Save Our Lakes
Runoff pollution threatens 90% of Wisconsin’s inland lakes, resulting in massive algae blooms, weeds and fish kills. Last year, urged on by our members, the state approved stronger, science-based rules to reduce pollution. Unfortunately, Gov. Walker is trying to weaken the enforcement of these new rules — so we’re working to make sure that the public speaks out to protect our lakes for future generations.
Wisconsin’s lakes at risk
In Wisconsin, we love our lakes. They’re where we take our families on vacation, or where we get away for the weekend. Yet the lakes face serious pollution — the sediment, manure, fertilizer and other pollutants from agriculture, sewers and roads all wash into our waterways. Wisconsin Environment is working to rein in the pollution, and to restore our lakes to health.
Runoff pollution threatens 90% of our lakes
Over the past decade, the number of factory farms in Wisconsin has tripled, greatly increasing the threat of manure spills. The consequences are clear.
Too often, we’ve found our lakes and streams covered with algae or choked with weeds, or heard about sewage overflows and fish kills. The culprit is most often runoff pollution.
New rules can protect our lakes — but Gov. Walker threatens to stand in the way
Last year the state approved stronger science-based pollution rules that would reduce excessive manure spreading near rural waterways, ensure that cities control their runoff, and prevent toxic chemicals from flowing straight into lakes and streams. But Gov. Walker is trying to weaken the enforcement of these new rules and to roll back protections against phosphorus pollution. We need to show overwhelming public support for tough pollution standards to protect Wisconsin’s lakes.
This spring, we submitted thousands of petitions to our legislators, urging them to stand up to Gov. Walker and oppose any delay or rollback of the protections Wisconsin’s waters deserve.
Our plan to defend Wisconsin’s lakes
We refuse to let polluters and their allies in Wisconsin open our precious waterways to more dumping and development. We’re bringing together residents from all walks of life to protect our lakes. From anglers to sailing enthusiasts, clergy to scientists, local officials to ordinary families, we all have a stake in keeping our lakes clean.
Our citizen outreach staff has been knocking on doors across the state and educating Wisconsin residents about what’s at stake. But if we’re going to push past Gov. Walker and powerful polluters, we’re going to need everyone who cares about our lakes to get involved.
Join our campaign by sending your legislators a message today.
Tell your legislators that you love Wisconsin’s lakes, and want to see them protected.
Key facts
- Runoff pollution threatens 90% of Wisconsin’s lakes.
- Runoff pollution from roads, sewers and agriculture causes massive algae blooms.
- Gov. Walker wants to weaken the enforcement of new rules to protect our lakes.