Learn about CARPC's role in pollution control and prevention through collaboration with landowners, businesses, and municipalities on water quality management planning and implementation of best management practices.
Wisconsin Salt Wise is a coalition of organizations working together to reduce salt pollution in Wisconsin’s lakes, streams, and drinking water. Since its creation as a Madison-area partnership in 2015, Salt Wise has grown into a statewide program centered on training, public education, and advocacy. Originally housed within the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, the Wisconsin Salt Wise program officially became part of the Capital Area RPC in 2023.
In 2021, CARPC joined the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Green Tier Clear Waters Initiative Charter as a Signatory Member. Green Tier is a WDNR voluntary program that rewards businesses who demonstrate superior environmental performance with streamlined permitting and other benefits. The Clear Waters Initiative Charter is a partnership effort between units of government and the building sector in Dane County.
The basic aim of the Clear Waters Initiative Charter is to reduce the overall nutrient and sediment delivery to Dane County’s lakes and streams beyond current state and local requirements. These reductions are achieved through routine reporting and inspections, training, and early involvement by the regulatory community in the planning phase of developments.
Long term records of stream flow, water quality, and lake level data are essential to managing the region’s water resources. CARPC has been instrumental in coordinating a cooperative monitoring program with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other regional partners.
Data from most gauges is available electronically in real time from the USGS website. Continuous streamflow data and water quality samples are collected at four sites (Spring Harbor in
Madison, Pheasant Branch in Middleton, Yahara River at Windsor, and Yahara River at STH 113). Continuous streamflow data is also collected with gauges at four additional sites (Yahara River at Madison, McFarland, and Stoughton; Black Earth Creek at Black Earth). Continuous lake level data is collected with gauges at Lakes Mendota, Monona, Kegonsa, and Waubesa.