Stormwater originates above ground through precipitation (rain fall, snow melt) or from overwatering. Stormwater is the excess water that does not soak into the ground but rather enters the storm sewers, which lead directly to our lakes, rivers, and streams.

What can we do to reduce and clean up stormwater entering our natural waters?

• For more information on practices that reduce stormwater pollution, visit the North Central Wisconsin Stormwater Coalition.
• If you see a spill into or near a storm sewer or water body, call the DNR Spill Hotline at 800-943-0003.

Stormwater Quality Management Plan

Marathon County is considered to have the reasonable potential to contribute to an exceedence of a water quality standards via non point stormwater pollutant discharge into waters of the state. The county addresses this discharge through its municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) permit with the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. As part of the permit, the county must comply with Impaired Waterbodies and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements. Where not in compliance, the county is required to submit a written plan to the Wisconsin Department of Resources describing actions the county will pursue to achieve compliance, including:

• Recommendations and options for stormwater control measures that will be considered to reduce discharge of each pollutant of concern.
• A proposed schedule for pursuing the options identified.
• A cost-effective analysis for implementation of the recommendations and options identified.

In 2019, via a WDNR grant, Strand Associates Inc. was brought onboard to model and analyze where the county was not in compliance with pollutant discharges, and model alternatives that could help achieve compliance over time. This plan was a update to the previous plan completed in 2011. WDNR was also involved in the review of the analysis and recommendation development. 

Read the plan: Stormwater Quality Management Plan 2023 Update

With the plan update complete, Marathon County will now explore options to begin implementing recommendations. All recommendations in this the Stormwater Quality Management Plan will require further analysis, discussion, and decisions by the county before implementation.