DNR Seeking Public Comment On Updated Surface Water Assessment Guidance

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on guidance that helps water management specialists evaluate the quality of the state’s surface waters.

The Wisconsin Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (WisCALM) shares information on how to assess surface water quality using standards set by the Clean Water Act and Wisconsin state statute. The methodology is updated for each biennial surface water assessment cycle, and the current guidance is being updated for the 2026 cycle.

This year’s updates include a small number of important clarifications.

• Only two specific PFAS compounds are used in assessments: perfluoro-n-octanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (PFOA).
• Macrophyte Assessments of Condition (both general and phosphorus) do not apply to reservoirs.
• Rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for coli may not be used for assessment purposes.

Assessing waterbodies against water quality standards and identifying impaired waters that don’t meet standards is part of the overarching federal Clean Water Act framework for restoring impaired waters. Under the Clean Water Act, states are required to monitor and assess their waters to determine if they meet water quality standards and support the designated uses they are intended to provide.

"WisCALM details exactly how we use evidence and best professional judgment to determine which waters are doing well and which are impaired," said Justin Chenevert, DNR waterbody assessment coordinator. "It helps make the assessment process transparent and consistent."

The public comment period will be held from March 26 to April 24, 2025. A copy of the draft guidance can be downloaded online (a detailed list of changes can be found on Page 2).

Public comments on the latest WisCALM guidance can be submitted by email to DNRWYWaterbodyAssessments@wisconsin.gov or by mail to:

Justin Chenevert
DNR Bureau of Water Quality WQ/3
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921

For more information about WisCALM and the assessment process, visit the DNR website.

The DNR is also accepting data to be included in the 2026 assessment cycle. For more information, visit the Public Participation in Water Quality Assessments webpage.