The Warsaw Stormwater Utility has been working to improve Pike Lake’s Water Quality by restoring the shoreline. Photo provided by the City of Warsaw.

News Release

WARSAW — For years, Pike Lake has provided Warsaw residents with a unique space to enjoy swimming, fishing, camping, boating, and more. If you have visited Pike Lake in recent years, you may have observed a change in the appearance of the lake’s shoreline and may be wondering why. Warsaw Stormwater Utility would like to take the opportunity to explain why we made changes to the shoreline and to explain the revisions planned for the project.

Studies conducted by the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams have revealed that Pike Lake’s clarity is lower than other lakes nearby. The studies have additionally found that Pike Lake contains significant concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen that are higher than many other Kosciusko County lakes. Furthermore, studies have shown Pike Lake to possess consistently elevated levels of oxygen caused by algae and excess plants that will eventually decompose and decrease oxygen levels that fish rely on to survive. At times, there are harmful levels of E. coli.

In response to the declining water quality of Pike Lake, the City had the shoreline restored in a way that mimics how it would look and function if humans had never altered it. Studies have proven that shoreline restorations benefit water quality by protecting and improving surface waters. Restored shorelines can protect the lake from erosion, deter geese, promote healthy ecosystems, and filter pollution and sediment before it enters the water.

Since completing the shoreline restoration project, the City has received complaints from members of the community, which we take very seriously. One complaint is that residents are experiencing issues accessing the shoreline to fish because of the shoreline vegetation. Residents have also referred to the shoreline as tall grass or tall weeds, which is not the case. The shoreline vegetation consists of native plants that play a vital role in the functions of the restored shoreline. All said, the City plans to revise the shoreline project so that the shore is more accessible for fishing.

The Stormwater Utility plans to replace sections of the shoreline vegetation with flagstone pavers, which will be like the designated fishing areas located across the lake at Lucerne Park. The flagstone areas will be phased into the existing shoreline project and may not all be completed at one time. Each flagstone area will be strategically positioned for fishing while preserving the shoreline vegetation that will remain in place. In addition, educational signage will be installed and positioned in a way that blends in with the natural environment surrounding Pike Lake. The finished project will ensure that the recreation opportunities provided at the lake remain, while functioning to provide a similar experience for future generations of residents.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about shoreline restorations, you can do so by emailing the City’s Stormwater Coordinator, Brandon Cordell, at [email protected].

Shoreline restoration includes adding native plants. Photo provided by the City of Warsaw.