Stormwater in Fort Atkinson, WI
Did you know that Fort Atkinson includes over 34 stormwater outfalls? Combined the storm sewer system and the 155 lane miles the city maintains connect the City of Fort Atkinson to the Rock River, Bark River, and other streams, ponds, wetlands, and stormwater outfalls. As one of the founding members of the Rock River Stormwater Group, the city continues to implement stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants found on the streets, driveways, and sidewalks that are washed into the Rock and Bark Rivers during every rain event. For more information about Fort Atkinson’s stormwater management and local issues, visit the city’s webpage for the Stormwater Utility.
Improving Stormwater Quality at Larson Lagoon – One example of a stormwater BMP in the City of Fort Atkinson was the 2018 project at Larson Lagoon to construct a sediment basin on the eastern side of the lagoon. The project received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and included a redirection of a 60-foot storm sewer, changes to the existing pond outlet, and construction of a new outlet to the north. Previously, stormwater drained toward the western lagoon through a spillway, but changing the flow pattern has helped the City of Fort Atkinson achieve water quality benefits before the stormwater enters the Rock River. Beyond the water treatment benefits, the project also helped promote better ecology and provide recreational opportunities.
Continue reading to learn more about stormwater in Fort Atkinson and find out how you can help Protect Wisconsin’s Waterways. Plus, don’t forget to view the photos from above the city near the Rock and Bark Rivers courtesy of the Rock River Stormwater Group provided on this page!
Join the Fort Atkinson Clean-Up on September 21, 2024
Join the team of Fort Atkinson volunteers on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9 AM to Noon to help clean up trash and prevent it from entering the Rock and Bark Rivers.
Register by August 16th for a FREE Protect Wisconsin Waterways t-shirt and gardening gloves.
Adopt a Drain – Help Protect Wisconsin’s Waterways!
Do you live next to a storm drain? The City of Fort Atkinson needs your help! The Fort Atkinson Storm Drain Protector Program is an opportunity for you to help prevent water pollution right from your home. Even if you don’t live near a creek, river, or lake, your actions can have a direct impact on the health of our waterways like the Rock River. Adopt a storm drain near your property by completing the form below.
Protect a storm drain today by preventing pollution (grass clippings, leaves, fertilizer, and other chemicals) from your property from going down the storm drain and #protectwiwaterways!
Adopt a Fort Atkinson Storm Drain Today!
Learn More About Wisconsin Stormwater Week
September 21-29, 2024 is Wisconsin Stormwater Week. Help the City of Fort Atkinson celebrate and find resources about things you can do around your home in Fort Atkinson to Protect Wisconsin’s Waterways.
Photos from Above Fort Atkinson
Have you ever wondered what areas around Fort Atkinson look like from above? Check out the drone photos from around the City above the Rock River and Bark River areas courtesy of the Rock River Stormwater Group!
