Wisconsin Water Facts

Facts and figures don’t do justice to Wisconsin’s water resources, but they do offer a glimpse into these tremendous glacial gifts. What’s most amazing? Wisconsin lakes and rivers belong to everybody!

These waters are public resources, owned in common by all Wisconsin citizens under the state's Public Trust Doctrine. That doctrine is based on Wisconsin’s Constitution, which declares that all navigable waters are "common highways and forever free" and held in trust by the state for the benefit of its citizens. Wisconsin citizens have pursued legal and legislative action to clarify or change their rights regarding public waters.

The result? All Wisconsin citizens have the right to boat, fish, hunt, ice skate, swim on navigable waters and enjoy their natural scenic beauty.

Find out more amazing facts about:

• Lakes
• Rivers
• Wetlands
• Groundwater
• Recreation
• Economics