Pheasant Branch for the 

2003 water year. Continuous streamflow monitoring at Black 

Earth Creek near Black Earth was continued for the year.

Base-flow water-quality sampling was completed at a set of four 

streams (054064509 Black Earth Creek (Stagecoach Rd) near 

Cross Plains, 05427270 Koshkonong Creek near Sun Prairie, 

05427507 Koshkonong Creek at Rockdale, and 05435980 West 

Branch Sugar River near Mt. Vernon) in the County for 2003. 

Extra low-flow measurements were made during the prolonged 

dry period at all sites in September 2003. Base-flow sampling 

will begin at a new set of four streams in the County for 2004. 

All streamflow, load, and concentration data were published in 

the annual data report “Water Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water 

Year 2003.”

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Streamflow monitoring will be continued at Black Earth 

Creek; streamflow and water-quality monitoring will be 

continued at the four continuous-record stations on tributaries 

to Lake Mendota. Six base-flow water-quality samples will be 

collected from Six Mile Creek near Waunakee (05427900), 

Door Creek near Cottage Grove (05429580), Yahara River 

near Stoughton (05429720), and Mount Vernon Creek near Mt. 

Vernon (05436000) during calendar year 2004. Final data will 

be prepared and published in the annual data report, “Water 

Resources Data–Wisconsin.” 

Reports

Contribution published in annual data report for Water Year 

2003.

Water Quality of the Lower Fox 

River Tributaries and Duck Creek 

Watersheds

Cooperator: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Project Chiefs: David J. Graczyk; Dale M. Robertson

Location: Brown County

Project Number: 9KP42

Period of Project: July 2003–Continuing

Problem

Nonpoint-source pollution is a major concern in Wisconsin. An 

evaluation strategy will be used to assess the effectiveness of 

nonpoint-source pollution control measures in five watersheds in 

the Lower Fox River and Duck Creek watersheds.

Objective

In-stream water-quality parameters (nutrients and suspended 

solids) will be monitored. The overall objective of this monitoring is to compare daily phosphorus and suspended solids 

loads for each watershed. Measured loads will be compared 

with those modeled by the University of Wisconsin Green Bay 

(UWGB).

Approach

Sampling will consist of fixed-interval and event-based 

sampling. Fixed interval monitoring consists of a predetermined 

sampling schedule that results in a set of data that captures 

natural variability in water quality due to a variety of unpredictable environmental conditions. Event-based monitoring consists 

of intensive sampling during periods of extreme variation in 

concentration and streamflow, which are important in accurately defining loads. Routine sampling will be conducted by 

the USGS and UWGB. Automated samples will be retrieved 

with the assistance from the UWGB. The USGS will determine 

which samples should be analyzed to represent the changes in 

water quality in the streams. All samples will be analyzed at the 

Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage Treatment Water Quality 

Laboratory. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Streamflow and water-quality gaging stations were installed on 

three streams (Apple Creek, Ashwaubenon Creek and Baird 

Creek). A water-quality sampler was installed at Duck Creek. 
An acoustic velocity meter (AVM) and water-quality sampler 

were installed at the East River at Monroe Street. Over 220 

water-quality samples were collected during events and low 

flows and analyzed for suspended solids, total and dissolved 

phosphorus. Median concentrations of total phosphorus ranged 

from 0.43 mg/L in Duck Creek to 0.92 mg/L in Baird Creek. 

Median suspended solids concentrations ranged from 22 mg/L in 

the East River to 199 mg/L in Baird Creek. Streamflow measurements were made at all sites to determine stage–discharge relations. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Apple, Ashwaubenon, Baird, and Duck Creeks will continue to 

be monitored for streamflow and water quality. Water-quality 

samples will be collected bi-weekly from April through October, 

and monthly from December through March. Samples will be 

collected at all sites during runoff periods. Land-use information will be updated for each basin. Water-quality loads for 

total phosphorus and suspended solids will be calculated and 

compared to modeled data by the UWGB. The data will be 

analyzed to determine if there are any apparent trends in water 

quality during implementation of best-management plans. 

All streamflow and water-quality data collected in 2004 will 

be summarized and published in the report “Water Resources 

Data−Wisconsin, Water Year 2004.” 

Impact of Phosphorus and Nitrogen 

Concentrations on the Biological 

Integrity of Wisconsin Streams

Cooperator: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Project Chiefs: David J. Graczyk; Dale M. Robertson

Location: Statewide

Project Number: 9KP43

Period of Project: March 2001–June 2005

Problem

Excessive nutrient (primarily phosphorus and nitrogen) loss 

from the watershed is frequently associated with water-quality 

problems in Wisconsin’s water bodies. The implementation of 

the WDNR’s proposed agricultural performance standards and 

prohibitions should decrease the risk of excessive nutrient loss 

from croplands and livestock operations. Implementation of 

TMDLs and the enforcement of phosphorus criteria would also 

reduce the problems caused by nutrients. The expected waterquality improvements due to the application of agricultural 

performance standards may vary due to possible differences in 

nutrient responses in each water body dependent upon where the 

stream is located. In order to evaluate the environmental benefits 

of the proposed performance standards and phosphorus criteria, 

sufficient data need to be collected in various types of streams to 

define the nutrient response.

