When human activities change the temperature of the water, we call this thermal pollution. These temperature changes can negatively affect fish and aquatic life in Wisconsin’s surface waters and alter the water chemistry, which in turn impacts aquatic life.
Impacts of thermal pollution:
Common causes of thermal pollution:
Learn more about thermally sensitive areas in Dane County and how the Dane County stormwater requirements help to protect thermally sensitive waters including trout streams. For additional information on thermal pollution, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.