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 throughout the state Wisconsin's Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (WisCALM) guidance document is updated every two years. WisCALM provides guidance on the assessment of water quality data against surface water quality standards and for Clean Water Act reporting on surface water quality status. WisCALM updates are given to the public for their review before the guidance is finalized. Once finalized, the guidance is used in the current assessment cycle.
DRAFT 2026 WISCALM
The DNR has prepared an updated version of its WisCALM guidance; this guidance will be used to assess surface waters for the 2026 cycle.
This year’s updates consist of a small number of important clarifications on assessment methods for aquatic plants, PFOA and PFAS, and E. coli.
The draft guidance can be downloaded here: Draft 2026 WisCALM
A full record of changes can be found on page two under the section "2026 Version Updates".
Public Comment Period
A public comment period is being held on the proposed 2026 WisCALM updates. Public comments are open from March 26 to April 24, 2025. Draft guidance can be downloaded by clicking on the following link: Draft 2026 WisCALM. Comments can be sent to DNRWYWaterbodyAssessments@wisconsin.gov or via mail to Justin Chenevert, DNR, Bureau of Water Quality, 101 S. Webster St. WQ/3 Madison, WI 53703