Objective

The objectives of the project are to: (1) describe the water 

quality and biological communities in streams throughout the 

state, (2) determine how phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations 

impair the biological integrity of streams, (3) develop a database 

that can be used to refine the phosphorus criteria for Wisconsin 

streams, (4) determine how watershed characteristics affect the 

relations between phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations in 

streams and the biological integrity of the streams, and 

(5) improve our biological assessment of nutrient impairments 

by developing a nutrient index of biological integrity.

Approach

The approach for the project is to collect water-quality and 

biological-community data from streams throughout the state 

and statistically determine if significant relations exist between a 

stream’s nutrient concentrations, biological integrity, and watershed characteristics. Multivariate statistical analyses will be used 

to sort out the importance of the many different variables. Since 

these nutrient relations are expected to vary with stream size and 

the location of the stream in the state, streams will be grouped 

by size, and by four nutrient ecoregions and four nutrient 

zones. Streams will be divided into wadeable and non-wadeable 

streams.

The variables in the statistical analysis will include indicators 

of biological integrity, habitat characteristics, nutrient concentrations, and specific watershed characteristics. The biological 

indicators will include fish abundance and diversity, macroinvertebrate diversity, and periphyton biomass. Water samples 

collected from the stream will be analyzed for total phosphorus, 

dissolved phosphorus, nitrate, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, 

turbidity, conductivity, and suspended chlorophyll a. Watershed 

characteristics will include drainage-area size, stream gradient, 

climate data, land use, annual runoff, surficial deposits data, and 

soil characteristics types.

Approximately 160 small streams will be monitored in the first 

year of the study. Approximately 80 larger wadeable streams 

will be monitored in the second year of the study and approximately 40 larger non-wadeable larger streams will be sampled in 

the third year of the study. The fish and habitat data in the wadeable streams were collected using similar protocols at all sites 

and the data are stored in a readily accessible database.

A total of six water-quality samples will be collected between 

the months of May and October at each site. A flow measurement will be collected at the time of the water-quality grab 

sample.

	 Surface-Water Quality Monitoring Team	 103
104	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Progress (to June 2004)

Water quality and biological community data were collected at 

158 small wadeable streams in 2001, 78 larger wadeable streams 

in 2002, and 5 small wadeable and 40 large non-wadeable 

streams in 2003. Samples were analyzed for nutrients and chlorophyll a. Field measurements included stream discharge, water 

temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, conductance, and 

stream clarity. Most of the sites were sampled for attached algae, 

diatoms, and macroinvertebrates by the Wisconsin Department 

of Natural Resources. All data collected were summarized and 

published in “Water Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 

2001, 2002, and 2003.”

Preliminary analysis of the wadeable streams has been 

conducted and presented at the Midwest Surface Water 

Monitoring and Standards (SWiMS) Conference in Chicago, 

Ill., in 2003 and at several RTAG meetings with the USEPA in 

Chicago, Ill.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Complete the analysis examining the relations between watershed characteristics and water quality, between water quality 

and diatom communities, between water quality and macroinvertebrate and fish communities, and the analysis examining the 

interrelations between all aspects of water quality and biological 

integrity of streams. A final report will be written describing the 

impact of phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations on the biological integrity of wadeable streams in Wisconsin. Preliminary 

analysis of the data collected on the non-wadeable streams will 

be started.

Oneida Nation Hydrologic 

Investigations

Cooperator: Oneida Nation of Wisconsin

Project Chief: Kevin D. Richards

Location: Oneida Indian Reservation

Project Number: 9KP44

Period of Project: August 1997–September 2007

Problem

The Oneida Nation in Wisconsin has developed a seven-generation plan for their Reservation that includes instituting land-use 

practices that will allow the surface-water system draining the 

reservation the opportunity to revert to its pre-colonial condition. The Oneida Nation needs continuing information regarding 

water-quality conditions entering and within their Nation’s 

boundaries. The information is needed to determine trends in 

water quality and to provide data to assess the Tribe’s water 

resources.

Objective

The objective is to collect long-term data at two sites to perform 

trend analyses for pesticides, nutrients, and suspended sediment.

Approach

Sampling will be conducted at two sites to determine concentrations of nutrients, pesticides, and suspended sediment. 

