Dear Residents,

As you know, water quality tests identified a high level of blue-green algae causing dangerous toxins in Booth Lake. On August 3^rd, the Wisconsin Department of Health directed that the beach and boat landing be closed until further notice.  Both the boat landing and beach will be closed for the remainder of the year.

Though many lakes in Southeast Wisconsin are reporting higher incidents of blue-green algae blooms this year, the concentrated levels of the toxin mycrocystin in Booth Lake are higher than most other lakes are experiencing.  

While we are not entirely certain what has caused this unusually high algal growth, there are a number of factors that in the aggregate may shed some light.  Booth Lake is classified as a Deep Hole lake, meaning that it is a glacier-formed lake with no water inlet or outlet, nor is it spring fed. As such, there is no natural movement of water except through runoff or underground seepage. With the exceptionally warm and still weather conditions this summer and a base of nutrients in the water column, the conditions are ripe for algal growth.  

Booth Lake has also experienced fish kill this year. While the algae conditions may have been a factor, the invasive, non-native pond weed Eurasian Milfoil was treated lake wide in 2025, reducing the oxygen producing plant base significantly.  This plus the warmer than normal lake water temperature were likely factors.

We will continue to test, monitor and conduct research to determine the cause and effect of these conditions so we may develop a short-term and long-term plan to nurse Booth Lake back to health.

As we learn we will keep you informed.

Sincerely,

The Boards of the Town of Troy, Town of East Troy, Village of East Troy, The Booth Lake Management District and the Memorial Park Board.