Stormwater and Water Quality

Our actions on land have a “ripple effect” on our waters. Did you know that the rain and snowmelt that runs off roofs, land, and pavement travels through storm drains and ditches to our waterways? This stormwater runoff carries trash, chemicals, soil, and other debris with it, which can pollute our waters. 

What Dane County is Doing

The Land & Water Resources Department has a broad range of programs that help decrease stormwater runoff or protect water quality. Explore these below:

• Agricultural Conservation Inititives
• Restoration and Land Management
• Watersheds and Ecosystem Services

Dane County also partners with the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWaP) on the Ripple Effects program. This program promotes simple actions residents can take to keep rain where it lands and only allow rain down the storm drain.

What Dane County Residents Can Do

There are many practices that reduce and improve stormwater runoff into Dane County lakes, rivers and streams. Explore the Ripple Effects website to learn how you can take action to protect Dane County Waters. Some actions include:

• Creating a rain garden or downspout garden
• Removing leaves from the street before it rains
• Adopting a storm drain and keeping it clear of debris
• Purchasing and installing a rain barrel

Learn more about stormwater in the video below.