Field parameters will also be collected and sampling will take 

place on a fixed interval. The National Water Quality Lab will 

analyze the water samples. National Water-Quality Assessment 

protocols will be followed in the collection and handling of the 

water-column samples. A staff person from the Oneida Nation 

Environmental Section will work with a USGS staff person in 

the collection of data. 

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Samples were collected at two sites monthly plus four events. 

Samples were analyzed for pesticides, nutrients and suspendedsediment concentrations. Data collected in 2003 were published 

in the report, “Water Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 

2003.”

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Data from samples collected from October 1, 2003 through 

September 30, 2004, will be published in the report, “Water 

Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 2004.” Water-quality 

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The Surface-Water Resources of the 

Ho-Chunk Tribe

Cooperator: Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

Project Chief: Judith C. Thomas

Location: Jackson, Sauk, Monroe, Juneau, Wood, and Shawano

Counties

Project Number: 9KP45

Period of Project: September 2000–Continuing

Problem

The Ho-Chunk Nation is concerned about the condition of 

streams and rivers on and around their residential lands because 

tribal members use these waters for food and recreation. 

Information regarding these waters is scarce and no summary of 

information is available.

Objective

The objective is to provide the Nation with information about 

their surface-water resources that will allow them to: (1) make 

decisions about using these waters for food and recreation, and 

(2) initiate a monitoring program for important waters.

Approach

Information on physical, chemical and biological characteristics of streams within a 1-mile radius of Ho-Chunk residential 

lands was collected through a literature and database search and 

summarized in a retrospective report. This summary will provide 

a basis for designing a sampling plan that will be carried out on 

selected streams to augment historical information. A pesticide 

reconnaissance sampling study and sampling for aquatic fauna 

and benthic organisms will take place to fill data gaps.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Report was published and distributed. Reconnaissance was 

conducted to locate sampling locations with Tribal representatives and sampling logistics were decided. Pesticide event 

sampling began in late spring 2004. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Complete pesticide event sampling and sample fish and benthic 

organisms in late summer 2004.

Reports

Diebel, M.W. and Sullivan, D.J., 2002, Surface-water 

resources information for the Ho-Chunk Nation lands and 

vicinity, Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources 

Investigations Report 02−4307, 33 p. 

	 Surface-Water Quality Monitoring Team	 105





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106	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage 

District Corridor Study

Cooperator: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District

Project Chief: David J. Graczyk and Judith C. Thomas

Location: Milwaukee County and parts of Waukesha,

Washington, Ozaukee, and Racine Counties

Project Number: 9KP46

Period of Project: February 2001–Continuing

Problem

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) has 

a watercourse improvement program that is designed to integrate flood control with habitat and water-quality protection 

and enhancement. The MMSD Corridor Study will compile and 

collect historical and existing hydrologic, geographic, physical, 

biological, and chemical data for perennial streams and selected 

intermittent watercourses and their adjacent corridors within 

the MMSD planning area. The data will be used to help identify 

existing waterway limitations, and to evaluate and forecast the 

potential impacts or improvements from watercourse modifications. The MMSD Corridor Study is a cooperative effort 

between many local, state, and federal agencies that are represented on the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee 

is made up of members from the Milwaukee Metropolitan 

Sewerage District, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), the 

Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission 

(SEWRPC), UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Wisconsin 

Lutheran College, and others.

Objective

The primary objectives of the MMSD Corridor study include: 

(1) evaluating historic impacts and forecasting potential impacts 

of planned MMSD projects, (2) creating a comprehensive inventory of corridor conditions, (3) establishing a baseline assessment of existing watercourse and corridor conditions, 

(4) determining the existing and potential water-use objectives 

for watercourse reaches, (5) following up on flood control, 

habitat and water-quality improvement or protection projects 

to verify anticipated results, evaluate current technologies, and 

identify adjustments for future projects, and (6) providing longterm surveillance of stream and corridor conditions to monitor 

project impacts, track changes in impaired and unimpaired 

reaches, provide additional inventory information, and allow 

early detection of newly impaired reaches.

Approach

There is a three-phase approach to the MMSD Corridor study. 

Phase I will include the development of a data warehouse and 

evaluation of analytical procedures. A data warehouse will be 

compiled from different data sets with the purpose of assembling data from within the corridor study area. The assembled 

data will then be analyzed to summarize existing conditions and 

identify data gaps and future data needs. Phase II will consist of 

a baseline inventory of water-quality conditions in the MMSD 

study area. An intensive data-collection and analysis effort will 

be made to fill in data gaps and update historic data to define 

the existing characteristics of the watercourses and corridors 

and serve as the basis for future impact evaluations and trend 

analyses. Phase III will be the development of a long-term 

inventory of water-quality data and maintenance of the data 

warehouse. The data collected as part of field activities and the 

data maintained in the data warehouse will be used to assess 

future impacts, measure the benefits of watercourse modifications and other watershed management efforts, and detect new 

watercourse concerns or impairments.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

