Why Dikes Matter: Protecting Our Lakes and Homes
When you gaze out over the peaceful waters of Lake Wawasee, Syracuse Lake, or Lake Papakeechie, it’s easy to forget the complex infrastructure quietly working behind the scenes to keep our shores safe. Among the most critical and often overlooked components of that system is the dike.
What Is a Dike?
A dike is a man-made embankment built to regulate water levels and prevent flooding. Unlike dams, which typically block or divert water flow, dikes act as protective barriers, reinforcing shorelines and containing water within designated areas. Turkey Creek’s dike is essential to maintaining the delicate balance between nature, recreation, and residential safety.
Protecting Homes and Property
The Hawaiian Village dike, located on the Northwest section of Lake Wawasee, plays a vital role in shielding nearby homes from rising lake levels. This area was originally a wetlands region that supported 10 homes. In an effort to expand development, the wetlands were dredged to increase the water surface, making room for additional housing. The dredged material was then used to construct a berm. Without it, heavy rainfall or snowmelt could overwhelm the shoreline, leading to erosion, basement flooding, and costly damage to infrastructure. The dike ensures that water is channeled safely, reducing the risk to homes and roads.
Preserving Ecosystems
Dikes also help preserve the natural habitats around the lakes. By controlling water flow and preventing uncontrolled flooding, they protect our land and shoreline vegetation. This stability supports biodiversity and keeps the lakes healthy for generations to come.
Community Responsibility
Maintaining the dike is a crucial part of the job of the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District. Before the dike was restored, the berm breached on three separate occasions, each resulting in significant consequences. During one of these breaches, floodwaters inundated the wetlands located behind the berm, eventually spilling into the area that is now occupied by the Fresh Market grocery store. The flooding also extended to Highway 13, disrupting traffic and infrastructure. These breaches were primarily caused by the activity of beavers and muskrats, which compromised the berm’s structural integrity.
In response, the Turkey Creek Dam & Dike Conservancy District recognized the severity of the risk and conducted an assessment and determined that the situation posed too great a hazard. They partnered with the DNR to develop a new design for a dike system intended to mitigate future flooding. If the newly designed dike were to fail completely, Lake Wawasee could lose several feet of depth, leading to substantial environmental degradation and serious consequences for the surrounding community.
Staying informed, supporting funding initiatives, and respecting lakefront regulations all contribute to the long-term success of these protective structures. Want to learn more or get involved? Visit our website or Facebook page!