Water Woes

This week I head to central Wisconsin to check out a number of lakes that are drying up. Some of it's due to the drought that's hit the northern two thirds of the state. But these lakes are so called "seepage lakes." They're filled from groundwater. As irrigation wells have been drilled around them, the water table drops, and so do the lake levels.

The same is true in the case of the Little Plover River near Stevens Point. That trout stream was mentioned in a documentary I did nine years ago, called Water Rich, Water Poor. The Little Plover has run dry the past three summers and is kept flowing only with well water artificially discharged into the stream.

Central Wisconsin is a central focus in discussions over whether the legislature should modify the state's groundwater laws. Currently, the DNR can deny a high capacity well permit only if it affects a municipal well or certain protected water bodies such as trout streams. There's no protection for recreational lakes such as those we'll be visiting in Waushara County.

Also, just a quick reminder. In Wisconsin returns for an all new season this Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. on Wisconsin Public Television.