Milestones for this period include: the publication of the MMSD 

Retrospective Report and database compilation. Continued 

meetings with the Steering Committee and incorporation of 

their comments in the Phase II Work plan. Fifteen surface-water 

sites and six harbor sites were selected to sample quarterly and 

limited events to establish baseline conditions in the planning 

area and to fill in data gaps. Three new gaging stations were 

installed, and 4 sites had ISCO automatic water-quality samplers 

installed with Hydrolab continuous monitor probes. MMSD 

Staff were trained in collection of samples from the harbor; 

harbor samples are collected by MMSD and processed by the 

USGS. Samples were collected during ice cover conditions, 

“ice-melt” conditions (first event) and spring baseflow during 

this period. Sites were selected to have in-stream sediment 

samplers installed. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

In-stream sediment samplers will be installed at 14 sites. A 

summer high-flow event will be sampled and quarterly waterquality sampling will be continued at all 21 sites. Five to 10 

events will be sampled at four locations (Milwaukee River at 

Cedarburg and Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic River at Milwaukee 

and the Menomonee River at Wauwatosa, Wis.). Samples will 

be collected with ISCO water-quality samplers and be analyzed 

for suspended sediment, total phosphorus, and chloride. For 

two of the planned events, sampling will be coordinated with 

an ongoing study done in cooperation with SEWRPC. A 

more extensive list of parameters will be analyzed. Biological 

sampling, including fish, algae, and benthic invertebrates and 

habitat survey will be conducted at the 15 surface-water sites 

late in the summer of 2004. 
Reports

Schneider, M.S., Lutz, M.A. and others, 2003, Water-resources 

related information for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage 

District planning area, 1970−2002: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Resources Investigations Report 03−4240, 288 p.

Collection of Water-Quality Data 

for Calibration and Verification of 

the HSPF Watershed Model for 

the Milwaukee and Root River 

Watersheds

Cooperator: Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning

Commission

Project Chiefs: Judith C. Thomas; David W. Hall

Location: Milwaukee River and Root River Basins, Wisconsin

Project Number: 9KP47

Period of Project: March 2004−June 2005

Problem

A Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF) 

watershed model is being developed for the Milwaukee 

Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Planning Area and 

areas contributing to the MMSD Planning Area to determine 

how various management strategies will affect the water quality 

of streams in these areas. To aid in the development of this 

model, a single database with water-quality data collected by 

various entities within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage 

District (MMSD) Planning Area has been developed through 

a cooperative effort of the MMSD, U.S. Geological Survey 

(USGS), and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 

(WDNR). This database will be used as the primary source of 

data for the calibration and validation of the HSPF to be used 

to simulate various planning scenarios. For areas beyond the 

MMSD Planning Area, data from the WDNR, USGS, and 

other sources will be used as much as possible. There are abundant water-quality data available within the MMSD Planning 

Area; however, data are needed for the upstream area of the 

Milwaukee River watershed, the downstream area of the Root 

River watershed, and the area near the Root River Canal in 

Racine.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to collect stage/streamflow 

and water-quality data for the upstream area of the Milwaukee 

River watershed, the downstream area of the Root River watershed, and the area near the Root River Canal in Racine. These 

data will enable SEWRPC and its associates to calibrate and 

verify the HSPF watershed model for the MMSD Planning Area 

and adjacent areas. 

Approach

Sampling will be conducted at six sites in the upper Milwaukee 

River Basin and three sites in the Root River Basin to define the 

changes in suspended solids, total phosphorus, chloride, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (primary water-quality 

constituents simulated in HSPF) and a less-intensive sampling 

approach will be used to describe additional nutrients, suspended 

sediment, total BODs, chlorophyll a, alkalinity, pH, zinc, copper, 

mercury, E. coli, and fecal coliform. A total of six runoff events 

will be sampled at each site during 2004, with two of these 

events having the complete schedule of water-quality analyses 

performed and the remaining four runoff events having only 

total suspended solids, chloride, and total phosphorus analyzed. 

Two base-flow samples will also be collected at each of the nine 

sites and analyzed for the complete schedule of water-quality 

analyses. Continuous data will be collected at all sites for stage, 

conductivity, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen. 

Progress (to June 2004)

All nine sites selected by SEWRPC were instrumented during 

spring of 2004. Eight of nine sites are configured to enable 

stage-based techniques to compute discharge. The ninth site, at 

the mouth of the Root River in Racine, was additionally instrumented with a directional velocity meter. The velocity data are 

combined with stage data to compute Root River discharge to 

Lake Michigan as well as reverse flow when water from Lake 

Michigan briefly flows up the Root River channel as a result of 

elevated lake stage. The collection of quality-assurance samples 

began in mid-June prior to collection of the first set of scheduled 

samples.

