Protecting Our Waters Through Education and Action- Join Us for Wisconsin Stormwater Week (Sept. 19th - 27th)
September 19, 2026
Land & Water Resources
Contact:
Christal Campbell
Stormwater Education Coordinator
(608) 228-4493
Campbell.christal@danecounty.gov
Dane County and the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership are joining communities across the state to educate and encourage efforts that keep rain where it lands and only rain down the storm drain during the 4th annual Wisconsin Stormwater Week. Protecting our waters starts with our actions on the land. Storm sewers do a great job of moving rain away from our neighborhoods and streets to prevent flooding, but they also serve as an underground highway to our local waterways. No matter if you live five feet or five miles from the nearest lake, river or stream, the actions you take in your yard can impact the health of our waters.
When rain runs off our rooftops, streets, and lawns, it can pick up soil, oil, salt, grass, leaves and other debris before washing into storm drains that eventually empty to our Dane County waters. All this polluted runoff can cause algae blooms, low oxygen levels, harm wildlife, and make it difficult to enjoy our lakes, rivers, and streams.
Partners across Dane County are working hard to keep our waters clean, but we need your help. The best way to prevent stormwater pollution is to take actions to keep rain where it lands and only rain down the storm drain. Learn about local programs and resources available to residents to protect area waters. Tune into a statewide webinar, purchase a low-cost rain barrel, or participate in one of the local events that are planned here in Dane County for WI Stormwater Week.
Local Event Schedule
- Sept. 19, (10am-1pm)- Yahara River Fall Clean-Up, Veteran's Memorial Park, DeForest.
- Sept. 20, (2pm-4pm) - Native Garden Learning Hub Gathering- Rain Gardens and Downspout Gardens, Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison ($5, registration required).
- Sept. 26, (1pm-3pm) - Lake Wingra Community Bike/Run/Walk, Start at the Vilas Park Shelter, Madison.
- Rain Barrel Sale, All Week – Cost is $82. Order online and pick up in Middleton, DeForest, or Stoughton. Open to all Dane County residents. Additional reimbursements available to residents of MAMSWaP communities.
Free Statewide Webinars
- Tuesday, Sept. 22 (6 - 7 PM) - Whose Pond is it Anyway?
- Wednesday, Sept. 23 (6 - 6:45 PM) - Only Rain Down the Drain!
- Thursday, Sept. 24 (6 - 7 PM) - Infiltration: We’re Not Talking Coffee!
Visit www.ripple-effects.com/WI-stormwater-week for more information or to register for events/webinars.