Residents

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

What to know before you callRehabilitators often specialize in one or a few species. If you're not sure what type of animal you're calling about, check the animal categories list below. Make sure the type of animal you're calling about…

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,…

Water Quality Modeling Tools

Water quality modeling tools can be used to better understand and evaluate the impacts of management decisions on Wisconsin's surface waters. Each model was developed for a specific purpose and requires an understanding of the inputs, outputs and…

Wisconsin’s Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (WisCALM)

Every two years, Sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act 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 assess surface…

Water Quality Criteria

The Clean Water Act requires states to adopt water quality standards to protect aquatic life, wildlife and recreation. Water quality standards consist of three components: antidegradation, designated uses and water quality criteria. Water quality…