The report shows the increasing concern about water quality, contamination in Madison Lakes

A new report by the Clean Lakes Alliance showed a higher phosphorus level and lower water clarity than in the previous year in four out of five Madison lakes in Madison Area Lakes due to pollution from drainage and dumping.

The report on the state of 2024 was published on May 13, 2025 at the Clean Lakes Alliance Alliance an annual coffee event, in which officials, community members and environmental representatives of Wisconsin were brought together. The report analyzed projects, practices, water quality and beach closings across the state in 2024.

The Clean Lakes Alliance evaluated the phosphorn level and the offshore clarity of each lake in the water sheath of Yahara, the chain of lakes in Madison, on a scale that is based on “arm” to “excellent” based on an analysis of Clean Lakes Chief Science Officer Paul Dearlove.

Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Waubesa and Lake Kegonsa received a “fair” rating for both metrics, while Lake Wingra received a “good” rating. With the exception of Lake Wingra, the reviews of every lake withdrawn From the previous report on the state of 2023.

The report Also contained more detailed metrics and information on weather and climate appeals, phosphord data, clarity and nature conservation practices. Data used by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Limnology, the Dane County Public Health, Land and Water Agencies as well as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and its own Citizen Science Network called Lakeforecast monitoring network.

Important problems that the lakes occurred in 2024 were enlarged by moist weather, the highest algae rate since the start of monitoring, rising chloride conditions and pro and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAs).

Pfas known as chemicals forever, are often used in industrial and household environments such as non -stick pans. In particular, Lake Monona, Lake Wauubesa and Lake Kegonsa were exhibited fish consumption warnings for high PFAS concentrations.

James Tye, founder and executive director of Clean Lakes Alliance, said that the first report was published in 2012, a year after the organization was founded.

Tye said the report should help everyone understand the lakes. Community members can participate In water qualification tests with the LakeForecast Network, currently over 100 participants and monitors more than 80 locations around the Yahara water sheath.

In addition, individuals can take part in the Clean Lakes Alliance Community Bike Ride, on Saturday before Father's Day and Clean Lakes 101 Science Cafes and Excursions. The organization also issues a report “Renewal the Blue” report, which offers the community recommendations to improve water quality.

According to Tye, the students can get involved by asking the university what they do to prevent the drain from sea and ensure that the streets are clean after events such as the Mifflin Street Block Party.

The advocacy group for the lakes also includes essential partnerships with indigenous communities in Wisconsin such as HO-Chunk nation. October 2024 was the completion of a restoration project at the Fasan Branch Conservancy in Middleton and converted 160 hectares of former dairy farm into a prairie apartment more than 200 native plant species in cooperation with HO-Chunk.