Water Quality

WGF analyses concerning water quality standards, methods of evaluating water quality, and regulation to protect water quality in Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Also see the Agriculture category for analyses of nonpoint sources of pollutants. This work is developed by WGF’s Water Resources and Environmental Rules Work Group.

Wake Boats and Lakes: Updated Report from Wisconsin’s Green Fire

illustration of a pink and blue wake boat on a blue and gray wave

Publication Update!

The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health: A Literature Review, May 2024

May 2024 update to our special report: “The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health: A Literature Review.”

Over the past two months, our team has been updating our literature review on wake boats and lakes. We …

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WGF Asks Gov. Evers to Veto SB 312

WGF’s letter to Governor Evers requesting he veto SB 312.

On February 26, 2024, Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers, asking him to veto Senate Bill 312 (SB 312). For months, leaders from WGF worked with the authors of this bill in attempts to make it beneficial …

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Wake Boats and Lakes: New Report from Wisconsin’s Green Fire

February 20, 2024 Update: 

This report is temporarily unavailable while we make some important updates. We’re working on adding new content to best reflect the scientific literature and emerging information from communities around Wisconsin and other states.

Feel free to contact us with any questions. Stay tuned for our announcement of the updated report!

 

The …

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Ron Grasshoff Re-Appointed to Land and Water Conservation Board

Ron Grasshoff, co-chair of WGF’s Public Trust and Wetlands Work Group, has been re-appointed to Wisconsin’s Land and Water Conservation Board (LWCB). Wisconsin’s Green Fire congratulates Ron on this important role!

On January 24th, Ron Grasshoff provided this summary and comments on his re-appointment to the LWCB.

Summary of LWCB From Section 92.04 of WI …

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New Opportunities Now Paper: PFAS 2.0

cover page of Opportunities Now paper on PFAS 2023 with green and blue graphics, image of a glass of water with a blurred leafy backdrop

Read the new report on PFAS in Wisconsin Drinking Water.

Since the late 1930s, many consumer goods and industrial materials have contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals famous for their non-stick and firefighting properties. However, PFAS are now known to threaten human health and the environment. A team of experts at …

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Reflections on 50 Years of the Clean Water Act

Fifty years ago, the Clean Water Act of 1972 (CWA) was passed – a landmark decision to protect the safety, quality, and integrity of water in the United States. The Clean Water Act defined the lives and careers of many WGF members and Wisconsin residents, many of whom played vital roles in implementing the CWA standards and cleaning up Wisconsin waterways. We asked a few of our members to share their perspectives on the CWA, and how it changed the course of their careers in water resources.  

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The Cost of Clean Water

The following is a reflection written by Bruce Neeb, a Wisconsin’s Green Fire member and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources retiree who served 27 years with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Information/Education (I&E) and Grants and Loans programs. During his time at WDNR in Eau Claire, Bruce oversaw WDNR West Central Region grant, loan, …

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WGF and Partners Submit Joint Statement on Flambeau Mine Closure

Ariel view of the Flambeau Mine in Lady Smith when it was in operation.

On Friday, July 1st Wisconsin’s Green Fire, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and Sierra Club – WI Chapter submitted a joint statement on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) proposed completion of a portion of the Flambeau mine site south of Ladysmith, WI. The statement outlines …

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