Project Clarity:
Restoring The Macatawa Watershed, Together
In 2013, a bold community partnership formed around a shared vision: restore the health of Lake Macatawa and the entire Macatawa Watershed. That vision became Project Clarity — a collaborative, science-driven initiative committed to improving water quality, strengthening ecological health, and protecting one of West Michigan’s most treasured natural resources.
Understanding the Challenge
For decades, sediment pollution has been the largest threat to Lake Macatawa. Excess sediment carries phosphorus into the lake, fueling algal growth and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. This imbalance affects wildlife, recreational enjoyment, and the local economy.
Water quality did not decline overnight — and restoring it takes time. But through sustained partnership and innovative solutions, progress is happening.
A Decade of Measurable Impact
Through its first two phases, Project Clarity has implemented more than 250 restoration and conservation projects across the watershed. Each year, these efforts now keep:
- 46,000 tons of sediment out of the watershed
- 40,000 pounds of phosphorus from entering Lake Macatawa
- A 62% reduction in overall phosphorus levels
These improvements are transformative — benefiting the watershed for generations.
Did You Know?
Water clarity in Lake Macatawa is now at levels not seen since monitoring began in the 1970s.
Restoration & Protection Highlights
Project Clarity has protected and restored key areas across the watershed:
- 290 acres of critical land
- 77 acres of prairie, 92 acres of wetlands
- 3 miles of streams stabilized
- 65 farms implementing conservation practices across 36,000 acres
- 10 rain gardens, 5 curb-cut rain gardens, 2 bioswales filtering over 1 million gallons of stormwater annually
Beyond physical restoration, the project has strengthened public awareness — helping residents understand challenges and empowering them to be part of the solution.
Ongoing Science & Stewardship
Restoration is a marathon, not a sprint. Current efforts include:
- Twice-annual macroinvertebrate monitoring
- Seasonal Secchi disk water clarity checks
- Weekly chloride monitoring
- Five annual river cleanups
- Outreach events like the Macatawa Water Festival
- Community programs like Water Smart Landscaping
Lake and stream monitoring is conducted in partnership with the Annis Water Resources Institute and the Global Water Resource Institute, ensuring data-driven decisions. Recent upgrades, including tributary sondes and a lake buoy, provide real-time water conditions. A public-facing platform is coming soon to share this information with the community.
Looking Ahead
While progress has been remarkable, phosphorus reduction is beginning to level off. Project Clarity is now evaluating in-lake treatment options to complement upstream conservation practices.
How You Can Help
Project Clarity is a community effort — and everyone has a role. You can support Lake Macatawa by:
- Attending the Macatawa Water Festival
- Donating to Project Clarity
- Planting rain gardens or installing rain barrels
- Converting turf to native landscaping
Small actions, multiplied across a watershed, create
A Shared Commitment to the Future
The progress achieved through Project Clarity shows what’s possible when science, collaboration, and community align. Together, we are restoring Lake Macatawa — protecting wildlife, strengthening ecosystems, and ensuring future generations can enjoy clean water and a thriving watershed.