Heavy rain raises concerns over potential dam failure in Wisconsin

MERTON, Wis. (WFRV) – Heavy rain is raising concerns for a dam in southeast Wisconsin, with officials warning of a high potential for failure.

According to the Hartland Police Department, authorities were notified Tuesday that the Merton Millpond Dam in the Village of Merton was in a Level 2 Emergency State, which indicates a high risk of failure.

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says it is confident the dam can be reinforced. However, the Village of Hartland is advising residents and businesses along the Bark River to be aware of possible rising water levels.

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At this time, the dam has not been breached, and its emergency action plan has been activated. Engineers and local authorities are assessing the situation while the DNR works to reinforce the structure, which officials say should mitigate the risk.

Residents along the Bark River are urged to monitor water levels and follow updates from official sources. Water levels could rise within the 100- to 500-year floodplain.

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