What's the problem with Storm Lake?
One of the few natural glacial lakes in Iowa, Storm Lake appeared on Iowa's impaired waters list because of turbidity, or cloudy water. Aggressive wind and wave action across the lake stirs up sediment, causing the water to appear brown and cloudy. The sediment comes from agricultural areas and urban stormwater runoff in the watershed.

Excess sediment delivered to Storm Lake can reduce water clarity, damage habitat of aquatic life, fill in streambeds, clog drainageways and deliver phosphorous to the lake.
Back to top

What's being done to help Storm Lake?
Conservation practices such as filter strips, grassed waterways and streambank stabilization with the use of boulder weirs has reduced sediment in the Storm Lake watershed. These practices also prevent streambank erosion, provide cover for wildlife and enhance fish habitats.

Filter strips are strips of grass or other vegetation used to trap sediment (and pollutants attached to it) from runoff.

Grassed waterways in the Storm Lake watershed are effective in reducing soil erosion. These natural or constructed channels move surface water across the land without causing soil erosion. The vegetation in the waterway slows the water, protecting the land from rill and gully erosion.

Streambank stabilization is used to improve the Storm Lake watershed also. This practice protects the streambanks from eroding. Without this conservation practice, soil erosion would occur at a faster rate.

Those interested in helping improve the Storm Lake watershed can also gain education and information through field days, newsletters and field visits discussing current issues, conservation practices and program options through the Storm Lake Watershed Project.
Back to top

What can I do to help?
Christopher Hogge, watershed project coordinator, can work with you to evaluate your property and identify practices that can help both the lake and your property. Proctor can also help find financial assistance to install those practices. Landowners participating in the watershed project can be eligible for financial assistance.

IOWATER monitoring is a great option for residents in the Storm Lake watershed. During this monthly event, monitors collect information on the levels of nitrates, nitrites, dissolved oxygen, pH, chloride and phosphate in the watershed at 11 sites.

Some monitors also report bacteria and biological life at their monitoring site and report their data to the IOWATER online database, where the public can view water monitoring results from across the state at IOWATER .

Those in the Storm Lake watershed can also help by reducing the amount of lawn and agricultural fertilizers they use. Other practices include soil testing, using phosphorous-free fertilizers and cleaning the curb and gutter where they live. Storm drains carry sediment, lawn fertilizers and grass clippings directly to the lake, which result in poor water quality.
Back to top

What is the future of Storm Lake?
The Storm Lake Water Quality Project looks to increase recreational use of the lake due to ever-improving water quality, which is a result of ongoing watershed improvement work and the lake restoration program. Working together with the Storm Lake Watershed Project, landowners can help ensure that future generations can enjoy the lake for years to come.
Back to top

Project partners

• Iowa DNR
• Iowa Department of Agriculture - Division of Soil Conservation
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

For More Information
Local:
Amy Johnson
Storm Lake watershed project coordinator
(712) 732-3096
Amy.M.Johnson@ia.nacdnet.net
Buena Vista NRCS Office

Statewide:
Steve Hopkins
DNR Watershed Improvement Program Grants Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov