With the onset of ice cover, officials with the Iowa DNR remind lake users that the winter aeration systems are now operating on Clear Lake.
The aerators are located on the east shore in front of the Clear Lake city water treatment plant and on the north shore near the pump station west of Venetian Village. Individuals using the lake this winter should stay completely away from these open water areas. Unsafe ice in the vicinity of the aerators will vary depending on the weather. The aeration systems are marked with reflective thin ice signs, so use caution around those areas.
According to Scott Grummer, Fisheries Biologist for the Iowa DNR, the aerators are designed to reduce the probability of winter fish kills in an attempt to maintain water quality and a high quality fishery.
Other aeration systems in North Iowa are located on Rice Lake, Silver Lake, and Crystal Lake.
