Lake with boats and dock
Flooding

Watershed Stewardship

We all play a role in helping improve water quality and flood mitigation in our communities. Watershed Stewardship is one way you can help. From rain gardens, barrels and conservation landscaping, there are a number of ways every resident can help our City.

Install a Rain GardenModify your Leaf Management Techniques

Learn about Ripple Effects, Madison Area Stormwater Partnership

Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWAP) and Dane County Land & Water Resources Department updates a website named Ripple Effects, which is a resource for anyone in the community who wants to learn more about MAMSWAP and how to reduce and improve stormwater runoff into Dane County lakes, rivers and streams.

MAMSWAP is a coalition of Dane County municipalities and organizations working together as part of a permit that requires municipalities to comply with stormwater discharge regulations contained in Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 216. As of 2019, 21 municipalities in central Dane County are on one permit application jointly.

Share the Impacts of Stormwater Runoff with Neighbors

  • Rain that runs off roofs, land and pavement travels through storm sewers and ditches to our lakes, rivers and streams.
  • Stormwater runoff carries excess nutrients like phosphorus and other pollutants with it, which can fuel algae growth and harm our waters.
  • The way to protect and clean our lakes and streams is to make sure only rain goes into the storm drains and ditches.
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