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Clean Water, Healthy Future: 

Clean Water, Healthy Future Framework for Achieving Integrated Water Resource Management in Southeastern Wisconsin

Slide2: 

Southeastern Wisconsin: A Work in Progress

Our Region’s Water: 

Our Region’s Water 12 watersheds 2 groundwater aquifers Lake Michigan serves 60% of residents 70% of municipal water systems supplied by groundwater Subcontinental Divide Major Lakes

The Task: 

Shared vision and consensus on: “How the region should manage its water” The Task

Water Policy Advisory Panel : 

Water Policy Advisory Panel Brian Anderson, S.C. Johnson and Co. Dr. Lynn Broaddus, Friends of Milwaukee Rivers William Carity, Carity Land Corporation Preston Cole, City of Milwaukee Margaret Farrow, Consultant Dr. Nancy Frank, UWM Art Harrington, Godfrey & Kahn David Lee, We Energies Pat Marchese, Consultant Peter McAvoy, Sixteenth St. Community Health Center Michael Murphy, Alderman, City of Milwaukee Christine Nurenberg, Mayor, City of Mequon Jim Ryan, President, Village of Hales Corners Andrew Schiesl, Quad/Graphics Dan Stoffel, Dairy farmer

Core Concepts: 

Core Concepts Regional – Defined by hydrological terms and political terms Integrated Water Resources Water is water Interdependence of surface water, ground water and water dependent natural resources Quality and quantity are linked

Findings: 

Findings Water is a key regional asset, central to Industry Agriculture Quality of life

Findings: 

Findings Region facing immediate water problems Water depletion Ongoing quality problems Combat over access and use Potential economic loss in water-constrained areas

Findings: 

Findings Leaders must think strategically and regionally about managing our water in the long term.

Findings: 

Findings Jurisdictional overlaps, policy gaps and lack of scientific database hamper efforts to solve water problems.

Findings: 

Findings There are multiple ways to manage the water asset Market-driven approach Administrative approach Integrated management

Findings: 

Findings The public favors regional measures to protect and improve water resources 94% should do more 67% regional agency is needed 72% favor watershed district A strategic and integrated water resource management will strengthen region

Recommendations: 

Recommendations 1. Shared Vision and Goals 2. Science-based Solutions 3. Regional Management 4. Fill Policy Gaps

Vision and Goals: 

Vision and Goals No Net Loss Fishable and swimable Integration Surface water and ground water Water quality and quantity Linked to other types of planning

Science-Based Solutions: 

Science-Based Solutions One size does not fit all—local communities have options Every community MUST: Educate Conserve Protect Control pollutions

Regional Management Models: 

Regional Management Models Regional Water Resource Commission Compact among local governments Wisconsin DNR Regional Water Resource Authority

Policy and Law: 

Policy and Law Clarify, change and create new state water law Legal analysis of: Diversion Public trust Reuse/recycle Identify water constrain areas Gaps in regulating authority Required implementation of approved plans Funding if in compliance with approval plans

Next Steps: 

Next Steps Joint Legislative Study Committee: Comprehensive review of water laws Review various plans and studies Examine appropriate management structures, funding mechanisms and authority

Slide19: 

www.Publicpolicyforum.org