If you’re wondering about the quality of the Yahara Chain of Lakes in Madison, you can ask Paul Dearlove of the Clean Lakes Alliance, and he’ll tell you it’s complicated. 

First, the area has five of them – Monona, Mendota, Waubesa, Wingra and Kegonsa, he said during a presentation before the Waunakee Rotary Club May 2.

They cover 27 square miles of surface and hold around 200 billion gallons of water. The chain is connected by the Yahara River and has almost 400 square miles of watershed. 

It is also part of the Mississippi watershed that drains down to the Gulf Mexico. 

Each lake is unique and has its own challenges, and the water quality ranges from clear in some areas to algae filled in others. 

The Clean Lakes Alliance does its state of the lakes report to look at the different issues such as clarity, beach useability, watershed conditions and others. 

Lower rainfalls last year were good for the lakes, causing less runoff – fewer nutrients found in soil like phosphorus – entering the lakes resulting in less algae. 

Paul noted that an app is available to tell which beaches are open and closed, along with the water quality, which is monitored daily. 

Clean Lakes Alliance focuses on land stewardship, advocating for programs that protect the lakes. That includes ensuring topsoil is not exposed on farmland, making it vulnerable to washing away during storm events. 

Keeping leaves out of storm sewer systems and out of the lakes is important as well. Leaves are also a source of nutrients, like phosphorus, that cause algae in lakes. 

Other programs encourage stewardship of the land, advocating for landowners along with municipal leaders to plant rain gardens that prevent stormwater runoff. 

On the lakes themselves, the Clean Lakes Alliance tries to interact with boaters to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the zebra mussel. And, the organization tries to connect people to the water so they care. 

Paul mentioned two events coming up. Loop the Lake on June 15 is a 14-mile bike ride around Lake Monona. Prior to that, on May 21, the Clean Lakes Alliance Cafe will take place where the State of the Lakes report will be delivered. It will be in the afternoon at the Edgewater. For information about the Clean Lakes Alliance, visit https://www.cleanlakesalliance.org

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Other News: 

-The board of directors has voted to accept Dr. Zack Amato to the club, President Jennifer Tasker said. 

-Tri 4 Schools is May 18 and club members can volunteer. 

-On May 15, WNC will host a breakfast and networking event, Carol Bleifield is trying to get a table of Rotarians to attend. 

-The Waunakee Farmers Market begins May 8 in a new location.

Guests: Paul Deerlove, speaker; Dr. Zack Amato, guest of David Weishoff. 

Birthdays: May 13, Sarah Bonk; May 15, Mick Holm.

Anniversaries: May 16, David and Connie Rupp

Greeters: May 9, John Cullen and Bill Kennedy; May 16, Alex Welk and Ji Elvekrog; May 23, Lori Derauf and Kylie West; May 30, ???

To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/