Fox Illinois River Basin TMDL
A Framework for Water Quality Improvement
Fox River at Waterford
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), together with many partners, is working to improve the surface water quality of tributaries, streams, rivers and lakes within the Fox Illinois River Basin (FOXIL). To strengthen these ongoing efforts, the department will be developing a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the river basins. The TMDL for this study area, referred to as the FOXIL TMDL, will be a multi-year effort to address surface water quality impairments caused by phosphorus and total suspended solids and sediment. The FOXIL TMDL study will provide a strategic framework and pollutant reduction goals for surface water quality improvement within the river basins.
The FOXIL TMDL study area is located in the southeastern part of Wisconsin. The study area includes the Fox River, the Des Plaines River, Nippersink Creek, North Mill Creek and Channel Lake watersheds. The study area is primarily located in Racine, Kenosha, Walworth and Waukesha counties. It is approximately bounded by Waukesha to the north, Lake Geneva to the southwest and the western portions of Kenosha to the southeast. The TMDL study area covers approximately 1,060 square miles within Wisconsin, which is approximately 2% of the state.
The project is currently in the TMDL development stage and will be developed in collaboration with stakeholders.
Opportunities for Input
Modeling Reports
Two draft reports were developed during the watershed model development process. The first report summarizes the process used to develop the calibration and validation datasets. The second report summarizes the setup, calibration and validation of the watershed model. We are accepting input on the draft reports until December 6, 2024. Please send all written feedback to Eric Hettler at eric.hettler@wisconsin.gov.
Calibration and Validation Datasets for the Fox Illinois River Basin TMDL
SWAT Model Setup, Calibration and Validation for the Fox Illinois River Basin TMDL
Informational Sessions
Upcoming Webinars
No webinars are currently scheduled. Future webinars are planned for early 2025. Updates will be sent out via GovDelivery.
Past Webinars
September 2024 Informational Webinar - Sept. 25, 2024
A public informational webinar was held to provide updates on the DNR-led water quality study titled “Total Maximum Daily Loads for Total Phosphorus and Total Suspended Solids in the Fox Illinois River Basin” (FOXIL TMDL). The informational webinar provided an overview of the watershed model that has been developed and included a description of the next steps for the project.
- Recorded presentation: September 2024 Informational Webinar
- Webinar presentation slides
October 2023 Informational Webinar - Oct. 31, 2023
A public informational webinar was held to provide updates on the DNR-led water quality study titled “Total Maximum Daily Loads for Total Phosphorus and Total Suspended Solids in the Fox Illinois River Basin” (FOXIL TMDL). The informational webinar provided updates on the project including a summary of monitoring data collected for the project, an overview of agricultural land use and practices in the study area, a description of subbasin delineation for watershed modeling, and an outline of next steps for the project.
- Recorded presentation: October 2023 Informational Webinar
- Webinar presentation slides
Project Introduction Webinar - Feb. 15, 2023
A public informational webinar was held to introduce the DNR-led water quality study titled “Total Maximum Daily Loads for Total Phosphorus and Total Suspended Solids in the Fox Illinois River Basin.” This informational webinar provided an overview of the TMDL development process, the TMDL study area and the results of the initial monitoring efforts.
- Recorded presentation: Project Introduction Webinar
- Webinar presentation slides