News

2026_State of the Lakes_header

May 13 @ 7:30 am 9:30 am

Clean Lakes 101

Please join us for our State of the Lakes, on Wednesday, May 13, at The Edgewater. This year, we’re excited to feature the State of the Lakes — an annual health synopsis of Greater Madison’s five Yahara lakes (Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa).

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Event details

Save the date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 7:30 – 8 a.m. coffee and conversation, 8 – 9:30 a.m. continental breakfast and program
Location: The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Ave., Madison)

About this event

Please join us for our State of the Lakes, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026! This year, we’re excited to feature the State of the Lakes. The report is an annual health synopsis of Greater Madison’s five Yahara lakes (Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa). Focusing on major drivers and indicators of water quality, the analysis summarizes lake and watershed health factors, trends, and the likely causes of observed conditions.

We will continue the tradition of bringing together our watershed’s premier scientists, business and organizational leaders, heads of government, and officials from the Ho-Chunk Nation to learn more about the lakes (originally known as Teejop) and new opportunities for continued collaboration and progress. 

Clean Lakes Alliance and its fellow Renew the Blue Council members will highlight the latest science and Renew the Blue stakeholder guidance that will direct future cleanup actions.

Sponsor a table

Table sponsors receive name recognition on promotional materials, email marketing, and the Clean Lakes Alliance website. A table seats 8 people. Please contact Executive Director, James Tye, to sponsor a table at 608-255-1000 or james@cleanlakesalliance.orgLearn about all 2026 sponsorship opportunities.

Event parking

This event will be held at The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI 53703). Event parking will be available at The Edgewater. Parking spots fill up quickly and may be limited depending on capacity.

2026 sponsors

2026 State of the Lakes Sponsor Footer

(608) 255-1000

View Organizer Website

1001 Wisconsin Place
Madison, WI 53703 United States
+ Google Map
(608) 535-8200
View Venue Website

Water quality monitoring equipment

LakeForecast water quality monitoring in 2021

In 2021, our volunteers embarked on the 9th season of LakeForecast water quality monitoring. This work involved collecting nearshore condition reports at piers, beaches, parks, and access points around the five Yahara lakes. From May through September, volunteers took water quality measurements. They measured water clarity, recorded air and water temperature, identified the presence of green algae and cyanobacteria, and noted additional visual observations. Reports are entered into the LakeForecast app where all data are updated in real time.

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UW-Madison’s love of the lakes

A letter from University of Wisconsin-Madison about the Yahara CLEAN Compact

Like everything else this year, visiting the Memorial Union Terrace feels a little different. Yet as we sit apart, looking over Lake Mendota, it serves as a reminder that the physical distance between us is a sign of strength. We are reminded of what we can accomplish when we have the resolve to tackle a challenge, and Clean Lakes Alliance is evidence of that.

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Schluter Beach 20May2020

Making Progress For Our Lakes

In 2019, Clean Lakes Alliance’s work was focused on actions that increased community engagement and reduced phosphorus runoff into the lakes. Keep reading to learn more about our 2019 achievements. These actions could not have been accomplished without the dedication and support of our boards, committees, donors, volunteers, staff, partners, and the community.

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Bernies Beach

A shared vision for clean, safe, and accessible lakes

In August 2019, leaders from government, business, and nonprofit organizations came together with a shared vision. The vision included a future in which Greater Madison’s five Yahara lakes are clean, safe, and accessible for everyone. Together, the 19 partners and collaborators formed the Yahara CLEAN Compact and committed to sharing resources and working together to curb pollution and chart the best path forward to cleaner, healthier lakes.

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