Wisconsin Statutes Environmental Regulation (Ch. 280 to 299) § 281.15. Water quality standards

(1) The department shall promulgate rules setting standards of water quality to be applicable to the waters of the state, recognizing that different standards may be required for different waters or portions thereof. Water quality standards shall consist of the designated uses of the waters or portions thereof and the water quality criteria for those waters based upon the designated use. Water quality standards shall protect the public interest, which include the protection of the public health and welfare and the present and prospective future use of such waters for public and private water systems, propagation of fish and aquatic life and wildlife, domestic and recreational purposes and agricultural, commercial, industrial and other legitimate uses. In all cases where the potential uses of water are in conflict, water quality standards shall be interpreted to protect the general public interest.

(2) In adopting or revising any water quality criteria for the waters of the state or any designated portion thereof, the department shall do all of the following:

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to rules promulgated under this section by the department for any substance before November 10, 1987.

(4) By April 1, 1989, the department shall review, in accordance with sub. (2), and as necessary revise all water quality criteria, except those for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and ammonia, adopted under this section before November 10, 1987.

(5) The department shall comply with this section with respect to all water quality criteria adopted or revised after November 10, 1987.

(6) Every 3 years, as part of the review required by 33 USC 1313(c)(1), the department shall review the water quality standards promulgated under this section and determine whether any existing standards should be modified or new standards should be adopted. The department shall hold a public hearing to receive information and public comment regarding water quality standards promulgated under this section. The department shall publish notice of the hearing on the department's Internet site at least 45 days before the hearing date. The department shall submit the results of a review under this subsection to the federal environmental protection agency.