Protecting Lake Mattoon
For Generations to Come

Sedimentation is the primary long-term threat. From 1958 to the last survey in 2001, Lake Mattoon has lost over 550 million gallons of capacity due to sediment accumulation. Losing an estimated 13 million gallons per year of potential capacity, the lake will be at half its capacity by 2124 and completely filled by 2291.

Sedimentation reduces the lake's useful life as a water supply. Sediment entering the reservoir gradually reduces storage capacity, shortens the operational life of the lake, and threatens the long-term water supply for over 20,000 people in Mattoon and surrounding communities.

Nutrient loading is a documented water quality concern. Illinois EPA studies identified phosphorus loading in the Lake Mattoon watershed as a driver of eutrophication — excessive nutrients cause algal blooms, deplete dissolved oxygen, and degrade aquatic habitat critical to the lake ecosystem.

Lake restoration delivers measurable economic returns. Studies across the Midwest consistently show that lake restoration projects generate $3–$4 in economic activity for every $1 invested. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative produced $3.35 in regional economic activity for every federal dollar spent.

Lake recreation drives real local spending. Visitors to Illinois lakes like Rend Lake and Lake Shelbyville spend an average of $27–$34 per person per day in the local economy — generating tens of millions of dollars annually through lodging, food, fuel, and recreation spending.

Maintenance is the cheapest form of infrastructure investment. Every $1 spent maintaining water infrastructure avoids approximately $4 in emergency repair costs and can save $3–$7 in future water treatment expenses. Proactive investment in Lake Mattoon protects both the environment and the public budget.