Lake and Dam Management

The Pewaukee Lake levels were established by an order of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on March 25, 1974. The Village of Pewaukee is designated as the Outlet Dam Operator and maintains the lake levels as designated by the order.

Important information:

• Maximum lake level is 852.80' msl
  • Between April15 through October 1 the lake level shall be maintained as reasonably as possible to 852.80' msl
• Minimum lake level is 852.20' msl
  • Between October 15 through May 1 the lake level shall be maintained as reasonable as possible to 852.20' msl
• The transition periods between the minimum and maximum levels are April 1 through April15 and October 1 through 15 as reasonable can be achieved.  
• The Pewaukee Lake Dam Water Lake Level Order

*For reference 0.10 feet = approximately 1 1/4"

The Pewaukee Lake management plan was prepared by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission in June 2020. 

The management plan describes various items such as:

• The Pewaukee Lake watershed
• Aquatic plant management
• Shoreline stability
• Riparian buffers
• Floodplain protection
• Water quality
• Dam operation
• Management recommendations

To view the complete Pewaukee Lake management plan click here.

The Village is responsible for 57.7 acres of Pewaukee Lake.  

The DNR issued a five-year permit in 2017 with conditions as stated in the permit approval.

On March 1, 2022, the Village Board approved the Village of Pewaukee Aquatic Plant Collection Policy.

The Pewaukee River watershed protection plan provides the framework to enable communities in the area to work together to protect and improve the land and water resources.  More information can be found on the SEWRPC website.

The Aquatic Plant Collection Policy (Lake Weed Pick-up) the Village Board adopted at its March 1, 2022 meeting.  The policy was adopted to establish clear expectations for riparian property owners, elected officials, and Village staff and/or contractors as to the services the Village provides related to the safe and efficient collection of aquatic weeds within the Village limits of Pewaukee Lake.  

• The policy defines minimum safe clearance (26-foot minimum space between piers, watercraft and/or boat lifts) for barge accessible locations for barges and staff to reach weed piles for collection.  
• Additionally, the policy defines the priorities for weed harvesting and collection with an emphasis to pile collection weekly on Monday and Friday (staff and weather permitting).

To view the policy click here to be directed to the full version.