Lake Water Test Results are in!

May 27, 2025: Water test results for spring have arrived, added to our results from last fall.  Details are linked under the ‘Resource Links’ tab.  Summary review and interpretation (per Matthew Eid):

Diaminochlorotriazine (DACT): not detected in either basin — DACT is a chemical breakdown product (metabolite) of certain herbicides in the triazine family—primarily atrazine and simazine, which have historically been used in agriculture.  In the late 90’s, Stratton lake tested for abnormally high (and above healthy levels) of DACT.  Some private wells tested around 2011-12 also showed measurable levels of DACT.  Good news is that these chemicals are no longer present in our lake in measurable amounts!


Very Low Total Phosphorus: <0.006 North, <0.006 South (below levels of detection)—> our main limiting nutrient for plant and algae growth  —> very low, and typical of oligotropic lakes (clear water, low nutrient, low productivity).  Note that an early spring test may capture lower phosphorus levels prior to spring runoff.  This early season reading suggests we have lower exposure to early summer algae in Stratton.  This is positive for those who enjoy crystal clear water, less attractive for those who enjoy fishing in a more fertile lake.



Very Low Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen: 0.26 North, 0.26 South —> second main nutrient for plant and algae growth, but not a critical one for Stratton lake, as we are phosphorus-limited —> very low even for oligotropic lakes (clear water, low nutrient, low productivity).  Note that an early spring test may capture lower nitrogen levels prior to spring runoff and storms.


High Water Clarity (Low Turbidity): 0.5 North, 0.8 South —> measures small, suspended particles that lead to a cloudy appearance to the water —> low end of normal range for Wisconsin lakes and below average (2-3).  Our lake is very clear.



Normal pH: 8.31 North, 8.31 South —> means our lake is slightly basic (vs. acidic) —> this is within typical range for Wisconsin lakes and normal for a marl lake like ours.

Normal Alkalinity: 120 North, 125 South —> measure of how resistant the lake is to pH change (higher = more resistant)  —> above average (40-50) but within range for Wisconsin lakes; common for hard water/marl lakes like ours.  Stratton lake’s marl helps moderate our lake chemistry.

New Wake Enhancement Regulation

July 23, 2024: The Town of Dayton passed this ordinance, which restricts the use of artificial wake enhancement equipment on. Stratton Lake.  This and related ordinances also prohibit use of the same wake enhancement devices on all four wake lakes on the Chain, along with Spencer Lake.

The ordinances prohibit the use of devices that increase a boat’s wake, such as water sacks, ballast tanks, and submersible wings. They also prohibit operating a boat in a bow-high manner, which is when a boat plows through the water like a wedge instead of planing. The ordinances do not prohibit waterskiing, tubing, or the brief transition of a boat getting on plane. 

Please share this information with any guests or renters that this ordinance is in place.

Commissioner Elections

August 31, 2024: At our 2024 Annual Meeting, Bill Williams won reelection, for a three year term, as one of our three elected commissioners on the Stratton Lake District Board.  The Board subsequently agreed that Bill will retain his role as Treasurer for the next 12 months.  Jay Richards will retain the Secretary role, and Matthew Eid the Chairman role.  Rounding our the five Board members, John Hoftiezer remains our Town appointed representative, and John Miller continues to represent Waupaca County.