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…
The antidegradation rule is implemented in Chapter NR 207 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. The purpose of the rule is to address new or increased discharges to surface waters (river, lakes, drainage ways, wetlands, etc.). The way in which these…
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…
Final 2025-2027 Triennial Standards Review Workplan Now AvailableThe final work plan, 2025-2027 Triennial Standards Review (TSR) Priorities for the Water Quality Standards Program, is available for download.
Subscribe for updates about the SWIMS system The Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) is a DNR system that holds chemistry (water, sediment, fish tissue) data, physical data, biological (macroinvertebrate, aquatic invasives) data…
The DNR is conducting rulemaking on several topics related to surface water quality standards, outlined below.
The Pollutant Load Ratio Estimation Tool (PRESTO) is a statewide GIS-based tool that compares the average annual phosphorus loads originating from point and nonpoint sources within a watershed. The comparison provides a screening tool for…
Staff in the DNR’s Office of Great Waters collaborate with federal, state and local agencies; tribes; businesses; citizen-led organizations and community members to protect and improve the environmental quality of the Great Lakes and Mississippi…
The Great Lakes contain 20% of the world's available fresh surface water supply. Because of that, the Great Lakes are critical to the health and welfare of all the Great Lakes states. Effective management of both wetland and water quantity and…
About About the Sheboygan River AOC In 1987, the Sheboygan River was designated as one of 43 Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOC) – areas that are severely degraded and fail to support aquatic life beneficial for human use (like fish and…