Clean Wisconsin: Landmark water quality rules approved as of September 8

Innovative "phosphorus rules" and NR 151 herald a new future for cleaner waters in Wisconsin, are the first of their kind in the U.S.

When a farm applies too much manure onto farm fields, it can easily be washed into rivers and lakes by rain or melting snow; manure contains both harmful bacteria, like E. coli, and phosphorus...


MADISON — As summer comes to a close, Wisconsin is headed for cleaner waters come Wednesday, Sept. 8., thanks to innovation and cooperation from unlikely groups. That day marks the passage of a set of state rules, NR 102 and 217 (the "phosphorus rules") and NR 151, to address algae-forming phosphorus pollution in our waterways.

"For 30 years, phosphorus has been under-regulated, contaminating nearly half our lakes, rivers and streams, and marring Wisconsin's reputation for clean, clear waters, " says Melissa Malott, Clean Wisconsin’s water program director and attorney. Malott was on the DNR’s advisory committee for the phosphorus rules and publicly commented on NR 151. "Wisconsin is the first state to offer an adaptive, customizable rule package for improving water quality; together, these rules are pioneering a new, cleaner future for our water while staying true to the Clean Water Act."

These rules address the main water quality problems — phosphorus and manure runoff — affecting Wisconsinites' ability to use our waterways for fishing and swimming.

Read more at WisBusiness.com