Geneva Lake Environmental Agency

The Geneva Lake Environmental Agency is determined to maintain the environment and resources of Geneva Lake by protecting, preserving, and enhancing lake and watershed quality through monitoring, data collection, and education.

WE MOVED!!

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that GLEA has relocated to a new office!

Our new address is:

105 N Elkhorn Rd. Williams Bay, WI 53191

Our new office is conveniently situated right next to Dip in the Bay in Williams Bay. We are eager to make use of our upgraded educational spaces. Feel free to drop by as we are still settling into our new office.

We appreciate your patience during this transition. Thank you!

GLEA has officially ended its annual summer beach testing. We will start the 2025 Beach testing season on the Monday before Memorial Day!

Weekly e. coli test results will be posted on Instagram and Facebook. Check below for the most recent results!

2024 SUMMER PUBLIC BEACH TESTING

E. coli re-test results for this week are in. All beaches meet the parameters for being qualified as safe. Please look for water quality update signs posted at all beach entrances. Close monitoring, laboratory testing, protocol development, and cleanup of blue-green algae growth is underway. Stay tuned for updates.

GLEA Forward Statement

We would like to provide the public with a statement regarding the future of Geneva Lake. Though the lake may be experiencing unusual events, we have bright hopes for the future.

We must treat the presence of blue-green algae like any other possible danger in the world, with caution and awareness. If you are immunocompromised or have underlying illnesses, it’s best to avoid swimming until signs of the algae disappear. Ingesting water is the main way algae can cause symptoms. Swimming in clear waters with a low abundance of algae poses less risk to your health.

There is blue-green algae in the lake, though it is always there in low concentrations. It is stimulated to grow when conditions are right: high temperatures, intense sunlight, elevated nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, and low wind speeds. We have observed floating mats of seaweed containing elevated concentrations of this harmful algae. Local city departments have removed the floating algae mats. Removing harmful algae from this lake not only enables beaches to be open, it will also save the lives of vulnerable wildlife for the future of our aquatic ecosystem.

Our recommendations going forward:

Swim and boat in the lake as you choose. We are hoping you take the environment into consideration as you make your decisions.

Algae in the shallow east side of the lake is at higher concentrations than in algae in the west side. The west side of Geneva Lake harbors deep water, which is the heart of the lake. Deep waters are more resistant to environmental changes. The heart of Geneva Lake is strong and will not give up. Swim and recreate in this area to slow the spread of harmful algae and bacteria, reduce risk to yourself, and enjoy the blue waters of Geneva Lake.

We will continue to compile data with the intent to give advice based on science, create an action plan, and give direction on potential local legislation. GLEA strives to provide environmentally friendly recommendations for development and recreation on Geneva Lake to ensure blue water for future generations.

2024 SUMMER STUDIES

Nearshore Fisheries Survey

GLEA will be conducting a fishery survey this summer to determine species diversity and species richness of the fishes in Geneva Lake. The last time a survey like this has been conducted was in 2023. The goal of this data is to determine the health of local fish populations and how they have been changing. Check here on our website at the end of summer to see what we find!

2024 Report

Aquatic Plant PI Survey

This summer GLEA will be conducting a survey on the species diversity and species richness aquatic plants lake-wide. This includes deep water and shallow water plants within the littoral zone. The goal of this survey is to determine the abundance of native and invasive plants. Check in at the end of summer here for the results!

Macroinvertebrate Survey

GLEA will be conducting a survey on the species diversity and species richness of small invertebrates within Geneva Lake. Benthic invertebrates are an essential part of the food web, they are prey for juvenile fish. The goal of this data is to determine how macroinvertebrate populations have been changing and if there are any new invasive invertebrates. Check in at the end of summer here for the results!

