South Turtle Dam Water Flow Update

South Turtle Dam Water Flow Update

Various residents have communicated to the Town Board their concerns about too much water flowing under the dam board at the South Turtle Dam. Some also raised their concerns directly with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Town appreciates residents who keep an eye on our waters.

A Board member has since met with a DNR dam engineer. The engineer confirmed that the dam is releasing the minimum flow rate it is allowed. If the dam released any less water, it would violate the requirement to send enough water downstream.

Wisconsin dams are regulated by the DNR under state law. The DNR says “dams must also maintain a minimum downstream flow to protect aquatic resources,” and dam owners “must release a minimum flow for the protection of downstream fish and aquatic organisms.” Many dams also have authorized water levels they must try to keep.

The flow that residents are seeing is the amount state rules require to go downstream.

Learn more:
DNR Dam Safety Program – https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Dams
Frequently Asked Questions: Dams – https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/dams/FAQ.html
Responsibilities of a Dam Owner – https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/dams/ownerResponsibilities.html

For other questions, you can contact DNR Dam Safety at dnrdamsafety@wisconsin.gov or 1-888-936-7463. To report a dam emergency, call 1-800-943-0003.