Flood Prevention Efforts

The building of a dam structure on the Big Sioux River north of Watertown is still in the planning stages.  The Lake Kampeska Water Project District has played a key role in moving the project forward. The Army Corps of Engineers is waiting for federal funding to complete its analysis.  The dam will be designed to always allow the Big Sioux River to flow through the structure, but hold back flood waters.  The backed-up water would continue to drain at full capacity until the river flow was reduced to more normal levels.  This structure will provide flood protection for Lake Kampeska and the city of Watertown.

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.