Press Releases

Sewer District’s PFAS sampling results favorable, indicate expected levels for the service area

Results fall below proposed standards and existing screening levels, and help inform next steps in investigative process MADISON — Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District presented the results of its testing for PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in the local wastewater cycle today. The results were as expected based on the characteristics of the District’s 187-square-mile service area and fall below proposed standards and existing screening levels. “The District plays a vital role in helping protect our region’s valuable water resources,” says Michael Mucha,

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Yahara WINS prevents nearly 62,000 pounds of phosphorus from entering local waters in 2020

Yahara WINS exceeds its annual reduction goals for fourth consecutive year MADISON, WI – Local partners prevented 61,823 pounds of phosphorus from entering local water bodies in 2020 as part of Yahara WINS, a cooperative effort to reduce algae blooms and other water quality issues caused by excessive phosphorus in waterways. “Yahara WINS is an innovative approach to keeping phosphorus on the land and out of our waterways,” says Martye Griffin, Yahara WINS president.

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“Take Back” our local waterways with responsible pharmaceutical waste disposal

Participating in this Saturday’s Drug Take Back Day benefits public health, your family’s health and the environment MADISON — For local residents who have expired prescriptions or unused over-the- counter medications stashed in medicine cabinets or tucked away in drawers, this weekend is the perfect time to dispose of them responsibly by participating in a Drug Take-Back Day event or visiting your local MedDrop location. “Toilets are not trash cans, and the only things that should be flushed are the 3 Ps: pee,

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Yahara WINS now accepting grant applications for innovative phosphorus projects

Applications accepted through March 31 MADISON, WI – The Yahara Watershed Improvement Network, or Yahara WINS, is now accepting grant applications from area organizations for innovative, low-cost projects that will help reduce the amount of phosphorus in local waterways. Excessive phosphorus can cause dangerous and unsightly algae blooms in local lakes, rivers and streams, reduce water quality and harm aquatic life. “Improving the quality of our local waterways through phosphorus reduction requires collaborative, adaptive and innovative approaches,” says Martye Griffin,

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Sewer District launches website dedicated to PFAS education, information

Minimizing the use of PFAS in homes and businesses is key to reducing PFAS pollution MADISON — Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District has launched a new website, madsewerpfasinitiative.org, which highlights the District’s work to address the pollutants known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in the wastewater system. The site also provides information and education on PFAS for individuals and businesses. “We all have a role to play in minimizing PFAS in the environment,

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WI DNR Sustainable Strategies webinar on best winter maintenance, salting practices this Thursday

Salt your Fries, Not our Freshwater: Salt reduction champions share their stories MADISON, WIS. — Register for the Sustainable Strategies Webinar, which will be streamed live this Thursday, December 10, from 12 to 1 p.m. Learn from community leaders who have adopted best winter maintenance practices to keep the public safe, save money, and cut their addictions to salt. The webinar will feature salt reduction success stories from Mayor Jim Paine, City of Superior;

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