Enhanced Wake Study

This summer GLEA will be studying the effects of enhanced wakes on starry stonewort populations, water quality, and shoreline impacts. Our goal is to develop the ideal operation of wake boats to sustain Geneva Lake's ecosystem. We wish to retain the enjoyment wake boat recreation can bring while considering the health of Geneva Lake. Geneva Lake is one of the few lakes that can handle enhanced wake systems which is why it is important to preserve it. Check here to see updates throughout the summer!

Boat Count

GLEA conducted the annual boat count in August to assess boats docked and moored on Geneva Lake. Motorized boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, and non-motorized vessels, are all included. The GLEA spends a day on the water counting boats on the shore and collecting numbers from storage facilities and marinas. The "Data" tab has more information on comparative counts for past years.

2024 DNR Fishing Tournament and Game Fishery public meeting recording:

Meeting Recording

Passcode: EE3^S3!=

2023 SUMMER REPORTS

Nearshore Fisheries Survey

GLEA worked with retired DNR staff on conducting a Nearshore Fisheries Survey for the lake. This survey has been done 4 times on Geneva Lake, beginning in 1978 and the most recent one conducted in 2018. The report not only describes current fish populations, but also compares them to previous surveys as well.

A total of 18 sites were sampled to understand the nearshore fish population. Gar, darter species, bass, panfish (bluegill, sunfish, perch, rock bass), bullheads, and killifish, where among just some of the species found. Read the full report below!

Aquatic Plant PI Survey

GLEA worked with Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission on our Annual Aquatic Plant PI Survey.

Through sampling a grid of points on the lake, we can document the overall plant diversity as well as locations of certain species. This survey also helps us monitor where starry stonewort is and how it spreads year to year. Look out for that report later this year!

Boat Count

GLEA conducted the annual boat count early August to assess boats docked and moored on Geneva Lake. Motorized boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, and non-motorized vessels, are all included. The GLEA spends a day on the water counting boats on the shore and collecting numbers from storage facilities and marinas. The "Data" tab has more information on comparative counts for past years.

Follow the link below to read the 2023 Boat Count assessment!

2023 Nearshore Fisheries Survey

2023 Aquatic Plant Survey

2023 Boat Count

Check out new boat cleaning stations at Williams Bay, Lake Geneva, and Fontana launches!

Brought to you by the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency, Villages of Williams Bay and Fontana, the City of Lake Geneva, and WI DNR grant.

CD3 Roadside
Waterless Cleaning System

We encourage you to clean your boat when entering and exiting Geneva Lake to help us stop the spread of aquatic invasive species

A CLEAN BOAT MEANS CLEAN WATERS

Click to read our reports from previous years.

Clean your Boat: Learn about Invasive Species

Thank you to Ms. Garcia & Katrina, Elizabeth, Julia, and Chris for finding this excellent resource and sharing the importance of lake ecology!

STARRY STONEWORT UPDATE July 27, 2022.

We spent time at the starry stonewort colony site scuba diving to monitor populations. Starry stonewort is an invasive plant that was first seen in Geneva Lake in 2018. These plants are solely male and spread by releasing bulbils, that act as seeds, growing wherever they land. Movement such as hand-pulling is believed to actually stir up these seed-like bulbils and cause more damage by promoting spreading. Through routine dive checks on known population sites we are able to see how these plants are growing. While starry stonewort hasn't gone away, we haven't seen too much growth and believe our native species have been doing a good job at keeping this invasive plant at bay.

LEARN MORE

Diving with Linn Fire Department

Underwater photos of aquatic plants at a starry stonewort colony site

Download PDF Flyer

SWIMMERS ITCH

How to stay safe this summer

Swimmer's itch is caused by flatworm larvae that can unintentionally latch onto human skin when looking for a waterfowl host and cause irritation or itchiness. They like warm water at around 72°F. When your skin dries, the larvae will burrow into the skin and eventually die, but this typically results in some uncomfortable itchiness.

WAYS TO TREAT
Don't scratch! Use an antihistamine lotion. Swimmer's itch is rarely serious and will pass in a couple days.

Download PDF Brochure