Otter Lake Shoreline Erosion Assessment & Mapping

Synopsis

Otter Lake is a water supply and recreational reservoir. Erosion along the 30 miles of shoreline is a major source of nutrient and sediment loads. Northwater characterized and mapped the entire lake shore using advanced mapping technology, and quantified erosion and nutrient inputs to the lake. The mapping is being used to prioritize and design remediation projects.

Client(s):

Otter Lake Water Commission
Services:

Water Resources, Water Supply
Market/Sector:

Government
Location:

Macoupin County, Illinois

Project Description

Northwater completed a detailed lake shoreline assessment, which included establishing a baseline inventory of shoreline erosion for the entire Otter Lake water supply reservoir (30 miles). Northwater established a ranking system designed to quantify erosion and nutrient loading and to help prioritize reaches for stabilization. The assessment was accomplished through direct measurements, advanced geomatics equipment and GIS software. Soil cores were obtained to determine the concentration of nutrients in eroded sediment.

A high-quality map atlas was produced to display results and help guide the Otter Lake Water Commission in making cost-effective and informed decisions related to in-lake improvements. Northwater provides regular updates to shoreline maps, loading estimates, and priorities as lake banks are armored.