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

The remaining scheduled sample collections will occur at each 

of the nine sites during summer of 2004. All discharge and associated water-quality data will be forwarded to SEWRPC as soon 

as it has been reviewed by USGS personnel and is approved for 

release. 

Reports

An interpretive Scientific Investigations Report (SIR), entitled 

“Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Selected Constituents in 

the Upper Milwaukee and Lower Root River Watersheds, 2004” 

will be prepared for publication in 2005.

	 Surface-Water Quality Monitoring Team	 107
108	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004
	 Stream and Lake Network Monitoring Team	 109

Streamflow and Lake Stage Network Team

Office of the Assistant District Chief for Surface-water Monitoring

MISSION

The Team’s mission is to collect, store, compile, and disseminate water-resources 

data that address relevant issues and are responsive to the needs of cooperators and 

the general public. It provides relevant, credible, impartial, and timely data for understanding hydrologic systems, planning developments, designing facilities, forecasting 

floods, operating dams, wastewater treatment, and water-supply plants, managing lakes 

and wetlands, abating and preventing pollution, modeling, determining trends, and 

determining the occurrence and distribution of water. The real-time and historical data 

will be made available in various forms including the WWW Internet, computer disks, 

and printed reports.

TEAM MEMBERS

Herbert S. Garn, Assistant District Chief (Co-Team Leader)

Robert J. Waschbusch, Hydrologist (Co-Team Leader)

Steven A. March, Hydrologic Technician (Field Office Chief)

Thomas J. Popowski, Hydrologic Technician (Field Office Chief) 

Brett M. Esser, Hydrologic Technician

Halward L. Hanson, Hydrologic Technician

Timothy L. Hanson, Hydrologic Technician

Paulette R. Homant, Hydrologic Technician

David E. Housner, Hydrologic Technician

Ryan T. Jirik, Hydrologic Technician

Kenneth R. Koenig, Hydrologic Technician

Bernard N. Lenz, Civil Engineer

Brent W. Olson, Hydrologic Technician

Daniel L. Olson, Hydrologic Technician

James M. Rauman, Hydrologic Technician

Paul C. Reneau, Hydrologic Technician

Josef G. Schuler, Hydrologic Technician

Thomas A. Wittwer, Hydrologic Technician

S. Bridgett Marsh, Hydrologist

Patricia A. Stark, Hydrologic Assistant (Reemployed Annuitant)

William R. Krug, Hydrologist (Reemployed Annuitant)

Benjamin Siebers, Hydrologic Technician (Student)

Eric Dantoin, Hydrologic Technician (Student)
110	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Projects

00100	 Streamflow and Lake Stage Network .........................................................................................111
	 Stream and Lake Network Monitoring Team	 111

Streamflow and Lake Stage Network

Project Chief: Robert J. Waschbusch

Location: Statewide

Project Number: WI 00100

Period of Project: July 1913–Continuing

Cooperators:

Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Bayfield County

Black River Falls Utilities

City of Barron

City of Beaver Dam

City of Hillsboro

City of Peshtigo

City of Sparta

City of Waupun

Dane County Department of Planning and Development

Dane County Department of Public Works

Dane County Regional Planning Commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Licensees

	 Black River Falls Municipal Utilities

	 Dairyland Power Cooperative

	 Northern States Power Company

	 Stora Enso, Niagra Mill

	 Wisconsin Electric Power Company

	 Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

	 Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company

Fontana/Walworth Water Pollution Control Commission

Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Lower Fox River Dischargers Association–Appleton Papers

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa Community

Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin

Rock County Public Works Department

Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

	 City of Racine

	 Kenosha Water Utility

	 Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District

	 Waukesha County

Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Village of Wittenberg

Village of Westport

Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Wisconsin State Historical Society-Wade House Historic Site

Problem

Streamflow and lake-stage information is needed for hazard 

warning, design and operation of dams, drinking and wastewater 

treatment plants, flood mitigation, irrigation, bridge and culvert 

design, wildlife management and pollution abatement. Data are 

necessary to efficiently perform these functions.

Objective

The objective of this project is to collect data that meets the 

problem needs stated above.

Approach

A network of streamflow and lake-level stations is maintained 

throughout Wisconsin. Recording river or lake stages are made 

available on the USGS “Real-Time” web site 

(http://wi.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/current/?type=flow). Periodic 

discharge measurements are collected at streamflow stations 

to establish or verify data. The data are corrected and quality 

assured. The data are compiled and daily, monthly, and annual 

statistics are computed and published.

Progress (July 2003–June 2004)

During the last fiscal year, streamflow data were collected 

at 124 stream sites and lake-level data were collected at six. 

Computation of streamflow and lake-level records for all the 

network stations for the 2003 water year was completed, stored 

in our database, and published in the annual report “Water 

Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 2003”. 

