At UW–Madison’s Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) department, we engage and educate campus stakeholders on water quality topics, conduct routine and non-routine investigations, and ensure compliance with state and city regulations. Additionally, we promote sustainability by protecting ground and surface water as a vital resource.
Drinking Water & Water Quality
Environment, Health, and Safety is responsible for monitoring and maintaining safe drinking water at UW-Madison owned public and private wells throughout the State of Wisconsin.
Municipal Water
UW-Madison main campus receives its water from the Madison Water Utility. They are responsible for testing water annually (please see the Annual Water Quality Report for the latest results). Their website also discusses common causes of discoloration and other FAQs.
Concerns
If you have a concern about the drinking water quality at UW–Madison, please use our online form to report it.
Our Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) department will investigate your report promptly and take necessary actions to address any issues.
Stormwater
Stormwater runoff from campus is one of the primary focal points for water management undertaken by EH&S. In an effort to improve the water quality of this runoff to the surrounding waterways, UW–Madison is a co-permittee of the Madison-area Group WPDES Municipal Storm Water Discharge Permit. This permit sets stormwater management goals and permit requirements. Activities taken to achieve these include:
- Stormwater illicit discharge and elimination program implementation,
- The installation of stormwater best management practices,
- Instituting policies and procedures to protect water quality from snow and ice melt, fertilizers, and pesticide use on UW–Madison controlled properties.
UW–Madison also strives to meet our goals and requirements through the participation in various local partnerships. As a member of the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWaP), we are a part of a group of municipalities from across Dane County that strives to both reduce the amount and improve the quality of stormwater runoff. The pooled resources of its members allows this group to conduct more effective efforts in research as well as public information education and outreach.
UW–Madison is also a participant in the Yahara Watershed Improvement Network (WINS) which is an initiative to reduce phosphorus in the Yahara Watershed. Though a watershed adaptive management strategy, the project works to achieve clean water goals and stringent water quality standards.
Lake Water Quality
Know Before You Go:
- Check the latest water quality information.
- What does “CLOSED” mean?
- Water quality is unsafe
- Swimming is prohibited
- Use discretion for low risk boating activities, like kayaking
- Water conditions can change quickly, so results might not reflect current quality.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid visual algal blooms.
- Always shower after water activities.
- Avoid lake water after heavy rainfalls, as bacterial levels can be high.
- Don’t let your pets swim or drink the water.
Water quality is monitored from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Samples collected weekly for E. Coli bacteria and as needed for blue-green algae.