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Water use in Wisconsin
3/26/20: COVID-19 UPDATE
Thank you for your patience during the COVID-19 public health emergency. As state agencies continue operations, please understand that most of our staff are teleworking and may have limited access to files and delayed online connectivity.
With this in mind, we ask that our customers:
- Use email whenever possible to communicate with staff.
- Set up conference calls or Skype meetings in lieu of in-person meetings.
- Request electronic public records online using our standard system, whenever possible.
- State staff are not currently available to access physical files and no staff are available on-site to allow physical inspection of files by the public until the Governor's COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
- Submit documents electronically, preferably via a download link (ftp servers, DNR system, etc.). Note: If that option is not available to you, DNR staff can receive emails up to 20 MB.
Staff will keep their voicemails and out-of-office messages up to date and will respond as they are able.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit our COVID-19 information webpage. For program-specific information, please search keyword "COVID19."
Additional COVID-19 Resources
Wisconsin is water rich and we must ensure that our water use is sustainable. Water is critical for our health, environment and economy. The DNR’s Water Use Program was created to implement the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact [exit DNR] and to focus on water quantity challenges statewide. The Great Lakes Compact Law (2007 Wisconsin Act 227) and the Groundwater Quantity Law (2003 Wisconsin Act 310) provide the basis for the Water Use Program. While most of the program applies statewide, there are specific requirements for water users in the Great Lakes Basin [PDF].
- Water use
- Diversions
