Boat waves, particularly from wake boats, and propeller wash can damage our lakes’ natural shorelines, harm aquatic plant life, and degrade water quality by resuspending sediment and nutrients. This has led to an increase in local ordinances restricting wake-enhanced boating on many lakes, which often have sensitive, natural shorelines compared to the artificial reservoirs found elsewhere. Research indicates wake boats can disturb lakebeds, accelerate shoreline erosion, and increase phosphorus levels, which can lead to algal blooms.

Boat wave impacts on natural shorelines and aquatic habitats

• Shoreline erosion: The greater energy of wake boat waves can exacerbate erosion along natural shorelines, even with structures.
• Aquatic plant damage: Propeller wash and wakes can uproot and damage native aquatic plants, such as wild rice, which are crucial for securing shorelines and the ecosystem.
• Lakebed disturbance: Propeller wash can disturb the lakebed, releasing phosphorus and other nutrients that fuel algae growth.
• Impact on other species: The disruption of aquatic plants and water quality can negatively impact fish, birds, and other wildlife.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA STUDY CONFIRMS WAKE SURFING IMPACT ON LAKEBEDS

For several years, the wake surfing industry has claimed there’s no lakebed impact if surfing occurs in depths of at least 10 feet. However, this new study definitively showsprofound sediment disturbance even in much deeper water.

A new study by the University of Minnesota provides data and specifically recommends:

“It is recommended that wakeboats operate in 20 ft of water or greater when in surfing mode to minimize impacts on the lake bottom.”

(LINK:See a summary of the University of Minnesota study here)

A coalition of organizations in Wisconsin recommended minimum State Standards. Due to the large number of lakes and rivers in Wisconsin and the diversity of municipalities in which they reside, State-wide minimum standards are being discussed to provide a level of protection for the State’s lakes and rivers while providing recreational opportunities for all users. The minimum standards this diverse coalition of organizations recommend are as follows:

1. Enhanced wake creation activities shall only occur 700 feet or more from a lake and river shoreline or island shoreline.
2. Enhanced wake creation activities shall only occur at water depths in excess of 30 feet.
3. Ballast systems must comply with DNR regulations NR19.055 and NR40. All ballast systems are subject to the “Home Lake Rule”, requiring thermal decontamination by a certified individual before launching and owner certification paperwork for single-lake use. Boats must be professionally decontaminated when relocating to a different lake or river and receive accompanying paperwork. Furthermore, any anti-freeze in ballast tanks must be fully purged before a boat enters a Wisconsin lake or river. These regulations take effect one year after enactment.
4. Local units of government shall continue to have the right to enact ordinances more restrictive than these State minimum standards when necessary to fully protect the waters under their jurisdiction. Any currently existing local ordinances that are stricter than these state minimums shall be allowed to continue to be in effect.

LINKS:Click here for more information from Oneida County Clean Waters Action, andhere for Wisconsin Lakes Association

In 2026, MKLPA is implementing Wake Boat zones in Lake Minocqua and Lake Kawaguesaga where Wake Boats can operate with minimal damage to the lakebed and shorelines. Zones will be 500 feet from the shoreline and in greater than 20 feet of water.