Green Lake Water Level

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The DNR has the power and responsibility under section 31.02 of the Wisconsin Statutes to regulate and control the level and flow of water in all navigable waters.

Green Lake water levels are adjusted by the Mill-pond Dam, which the City of Green Lake operates. The dam consists of an earthen embankment with concrete abutments forming three open spaces or 'gates'. Removable 6' x 6" timbers stacked vertically within the gate are spaced to create a wall against the flow of water. By removing or replacing these boards, the water level is decreased or increased correspondingly to the extent that the lake's water input will sustain the intended level.

According to an order issued by the DNR, the City of Green Lake is required to operate the dam so that:

• The lake level shall not exceed elevation 796.49 (MSL) between the spring break up and September 30
• Starting September 30, the level shall be lowered slowly to 795.74 by October 31 and maintained at that level until spring break up. This is to prevent harmful ice pile up and erosion around the shore when spring break up occurs.

The City measures the water levels by taking readings from a staff gauge with graduations in feet and tenths, which is mounted on a concrete abutment of the dam. Staff gauge readings corresponding to the DNR specifications are:

The Millpond park is open to the public and the staff gauge is accessible to anyone interested in checking the water level. The City takes readings nearly every day during the summer and keeps a record of the readings, which is also available for public viewing.