Wells_Content Page_Central Sands Lakes Study

Central Sands Lakes Study

Under 2017 Wisconsin Act 10, the DNR is evaluating and modeling the potential impacts of groundwater withdrawals on three lakes in Waushara County – Long Lake and Plainfield Lake near Plainfield, and Pleasant Lake near Coloma. The Central Sands region is a contiguous area east of the Wisconsin River with sand and gravel deposits greater than 50 feet deep which spans several counties and includes more than 800 miles of trout streams and 300 lakes. Water withdrawn from this aquifer, primarily through high capacity wells, provides water for local municipalities, private water supply, industries and agriculture.

What’s new?

Opportunity for public input

The DNR is releasing a series of presentations in collaboration with our study partners, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) and United States Geological Survey (USGS) on methodology used for the study.

Submit questions or comments on the study until November 6, 2020 to DNRDGCentralSands@wisconsin.gov, or mail to:
Wisconsin DNR GEF 2 DG/5
Nicole Clayton
PO BOX 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921

Presentations

The DNR began the study in 2018. Click on the icons below to learn about the components of the study.

Data Collection

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Hydrogeology of the Central Sands

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Central Sands Modeling

Icon for Central Sands Modeling

Plainfield, Long & Pleasant Lake Characteristics

Icon for Lake Characteristics

Background & Outreach Resources

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Public Participation Timeline

Fall 2020
  • Presentations
  • Comment Period
 ← We are here
↓
Winter 2020-2021
  • Public Release of Decision Report
  • Public Presentations, Hearing
  • Comment Period
↓
Spring 2021
  • Final Report
  • Recommendations to Legislature

Subscribe

  • Subscribe to receive email updates about the Central Sands Lakes Study.

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