Waters
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Although PFAS in Dane County lakes are a concern, you can still enjoy the waters
Foam that sits on top of lakes in Dane County has high concentrations of toxic chemicals known as PFAS — moreso than anywhere else in the state. People should avoid the foam, but PFAS pose a higher, long-term threat to the environment and animals than to your health after a weekend spent paddleboarding.
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After flooding caused dams to fail, nearly 2 dozen are one step closer to being removed
Leaders in Vernon County approved federal plans Thursday to decommission 23 dams in two southwestern Wisconsin watersheds after a handful failed during extensive flooding in 2018.
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Wake boats are making waves on Wisconsin lakes. Not everyone is happy about it.
Some critics say the waves create concerns for the safety of others on the water, the environment and spreading invasive species.
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State launches grant program to educate about lead service line replacements
State environmental regulators are launching a new grant program to support education and outreach about ongoing lead line replacement projects.
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Wisconsin’s historic carferry, the SS Badger, seeks alternative fuel sources
The last coal-fired passenger steamship in the U.S. is attempting to become more green while maintaining its steam-powered charm as it travels to and from Wisconsin.
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Robots clean up litter on Milwaukee beaches and rivers
One robot works on land, sifting sand to find small pieces of plastic volunteers might not be able to spot. The second robot works in rivers and lakes to pick up litter floating on the surface of the water. The drones will be deployed weekly on either a local beach or river.
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Land trusts to seek more Stewardship funds after state Supreme Court decision
Land conservation groups say they expect to see more funding requests under the state’s land purchase program now that the Legislature’s finance committee can’t legally block conservation projects.
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A quirk in the law stymies lead pipe removal in Superior
In Superior, homeowners are prevented from receiving forgivable federal loan assistance for removal of the pipes due to a state law that prohibits the benefit when a private water utility is involved. Joscy Skandel of Superior Water, Light & Power spoke with WPR’s Robin Washington about efforts to change the law.
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Waupaca County community recovering after major dam breach
Heavy rain on Friday morning clogged the millpond’s dam with down trees and other debris, causing water to spill over the top of the structure and erode away the earthen side.
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Study finds foam on Wisconsin rivers and lakes has higher PFAS levels than waters below
Researchers at UW-Madison have found that naturally occurring foams on state waterways have PFAS levels as much as thousands of times higher than waters that lie below.