LakeForecast Returns with Near-Real-Time Data for Madison-Area Lake Conditions
Clean Lakes Alliance volunteers collect data at more than 80 points around all five lakes
MADISON, Wis., May 21, 2025 – With the “unofficial” start to summer this weekend, Clean Lakes Alliance is excited to kick off its 13th season of monitoring the Greater Madison lakes. Starting this Thursday, lake users will once again have more information about how to find the best spots when planning their visits. Water quality volunteer monitors will “dip in” their turbidity tubes (devices used to measure water clarity) for the first time this season and upload their data to LakeForecast.org
“Each year, the popularity of this all-volunteer service expands,” said Clean Lakes Alliance Founder and Executive Director James Tye. “With more people using the lakes, and more people interested in the best spot for a visit, LakeForecast has become the go-to website for real-time information surrounding our lakes.”
Important Data
Each volunteer water quality monitor takes temperature readings and measures water clarity. Additionally, monitors upload any visual water issues, including cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms, that may be observed at their monitored site. LakeForecast also includes beach-closure notifications posted by Public Health Madison & Dane County and Wisconsin State Parks. Lake users looking for this data can go to LakeForecast.org.
One-of-a-Kind Program
What started as just a few off-shore monitored spots on the lakes has greatly expanded to the current 80-plus near-shore and off-shore spots on all five lakes. Volunteers will continue to collect data at least twice a week and upload it to the website. Data will populate on LakeForecast’s interactive maps each week through Labor Day weekend.
