Wisconsin's Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Waters Designation
Description: Wisconsin's Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Water Designations are designed to include Wisconsin's cleanest waters. The O/ERW dataset was first developed in the 1990s using narrative descriptions from the state’s O/ERW designations described in NR102 and the state’s 1:24,000 scale hydrography datalayer using 7.5 minute USGS topographic quadrangle maps. The O/ERW spatial data quality has been reviewed by GIS specialists working with biological field staff and using more detailed landmarks and data over time. The accuracy of the delineations continue to improve with the use of improved technologies and tools. Year 2006 designations were derived by selecting and copying applicable features from the 1:24,000 scale hydrolayer. The picture at right is an Outstanding Resource Water, Amnicon Falls.This picture was taken by Karen Pine and is posted here.
An outstanding resource water is a lake, stream or flowage having excellent water quality, high recreational and aesthetic value and high quality fishing. ORW waters are free from point source or nonpoint source pollution.
An exceptional resource water is a lake, stream, or flowage exhibiting the same high quality resource values as outstanding waters, but may be affected by point source pollution or have the potential for future discharge from a small sewer community.
For more information regarding the Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Program, see the state’s Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Waters Web Page.
Date: Last Updated 5/08