Plans (July 2004–June 2005)

Data will be collected, computed and published at 126 continuous-streamflow stations and lake levels at 8 stations. These 

sites are listed in the following table, “Surface-Water Gaging 

Stations Expected to be Operated in 2004 FY.” A map showing 

the location of all continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations 

in Wisconsin is shown on page xiv. 

Significant Findings and Reports

In addition to the paper version, the water year 2002 Wisconsin 

Water Resources data report was published on the USGS web 

site and the 2003 report was also produced in a compact disc 

version. The compact disc version contained both an electronic 

version of the report and data files for all continuously monitored data for the entire period of record. Having the data in 

electronic format and for the period of record should be a great 

benefit for data users.

In water year 2002, the following flood peaks of note were 

recorded:

• The Pine River near Florence recorded the highest peak 

flow on record (59 years), with an estimated 135-year 

recurrence interval.

• The Menominee River at Niagara recorded the highest 

peak flow on record (11 years), with an estimated 15-year 

recurrence interval.

• The Montreal River near Saxon recorded a peak flow with 

an estimated 90-year recurrence interval.

• The Popple River near Fence recorded a peak flow with 

an estimated 50-year recurrence interval.
112	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Surface-water gaging stations expected to be operated in 2004 FY

Station 

number Name and location 

Drainage 

area

Period of record 

(water year) Cooperator

464646092052900 Superior Bay, Duluth Ship Canal at 

Duluth, MN

4200 1994- C of E, Detroit

04024430 Nemadji River - South Superior 420 1974- WDNR

04025500 Bois Brule River - Brule 118 1943-81, 1984- USGS Federal Program

040263205 Whittlesey Cr – Ashland 37.6 1999- Bayfield County

04027000 Bad River - Odanah 597 1914-22, 1948- Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

04027500 White River - Ashland 301 1948- NSP/WDNR

04029990 Montreal River - Saxon Falls 262 1987 NSP/WDNR

04063700 Popple River - Fence 139 1964- USGS Federal Program

04064500 Pine River - Pine River Powerplant 

- Florence

533 1924-76, 1996- WEPCO/WDNR

04065106 Menominee River - Niagara 2470 1993- FERC

04066003 Menominee River - Pembine 3140 1950- WEPCO/WDNR

04066030 Menominee River - White Rapids Dam 

- Banat, MI

3190 1999- FERC

04066500 Pike River - Amberg 255 1914-70, 2000- USGS Federal Program

04066800 Menominee River - Koss, MI 3700 1907-09, 1913-81, 

1998-

FERC

04067500 Menominee River - McAllister 3930 1945-61, 1979-86, 

1988-90, 1993-

95, 1998-

WDNR

04067958 Peshtigo River - Wabeno 447 1998- WPS/WDNR

04069416 Peshtigo River - Porterfield 1020 1998- FERC

04069500 Peshtigo River - Peshtigo 1080 1953- City of Peshtigo

04071000 Oconto River - Gillett 705 1906-09, 1914- USGS Federal Program

04071765 Oconto River - Oconto 966 1989-90, 1998- WDNR

04072150 Duck Creek - Howard 108 1988- Oneida Tribe of Indians of WI

04073365 Fox River - Princeton 962 2001- USGS Federal Program

04073500 Fox River - Berlin 1340 1898- C of E, Detroit

04074538 Swamp Creek - above Rice Lake at Mole 

Lake

46.3 1977-83, 1984-86, 

2001-

Sokaogan Chippewa Community

04074548 Swamp Creek - below Rice Lake at Mole 

Lake

56.8 1977-79, 1982-85, 

2001-

Sokaogan Chippewa Community

04074950 Wolf River - Langlade 463 1966-79, 1981- Menominee Indian Tribe of WI

04077630 Red River - Morgan 114 1993 Stockbridge-Munsee Band of 

Mohican Indians

0407809265 Middle Branch Embarrass River - 

Wittenberg

76.3 1990- Village of Wittenberg

04078500 Embarrass River - Embarrass 384 1919-85, 1994- USGS Federal Program

04079000 Wolf River - New London 2260 1896- C of E, Detroit

04082400 Fox River - Oshkosh 5310 1991 C of E, Detroit

04084445 Fox River - Appleton 5950 1986- C of E, Detroit

04084500 Fox River - Rapide Croche Dam - 

Wrightstown

6010 1896- LFRDA/WDNR
	 Stream and Lake Network Monitoring Team	 113

Station 

number Name and location 

Drainage 

area

Period of record 

(water year) Cooperator

040851385 Fox River - Oil Tank Depot - Green Bay 6330 1989- Green Bay MSD

04085200 Kewaunee River - Kewaunee 127 1964-96, 1998- WDNR

04085395 S.Br. Manitowoc River - Hayton 109 1993- WDNR

04085427 Manitowoc River - Manitowoc 526 1972-96, 1998- WDNR

04085746 Mullet River - Greenbush 24.3 2001- Wisconsin State Historical Soc.

04086000 Sheboygan River - Sheboygan 418 1916-24, 1951- WDNR

04086500 Cedar Creek - Cedarburg 120 1930-70, 73-81, 

1983-87, 1991-

WDNR

04086600 Milwaukee River - Pioneer Road - 

Cedarburg

607 1982- SEWRPC

04087000 Milwaukee River - Milwaukee 696 1914- SEWRPC

04087030 Menomonee River - Menomonee Falls 34.7 1975-77, 1979- SEWRPC

04087088 Underwood Creek - Wauwatosa 18.2 1975- SEWRPC

04087120 Menomonee River - Wauwatosa 123 1962- SEWRPC

04087160 Kinnickinnic River - Milwaukee 20.4 1976- SEWRPC

04087204 Oak Creek - South Milwaukee 25 1964- SEWRPC

04087220 Root River - Franklin 49.2 1964- SEWRPC

04087233 Root River Canal - Franklin 57 1964- SEWRPC

04087240 Root River - Racine 190 1963- SEWRPC

04087257 Pike River - Racine 38.5 1972- SEWRPC

05332500 Namekagon River - Trego 488 1928-70, 1988 NSP/WDNR

05333500 St. Croix River - Danbury 1580 1914-81, 1984- USGS Federal Program

05340500 St. Croix River - St. Croix Falls 6240 1902- NSP/WDNR

05341500 Apple River - Somerset 579 1901-70, 1987 NSP/WDNR

05342000 Kinnickinnic River – River Falls 165 1916-21, 1999, 

2002-

USGS Federal Program

05356000 Chippewa River - Winter 790 1912- NSP/WDNR

05356500 Chippewa River - Bruce 1650 1914- NSP/WDNR

05357254 Trout River - CTH H - Boulder Junction 58.9 1999- Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake 

Superior Chippewa (LDF)

