Our Water Resources

Natural Resources/Recreation>Water

Our Water Resources

Our Water Resources are one of the most dominant features of our landscape. You are never far from surface water in our Hills and Dales.

Precious Water [Click here to view full size picture]

Lakes
Streams
Water Quality
Pond Development for Fish & Wildlife
Wetlands

Lakes

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Lake [Click here to view full size picture]

Lakes in Hillsdale County:There are over 360 named lakes with Baw Beese being the largest. 72 of these lakes are over 10 acres in size. There are 5 man made lakes: Bellair, Diane, LeAnn, Merry, and Somerset.

Lake Associations:Most larger lakes have associations that exist for the common benefit of the residents and to manage and maintain the lake and riparian areas.

Streams

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Stream Collage [Click here to view full size picture]

Streams in Hillsdale County:
Hillsdale County has over miles of streams.
Fish Present:
Most streams support a warm water fishery. A portion of the Kalamazoo near Mosherville and the East Branch of the St. Joseph of the Maumee at Lost Nations State Game Area have been stocked with trout.
Clean Up Days:The Friends of The St. Joseph River (of Lake Michigan) holds an annual clean of the river from Jonesville to Litchfield.

Water Quality

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Well Water Testing:Ground water quality in the County is generally of good quality. There are isolated areas where high nitrates occur, particularly where there are sandy soils. Contact the Hillsdale County Health Department at 20 Care Dr., Hillsdale, Mi. 49242, phone# 517-437-7395 to investigate suspected ground water problems.

Best Management Practices to Protect Surface Water:There are numerous things citizens can do to help protect and enhance the quality of water in Hillsdale County.

Pond Development for Fish & Wildlife

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A good pond site must have a source of water and once full must retain water. The source can be a high water table or runoff from surrounding land. The soils in the pond area must also be capable of holding the water if an embankment type pond is desired.

Wetlands

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Wetlands are areas that have water saturated soils the majority of the year and support water loving plants. Wetlands serve as natural filters, sediment traps, ground water recharge areas and provide wildlife habitat. Wetlands are among the earths most productive environments.

Related Links:
DEQ Wetland Protection Link