Water topics
photo credit: Eric Poggemann (Port Washington)
Water resources are the foundation for Wisconsin’s economy, environment and quality of life. Managing, conserving and restoring them for the benefit of Wisconsin citizens now and in the future is a big job, and one that DNR staff share with local governments, citizens and businesses.
- Agricultural business
- Agricultural business is an important part of Wisconsin’s economy.
- Beaches
- Wisconsin’s beaches provide wildlife habitat, recreation areas and tourist destinations.
- Dam safety
- There are approximately 3,800 dams in Wisconsin.
- Drinking water
- The DNR works to provide Wisconsin residents with safe, clean drinking water.
- Fishing
- Plan on Fishing Wisconsin, where we have 160 different fish species.
- Floodplains
- A Floodplain is that land that has been or may be covered by floodwater during a regional flood.
- Great Lakes
- Discover and protect our
Great Lakes.
- Discover and protect our
- Groundwater
- Approximately two thirds of the people living in Wisconsin get their drinking water from Groundwater.
- Impaired waters
- Learn about impaired waters which do not meet water quality standards.
- Lakes
- It’s easy to fall in love with Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes.
- Nonpoint
- Nonpoint Source Pollution is a leading cause of water quality problems in Wisconsin.
- Rivers & streams
- Explore Wisconsin’s beautiful rivers & streams.
- Shorelands
- In addition to their natural beauty, Wisconsin’s shoreland area protect water quality, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife habitat and areas for recreational activities.
- Storm water runoff
- Storm water runoff contains pollutants from roads, parking lots, construction sites, industrial storage yards and lawns.
- Surface water
- Wisconsin residents are fortunate to live in a state bountiful with natural resources, including our many surface waters.
- TMDLs
- Impaired waters in Wisconsin are addressed through an analysis, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
- Wastewater permits
- Wisconsin regulates municipal and industrial operations discharging wastewater to surface or groundwaters.
- Water use
- Sustainabile water use is critical for a healthy environment and economy.
- Watersheds & basins
- Wisconsin’s abundant waters extend over 360 watersheds and basins.
- Waterways
- Help preserve and protect our waterways for current enjoyment and future generations.
- Wells (public & private)
- Help keep Wisconsin wells safe dependable sources of water.
- Wetlands
- Help protect, restore and explore Wisconsin’s wetlands.
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