Residents

Surface Water Quality Restoration

Once an impairment in water has been identified, the next step is to identify the best method of restoration. There are many programs depending on the type of pollution. A large focus of restoration work has been Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)…

Public Participation in Water Quality Assessments

The DNR is seeking data on the water quality of lakes, streams and rivers in our state. Along with Department data, submitted data will be used to assess the quality of our state's water resources and pinpoint problem areas. Data will be…

Surface Water Quality Assessment Process

Subscribe to receive updates about water quality standards and assessments. The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to assess the quality of its surface waters and report the results to the public.

Surface Water Impairments and Pollutants

Impaired waters are identified by comparing monitoring results for a given water to water quality parameter thresholds, which provide guidelines for identifying water quality conditions.Impaired waters in Wisconsin are affected by a variety of…

Featured water restorations

Since 2002, Wisconsin has delisted 147 individual streams, lakes and beaches, representing approximately 500 stream miles and 52,800 lake acres. Below are a few stories of the road to these waters' aquatic health recovery.

Water Condition Lists

Every two years, Sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) require states to publish a list of all waters not meeting water quality standards and an overall report on surface water quality status of all waters in the state. To comply…

Wildlife Rehabilitators in Barron County

Wildlife rehabilitators are licensed to rehabilitate specific species and cannot assist with calls or care regarding wildlife outside of their expertise and licensing.If you're not sure what type of animal you're calling about, check the animal…

Clean Water Act Water Quality Plans and Reports

Surface Water Designated Uses

Assessing the health of a waterbody starts with determining what types of activities the water should support, also commonly referred to as a waterbody's Designated Uses. Under the Clean Water Act, Wisconsin waters are each assigned four uses that…

Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Waters

Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters that provide outstanding recreational opportunities,…