MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Eighty percent of Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers meet water quality standards.
While most waters remain in good condition, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says 92 water bodies or segments are now classified as impaired, meaning each will need a restoration plan to improve habitat, recreation, or fish consumption safety.
The DNR is asking for public comment on its latest water quality lists, which track which lakes and rivers are healthy, improving, or falling behind. About 100 new pollutant listings are also being proposed this cycle, many on waters already marked as impaired.
The most common new concerns: high phosphorus levels, E. coli, and PFOS contamination.