Lake resident puts ‘water hogs’ on notice

Using dwindling lake water for lawns is selfish, she says

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Staff writer

While most area lawns are as dry and brown as the dust in the streets, at least one area resident isn’t pleased that some people have found a way to water their lawns for free.

Robyn Kay, who lives on Browns Lake, is frustrated by those owning lakefront property who are using lake water to water their lawns and gardens.

As Kay pointed out, the practice isn’t new. It’s also not illegal or, for that matter, particularly regulated.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources does not place many regulations on drawing water from public lakes – not even in times of drought. Any pumps must be off the lake bottoms, and the amount of water must be “nominal.”

Of course, “nominal” is open to interpretation. In Kay’s mind, it’s a matter of common courtesy.

“With this drought and the governor instituting half of the state in a water crisis … for me, (it’s) disheartening to see boats not even able to navigate the water and neighbors with their bright green lawns.

“The DNR allows it,” she added. “But we’re in a drought.”

Marty Griffin, the Statewide Waterway Science and Policy expert for the DNR, said Tuesday that common sense should prevail.

“If you know the water levels are low, you should be practicing water conservation,” he said.

However, there are no laws regulating the water levels on either Browns Lake or Bohners Lake.

In that case, the only real requirement is that the pump structure be clear of the lake bed, and not exceed 100,000 gallons of draw per day.

“If your pump structure is sitting on the bed of the lake, you’re going to need a permit for that,” Griffin said. However, the permit is a one-time $600 and after that, there are no additional fees.

In the meantime, Kay wants to see her neighbors act with a little good conscience.

“It’s public waters,” she said. “Even if the DNR says you can do it … the lake levels are dropping dramatically. People should be more responsible.”

Griffin did add people with concerns can call the DNR and ask them to look at the situation because, as always, “nominal” is up to interpretation.

The DNR can be reached at (920) 662-5452.

There are currently no bans on watering or sprinkling in the City or Town of Burlington. In fact, City Administrator Kevin Lahner said that there are no issues with the municipal water wells in the city “at all.”

“Our wells are deep wells,” he said. “We’re still fine.”