Our Water
Protecting Wisconsin’s Water
Everyone deserves clean, safe water. Clean Wisconsin protects drinking water from threats like lead, PFAS, and nitrates—and defends the wetlands that keep our ecosystems and communities resilient.
Jump to Section
Explore Our Approach
Overview
What’s at Stake for Wisconsin’s Water
Clean water is essential to life, health, and prosperity. It nourishes our families, powers our economy, and sustains Wisconsin’s natural beauty. But across the state, pollution from agriculture, aging infrastructure, and industrial contamination threatens our rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater.
1M+
Wisconsinites rely on private wells—many vulnerable to nitrate and PFAS pollution.
1 in 10
Private wells in rural Wisconsin exceeds the health standard for nitrates.
150,000+
Lead service lines still carry water to homes and schools across the state.
150+
Locations across Wisconsin have detected PFAS contamination.
Videos
Stories That Matter
https://youtu.be/-CJIzoUGaAU
Price of Pollution: Toxic PFAS contamination devastates two Wisconsin communities
KEY INITIATIVES
Tackling Our Toughest Water Threats
Wisconsin’s water faces complex and urgent threats. Clean Wisconsin holds polluters accountable, pushes for stronger protections, and works with communities to ensure safe, clean water for everyone.
PFAS
PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” have been found in drinking water across Wisconsin. We’re pushing for tougher standards, statewide testing, and accountability for polluters.
Nitrates
Nitrate contamination from fertilizer and manure is the most widespread groundwater pollutant in Wisconsin. We’re fighting for stronger limits, smarter farming, and clean drinking water.
Neonics
Neonic pesticides threaten pollinators and water quality. We’re calling for better oversight to stop runoff and protect ecosystems and drinking water.
Lead
Lead pipes still carry water to homes in Wisconsin—posing serious risks, especially for children. We advocate for faster replacement and funding to protect vulnerable communities.
Wetlands
Wetlands filter water, prevent flooding, and support wildlife—but they’re disappearing fast. We’re working to restore protections and defend these natural safeguards.
Water Contamination in Wisconsin
Find Your District
Contaminants like PFAS, nitrate, neonicotinoids and more have caused issues for Wisconsinites in every corner of the state. The Water Quality Reports with district maps below provide a snapshot of the issues and resources within each Congressional and State Senate District to help Wisconsin legislators and Wisconsinites better understand drinking water contamination issues, the total size of aquatic resources in the area (miles of rivers, acres of lakes and wetlands, etc.), quality of aquatic resources, the percentage of residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water, and more.
To find a specific Congressional or Senate District, click on an area on the map. The sidebar will then provide a link to a downloadable version of that District’s Water Quality Report and a government link to information about the Representative or Legislator responsible for that District.
Community-Based Flood Prevention
Resilient Milwaukee Program
Heavy rain and outdated infrastructure are putting Milwaukee neighborhoods at risk. Through green infrastructure projects like rain gardens and rain barrels, Resilient Milwaukee connects with communities and helpshelps manage stormwater, prevent flooding, and protect our water, block by block.
Explore the ProgramWater Pollution and Your Health
Water Pollution and Our Health
At Clean Wisconsin, science powers our fight for clean water. Our research reveals the true impact of pollution—from nitrates to PFAS—and guides solutions that keep Wisconsin’s water safe.
New report: Nitrate Contamination Driving Health Crisis and Rising Costs in Wisconsin
The Cost of Nitrate Contamination in Wisconsin’s Drinking Water
Pesticides and Our Bodies
Neonicotinoids and Human Health
Resources
Our Water Resources
Dig deeper with these tools, guides, and reports—so you can be an informed advocate for Wisconsin’s water.
Press Releases
New report: Nitrate Contamination Driving Health Crisis and Rising Costs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin faces a growing public health crisis from nitrate contamination in drinking water.
See NewsWater News
Expert Insights
Clear As Mud: Hidden thirst of data centers
Large energy demands, and often corresponding water needs, pose a risk to Wisconsin’s water resources.
Read MoreExpert Insights
Podcasts
Data Center Secrets
What will the AI data center boom mean for Wisconsin’s precious water resources, our land, our energy bills? And why is it so hard to find out?
Listen NowLatest Podcast
Research and Analysis
The Cost of Nitrate Contamination in Wisconsin’s Drinking Water
Wisconsin faces a growing public health crisis caused by widespread nitrate contamination in our drinking water.
Explore ResearchWater Research
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Water FAQs
Is my private well at risk from nitrate or PFAS?
Yes, private wells are especially vulnerable to contamination. Regular testing is key, especially if you live near farmland or an industrial site.
Why are wetlands important for water protection?
Wetlands filter pollutants, recharge groundwater, and help prevent flooding—making them vital to clean water.
What are PFAS and why are they dangerous?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in many everyday products. They don’t break down, build up in our bodies, and are linked to serious health risks.
How can I help?
Join our Action Network to support stronger protections and hold polluters accountable.
STAY INFORMED
Get Updates on Clean Wisconsin
Sign Up For Email Updates
"*" indicates required fields