Otter Lake Water Source Protection – Program Implementation & Construction

Synopsis

Source Water Protection has been embraced by the Otter Lake Water Commission and, as a result, substantial improvements in water quality have been realized. Over the last 10 years, Northwater has worked with the commission to translate sound science and effective planning into action on the ground. Consecutive years of state, local and federal funding has resulted in over 1 million dollars since 2010 to support initiatives and reduce sediment and nutrient loading to the water supply reservoir.

Client(s):

Otter Lake Water Commission
Services:

Water Resources, Water Supply
Market/Sector:

Agriculture, Government, Infrastructure
Location:

Macoupin County, Illinois

Project Description

The Otter Lake Source Water Protection program is concurrently focused on improving the health of the lake to reduce water treatment costs and enhance the lake’s recreational value. It has resulted in measurable improvements to water quality and the elimination of some regulatory impairments.

Planning and assessment projects led by Northwater have culminated in the construction and implementation of in-lake and watershed treatments. State and federal funding, primarily through the Illinois EPA Section 319 program, has been leveraged to install practices such as shoreline stabilization, sediment basins and ponds, filter strips, grade control structures, and wetlands.

The construction program has encompassed over 200 individual water treatment practices, including thousands of feet of shoreline protection and 175 acres of invasive species removal and timber stand improvement and 400 acres of prairie restoration. To date, these projects have resulting in significant load reductions in sediment (>8,000 tons/yr), nitrogen (>25,000 lbs/yr) and phosphorus (>10,000 lbs/yr).

Northwater Consulting has served as the program manager and has provided a complete package of survey, engineering, design, and construction inspection services to support this initiative. Work continues and new phase of construction and monitoring is currently in progress.