Water Quality Mangement Plan
A vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting approved the preparation of a Silve Lake Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) at a cost not to exceed $20,000.
The proposed WQMP will be prepared by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SWERPC), based on the results of a study to be undertaken by the agency's water quality specialists in summer 2026. The study will examine several Silver Lake water quality concerns including stormwater outfalls, pollutant loading sources, beach closures, shoreline conditions, boating carrying capacity, and aquatic habitat.
At its September meeting, the District Board approved the SEWRPC work proposal and the preparation of a Surface Water Grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to offset some of the cost. The application was submitted prior to the November deadline. In early February, the WDNR awarded the District a $13,400 grant to support the preparation of the WQMP.
The Silver Lake Protection Association has committed to fund $2,000 toward the effort.
As a result, the District's net cost will not exceed $4,600.
Next Steps:
- The District will finalize the grant with the WDNR.
- The District will contract with SEWRPC to undertake the summer 2026 field study and prepare the WQMP.
- A presentation of SEWRPC's scope, timeline, and WQMP objectives will be made at the 2026 Annual Meeting on May 23rd.
- The field study will be undertaken in summer 2026,
- Preliminary findings of the study will be presented in early fall 2026.
- A draft WQMP will be prepared in late fall 2026.
- The draft WQMP will be available for public review and comment this winter.
- After review and revision, the final WQMP will be presented to the District Board for possible adoption in spring 2027.
Links to Documents:
