Lake Monona was one of 92 “impaired waters” placed on a proposed list Monday by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, according to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal. The DNR says Lake Monona is contaminated with hazardous “forever chemicals” known as PFOS and therefore cannot support either recreation or healthy plant, animal, and fish populations.
Many of the waters on the list have too much phosphorus from farm runoff, while others have unacceptably high levels of E. coli and other bacteria. Dane County areas on the proposed list due to high levels of E. coli are Lake Mendota’s Gov. Nelson State Park Beach and Lake Monona’s Schluter Beach. High phosphorus levels placed Stewart Lake, Tiedeman’s Pond, and new sections of Six Mile and Mud creeks on the list as well. Starkweather Creek, already listed due to metals and chloride contamination, was also cited for E. coli and PFOS.
Waters that remain on the list must have a restoration plan to improve conditions and make their fish safe for consumption. The DNR will accept comments on the proposed list through Oct. 1 and notes the list will be updated every two years to comply with the federal Clean Water Act.
