Partners
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Areawide Water Quality Management Plan (AWQMP) Program
Water quality planning in Wisconsin occurs on many levels in many agencies. Each plan begins with monitoring to evaluate the health of Wisconsin's waters. Biologists and trained volunteers collect monitoring data on representative segments on rivers…
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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,…
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Wisconsin’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy
Wisconsin’s approach to nutrient loss reduction relies on a combination of regulatory programs and conservation efforts at the local, state and federal levels. These efforts target both point sources (e.g., wastewater treatment facilities) and…
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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…
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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…
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Triennial Standards Review
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.
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Pollutant Load Ratio Estimation Tool (PRESTO)
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…
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Office of Great Waters Staff Contacts
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…
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Wisconsin's Great Lakes Strategy
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…
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Sheboygan River Area of Concern
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…