Press Releases

Yahara WINS partnership exceeds phosphorus reduction goals for third straight year

Efforts prevent 55,000 pounds of phosphorus from entering local waters MADISON, WI – Local partners prevented 55,000 pounds of phosphorus from entering local water bodies in 2019 as part of the Yahara WINS project, a cooperative effort to reduce algae blooms and other water quality issues caused by excessive phosphorus in waterways. In the third full year of the project, Yahara WINS again exceeded its phosphorus reduction goal for the year, placing it on track to achieve the yearly phosphorus reductions necessary to meet goals set by the end of the 20-year project.

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Yahara WINS now accepting grant applications for innovative phosphorus reduction projects

Applications accepted through May 27 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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No such thing as a ‘flushable’ wipe

The Engineering Division and Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District would like to remind the community that there is no such thing as a “flushable” wipe, even if the manufacturer has labeled it as such. Disinfectant disposable wipes, should not be flushed down the toilet. Instead, throw the wipes away after use. Many residents are using disinfectant disposable wipes to keep their homes clean in a time of COVID-19 home self-quarantine. While many wipes indicate that they are “flushable,” and seem similar to toilet paper,

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World Water Day: Everyone has a role to play in the connection between water and climate change

We already know that combatting climate change will require quick work across multiple fronts, but one often-overlooked area is how water and water infrastructure play a role in mitigating climate change. This connection between water and climate change is the theme of World Water Day 2020, an annual United Nations observance focused on the importance of fresh water. While this is an international observance, we all have a role to play and the good news is that every action,

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Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District closes to public; cancels tours until further notice, public meetings scheduled for this week

District also asks residents to avoid flushing toilet paper alternatives Starting tomorrow, Monday, March 16, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District will be closed to visitors to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). As critical infrastructure necessary to protect public health and the environment, this decision will help protect our frontline employees who perform this mission-critical work and help curtail the spread of the virus. To protect the public as a whole, the District has suspended all tours at the plant.

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A lifelong commitment that’s easy to make: Love Your Pipes

7 ways to show the toilets, pipes and drains in your home or business some love during Love Your Pipes Week, Feb. 10-14 MADISON, WIS. — As that classic ‘70s song goes, love stinks. But so does a sewer backup in your home. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to minimize backups in your home by showing your toilets, pipes and drains some TLC. “Like strong personal relationships, your home’s pipes require care, attention and commitment,” says Amanda Wegner,

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