The Greater Madison Region is home to an abundant amount of freshwater. The numerous lakes, rivers, and streams throughout our region help shape its identity and people. However, these waterbodies are also facing a variety of issues impacting the quality of the water, as well as the health of the living things that depend on it. Stormwater runoff from both agriculture and increasing urbanization are primary sources of pollutants entering streams, rivers, and lakes; however, there are many other factors impacting our water quality and quantity as well. Wisconsin DNR, through a mandate from section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, updates a list of impaired waters in the state every two years as a way of tracking the progression or deterioration of our water quality.

The following maps will walk you through the specific surface water issues facing some of our impaired waterbodies in the Greater Madison Region. Use the tabs at the top to learn about different stressors effecting our streams, rivers, and lakes and to learn what you can do to help.