Flood Prevention Efforts

The building of a dam structure on the Big Sioux River north of Watertown is the only way to protect the City of Watertown and Lake Kampeska from major flooding events. As of 2024 the Corps Of Engineers have take that option and project off the table.

The Lake Kampeska Water Project District had played a key role in moving the studies and that project forward. The Army Corps of Engineers recently determined that a dam will not be built.  This is a huge blow to the lake and city who will have to continue to experience flood events in the future.

The COE recent study proposes lowering the lake 0.8 ft in the fall to elevation 1718 ft to allow higher inflows in the spring. They also propose to widen the Big Sioux River and build larger berms on the east side of the river through town. These proposals may protect Watertown infrastructure but will leave Lake Kampeska residents with no protection from flooding events.
 

Aquatic Invasive Species

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South Dakota Aquatic Invasive Species Map

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The Truth about Zebra Mussels Article - Dan Loveland, South Dakota Lakes and Streams Association

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Zebra mussels and other invasive species have been creeping east to west across the United States for sevral decades and were first found in South Dakota in 2014. The state has done a record 18,642 inspections of boats in 2023, with 98% found compliant, up from 96% in 2022.

At least 46 bodies of water in South Dakota now have at least one type of invasive aquatic species.

The state Wildlife Division will rely on a proven message to boat owners that they need to clean, drain and dry their boats after usage in our state waters. This message will be the back bone to prevent zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species from spreading into more of South Dakotas lakes and rivers.

The state will once again be doing readside and dockside inspections, installing information signs and remiders stenciled on the pavement at boat landings, recording messages at gas station pumps, tailored messages aimed at specific groups such and personal watercraft, printed materials will be distributed at sports shows and shared with lake associations including dozens of in person presentations for citizens.

The goal is to reach every surface water user according to the state. People buying fishing licenses will have to check off that they have read paragraphs of information about AIS before they can purchase a license. Outreach and education are the primary tool we have to reach all users.

Phosphate Analysis    

Removing the phosphates in Lake Kampeska would greatly improve the quality of the water and reduce the algae blooms which occur mid to late summer.  Not only are the algae unsightly, it is also unhealthy.  The Lake Kampeska Water Project District Board is continuing to examine various possibilities for its removal.

Dredging

Dredging the lake is always a very popular item for discussion.  While many would like to see this happen, few have all the answers.  The cost of dredging the entire lake makes this idea not feasible.  Targeted dredging is more feasible, but the challenge of where to deposit the dredged material is still unanswered as well as who will pay for this.  The Lake Kampeska Water Project Board is still investigating these issues.