Triennial Standards Review
Helping improve Wisconsin's surface water quality
Draft 2024-2026 TSR workplan available for comment
Comment period open from May 31, 2024 to July 26, 2024
Every three years, the DNR reviews Wisconsin's water quality standards or related guidance to determine which standards need development or revision, as required by the federal Clean Water Act. This comprehensive evaluation, called the Triennial Standards Review (TSR), is an essential process to keep Wisconsin's surface waters swimmable, fishable and drinkable.
This review helps DNR staff focus efforts to integrate the latest science, technology and federal requirements into how the state regulates water quality. In addition, the review assists the staff with work-planning and identifying needed actions for moving projects forward. Water quality standards act as guidelines for setting an appropriate level of protection for Wisconsin's lakes, rivers and streams.
Components of water quality standards reviewed as part of the Triennial Standards Review include the following:
- designated uses – goals and expectations established for each waterbody
- water quality criteria – narrative and numeric benchmarks established to protect the designated uses
- antidegradation – policy or procedure established to protect high-quality waters
- water quality variances – short-term changes to permit limits or water quality standards when criteria are unattainable.
Public Hearing and Comment Period
The DNR will hold a public hearing and informational webinar to gather input on which topics related to surface water quality standards should be top priorities for work over the next three years.
- The hearing/webinar will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM.
- Participants can join via a Zoom link or by phone (833) 928-4610
- Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYocOuorDMjHN3n5dFK-DrqdQYm8EymnJ_l; Meeting ID: 825 7202 8969
- The Draft 2024-2026 Workplan is available for review and comment. This document includes a short description of each topic. At the public hearing, the DNR will review the department’s draft list of priority topics, describe each topic, and take comments and questions. Participants may provide their comments verbally at the hearing or in writing.
- Comments may be submitted to the DNR through July 26, 2024. Submit comments via email to JenniL.Kempf@wisconsin.gov or via mail to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Jenni Kempf, WY/3
101 S. Webster St.
Madison WI 53703
Triennial Review Process
Step 1: Gather topic suggestions related to water quality standards. Compile a list of relevant topics.
Step 2: Solicit public input to rank topics during the public comment period and public hearing
Step 3: Use public input to help prioritize topics and draft a workplan for the next three years. Submit the final plan to EPA.
Once the Triennial work plan is complete, staff will begin work on the prioritized topics as time and resources allow.
- To receive notice of and participate in the upcoming cycle steps, subscribe to Water Quality Standards and Assessments.
Previous Cycles
Information about previous cycles is available below. Work on topics begun in previous cycles will continue until work is completed.
2021-2023
2018-2020
2015-2017
2012-2014
- No final status report available.
- 2013 Mid-point Topic Status Report
- 2012 Prioritized Workplan
2008-2011
- No final status report available.
- 2008 Prioritized Workplan