05357335 Bear River - Manitowish Waters 81.3 1991 LDF

05360500 Flambeau River - Bruce 1860 1951- NSP/WDNR, FERC

05362000 Jump River - Sheldon 576 1915- USGS Federal Program

05365500 Chippewa River - Chippewa Falls 5650 1888-1983, 1987 NSP/WDNR

053674464 Yellow River - Barron 153 1991 City of Barron

05368000 Hay River - Wheeler 418 1951- USGS Federal Program

05369000 Red Cedar River - Menomonie 1770 1907-08, 1913- NSP/WDNR

05369500 Chippewa River - Durand 9010 1928- C of E, St. Paul

05370000 Eau Galle River - Spring Valley 64.1 1944- C of E, St. Paul

05379400 Trempealeau River - Arcadia 606 1960-77, 2001- USGS Federal Program

05379500 Trempealeau River - Dodge 643 1914-19, 1934 C of E, St. Paul

05381000 Black River - Neillsville 749 1905-09, 1914- USGS Federal Program

053813595 Black River - Black River Falls 1590 1985- C of E, St. Paul, City of Black 

River Falls Utilities
114	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

Station 

number Name and location 

Drainage 

area

Period of record 

(water year) Cooperator

05382000 Black River - Galesville 2080 1932- C of E, St. Paul 

05382325 La Crosse River - Sparta 167 1992- City of Sparta

05383075 La Crosse River - La Crosse 471 2000- WDNR

05391000 Wisconsin River - Lake Tomahawk 757 1936- WVIC/WDNR

05393500 Spirit River - Spirit Falls 81.6 1942- WVIC/WDNR

05394500 Prairie River - Merrill 184 1914-31, 1939 WVIC/WDNR

05395000 Wisconsin River - Merrill 2760 1903- WVIC/WDNR

05397500 Eau Claire River - Kelly 375 1914-27, 1939- WVIC/WDNR

05398000 Wisconsin River - Rothschild 4020 1945- WVIC/WDNR

05399500 Big Eau Pleine River - Stratford 224 1914-26, 1937- WVIC/WDNR

05400760 Wisconsin River - Wisconsin Rapids 5420 1914-50, 1958- WVIC/WDNR

05401050 Tenmile Creek - Nekoosa 73.3 1963-79, 1988-94, 

1998-

WDNR

05402000 Yellow River - Babcock 215 1944- WVIC/WDNR

05404000 Wisconsin River - Wisconsin Dells 8090 1935- WVIC/WDNR

05404116 S. Br. Baraboo River - Hillsboro 39.1 1988- City of Hillsboro

05405000 Baraboo River - Baraboo 609 1914-22, 1943- USGSFederal Program

05406500 Black Earth Creek - Black Earth 45.6 1954- DCRPC

05407000 Wisconsin River - Muscoda 10400 1903-04, 1914- C of E, St. Paul

05407470 Kickapoo River - Ontario 151 2001- USGS Federal Program

05408000 Kickapoo River - La Farge 266 1939- Kickapoo Reserve

05410490 Kickapoo River - Steuben 687 1933- C of E, St. Paul

05413500 Grant River - Burton 269 1935- C of E, R. Island

05414000 Platte River - Rockville 142 1935- C of E, R. Island

05423500 S. Br. Rock River - Waupun 63.6 1948-69, 1987 City of Waupun

05423947 Kummel Cr. - Theresa 28.7 2004- WDNR

05424009 Gill Cr. – Kekoskee 12.2 2004- WDNR

05424013 Irish Cr. - Kekoskee 1.32 2004- WDNR

05424057 Rock River - Horicon 456 1998-2000, 2002- WDNR

05425500 Rock River - Watertown 969 1931-70, 1977- C of E, R. Island, Rock County 

PWD

05425912 Beaverdam River - Beaver Dam 157 1984- City of Beaver Dam

05426000 Crawfish River - Milford 762 1931- Rock County PWD, Jefferson 

County

05426250 Bark River - Rome 122 1980- SEWRPC

05427085 Rock River - Ft. Atkinson 2240 1998- WDNR

