The Hallett's Quarry basins are situated on the eastern edge of a 2456-acre watershed located along the northern city limits of Ames, Iowa. Land use consists of 1467-acres of cropland, 538-acres urban influence, 191-acres in two golf courses, 87-acres of pasture, 129-acres of lake surface, 30-acres of odd areas, and 14-acres of wetlands. Both groundwater springs and surface water runoff maintain water levels in both basins.

The quarries act as a secondary water supply for the City of Ames during drought periods. The city uses wells to draw water from this aquifer to supply a large part of its municipal needs. In the late seventies the Skunk River went dry. A low head dam was put in near 13th street and water was pumped from Hallett's Quarry Lake into the Skunk River. This in turn was enough to recharge the city wells. This technique was used again in 1988 and was being considered again in 2000 until sufficient rainfall was received. Thus protection of the Hallett's Quarry Lake and its contiguous ground water is important to the 50,000+ residents and businesses of Ames.

Water quality in Hallett's Quarry Lake is effected by both Urban and Rural factors that consist of nutrient loading, sedimentation, and possible pollution from everyday human activity. This type of pollution is termed as non-point source. This means that the sources of pollution are not readily identifiable and are spread out within the watershed.

That is where the Hallett's Quarry/Ada Hayden Watershed project comes into the picture. Through an application process the Story County SWCD received a grant with money set aside to help accomplish 2 components of the project. The first component is a curriculum intent on installing Best Management Practices placed strategically on urban and agricultural land within the watershed. These practices include sediment control basins, waterways, ponds and wetlands, and buffers. These practices will aid in he reduction of sedimentation, nutrient loading, and filtering pollutants out of runoff. The second component of the project is to inform and educate the residents of the watershed and surrounding communities about water quality. With the threat of urban and rural pollution this is a key to keeping the Hallett's Quarry water quality in good standing. The information and education program will consist of workshops, school presentations, flyers and brochures, and urban and rural conservation field days.

We hope that we are able to answer all your questions and improve the quality of water entering Hallett's Quarry!