respect our waters

Our Stormwater Runoff Issues are Many… We Have Solutions. We Welcome You to Discover Them!

We all live in a Watershed. Contrary to the name, a watershed includes both land and water and is named for the waterbody into which the rainfall hitting that area of land will flow into and affect. Southeastern Wisconsin rivers, lakes and streams face major challenges from non-point pollution and an increasing amount of impervious or “waterproof “ surfaces. Every time it rains, pollutants left on streets, parking lots, and lawns are picked up by moving stormwater and brought into nearby storm sewers. This untreated water is then discharged directly into local rivers, lakes and streams, and eventually into Lake Michigan -- the source of water you may drink every day.

Non-point pollution is difficult to control as it comes from a variety of places and requires everyone to do their part. It cannot be solved by building new treatment plants or constructing a new sewage system -- it requires community action from everyone! Each of us can have a positive or negative impact on the health of local freshwater resources. If we each do our part, these individual actions will add up! 

This is where the Respect Our Waters Program shines! We are happy to be a resource for you in all things water quality and invite you to utilize this website to discover how YOU can do your part in protecting local rivers, lakes and streams. And don’t worry, we are here should you have any questions!

Stormwater Concerns & Pollutants

Click the Images Below to Explore Water Quality Issues & Learn How to Protect Local Freshwater Resources!