05427570 Rock River - Indianford 2630 1975- Rock County PWD

05427850 Yahara River at Hwy. 113 - Madison 114 2002- WDNR, Town of Westport, 

DCRPC

054279509 Pheasant Branch Tributary - Madison - 2001- City of Middleton

05428500 Yahara River - Madison 233 2004- DCDPW

05429500 Yahara River - McFarland 327 1930- DCDPW

05429700 Yahara River - Stoughton 386 1930- DCDPW

05430150 Badfish Creek - Cooksville 82.6 1977- MMSD
	 Stream and Lake Network Monitoring Team	 115

Station 

number Name and location 

Drainage 

area

Period of record 

(water year) Cooperator

05430175 Yahara River - Fulton 517 1977 MMSD

05430446 Markham Cr. - Janesville 9.32 2004- WDNR

05430500 Rock River - Afton 3340 1914- C of E, R. Island 

05430541 Stevens Cr. - Footville 13.9 2004- WDNR

05431032 Turtle Creek - Delavan 83.3 1996- WALCOMET

05431486 Turtle Creek - Clinton 199 1939- C of E, Rock Island, WALCOMET

05432500 Pecatonica River - Darlington 273 1939- C of E, R. Island

05433000 E. Br. Pecatonica River - Blanchardville 221 1939-1986, 1988 C of E, R. Island

05434500 Pecatonica River - Martintown 1034 1940- C of E, R. Island

05435943 Badger Mill Creek - Verona 20.3 1997- MMSD

05436500 Sugar River - Brodhead 523 1914- C of E, Rock Island

05438283 Piscasaw Creek - Walworth 9.58 1992- Fontana/Walworth WPCC

05543830 Fox River - Waukesha 126 1963- SEWRPC

05544200 Mukwonago River - Mukwonago 74.1 1973- SEWRPC

05545750 Fox River - New Munster 811 1940- IL. DNR

LAKES

04082500 Lake Winnebago - Oshkosh 5880 1882- C of E, Detroit

04084255 Lake Winnebago - Stockbridge 5880 1983- C of E, Detroit

05404500 Devils Lake - Baraboo 4.79 1922-30, 1932, 

1934-81, 1985-

WDNR

05427235 Lake Koshkonong - Newville 2560 1987 Rock County PWD

05428000 Lake Mendota - Madison 233 1903, 1916- DCDP&D

05429000 Lake Monona - Madison 279 1915- DCDP&D

05429485 Lake Waubesa - McFarland 327 2004- DCDPW

425715089164700 Lake Kegonsa - Stoughton - 2004- DCDP&D

C of E, Detroit – Corps of Engineers, Detroit, Michigan LFRDA – Lower Fox River Dischargers’ Association

C of E, R. Island – Corps of Engineers, Rock Island, Illinois MMSD – Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

C of E, St. Paul – Corps of Engineers, St. Paul, Minnesota NSP – Northern States Power Company

DCDP&D – Dane County Department of Planning and Development Rock County PWD – Rock County Public Works Department

DCCPW – Dane County Department of Public Works SEWRPC – Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

DCRPC – Dane County Regional Planning Commission WALCOMET – Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District

FERC – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Licensees WDNR – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Fontana/Walworth WPCC – Fontana/Walworth Water Pollution WEPCO – Wisconsin Electric Power Company

 Control Commission WPS – Wisconsin Public Service

Green Bay MSD – Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District WVIC – Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company

IL. DNR – Illinois Department of Natural Resources 
116	 Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin, 2004