Great news!! The Wisconsin DNR has authorized a new Water Level Order (WLO) for Rock Lake effective immediately. 

A snapshot of the order: (compared to the previous plan). Note: color text highlights a notable change.

WINTER: [October 11th to date of Spring Ice Out/Spring Breakup or March 25th (whichever is later)] Maximum water level: 827.50 feet

No change except winter management begins earlier: October 11th vs. November 1st

SPRING: [March 25th or Ice Out (whichever is later) to May 2nd]

Dam level is gradually raised to increase lake levels to maintain a “steady, gradual progression toward summer elevation” not to exceed 827.63 feet before March 25th , and not exceeding 828.03 feet (summer minimum) before May 2nd. This major change will allow greater retention of early spring rains to help attain summer recreational water levels.

SUMMER: (May 3rd to September 15)

No change to water levels or timeframe. (Minimum: 828.03 to Maximum: 828.33)

FALL: (September 16th to October 10th)

Starting on September 16th, the dam level is gradually lowered allowing water levels to reach minimum winter levels by October 10th (827.25 feet)

in a “steady, uniform progression”. This is a return to more historic management practices and offers a longer recreational season than offered in 2024 and 2025 where the winter level maximum of 827.50 feet was achieved by September 15th.

Our community accomplished this forward-looking revision by coming together and steadfastly advocating for the necessary flexibility to manage Rock Lake water levels while:

o  Supporting recreational needs

o  Not harming the lake’s underlying health

o  Anticipating the increasing volatility of weather fluctuations

Thank you to the Lake Mills City Council for requesting the DNR to review the order, funding a portion of the DNR-required environmental study, and funding the resulting reprogramming of the dam’s autonomous controller.

Thank you to Jefferson County Land & Water Conservation Dept (LWCD) for funding the majority of the DNR-required environmental studies.

And thank you to members of the Rock Lake Improvement Association and other riparian owners who advocated for this change over many months.

View the complete Water Level Order