Wastewater Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(WPDES) Permit Program

Overview of WPDES Permits

The DNR regulates municipal and industrial operations discharging wastewater to surface or groundwaters through the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program.

"Point source" dischargers, facilities discharging wastewater to surface water from a specific point such as from the end of a pipe, must meet either the federal minimum requirements for secondary treatment in the case of a municipality, and technology-based categorical (base level) limits for industries, or the discharges must meet levels necessary to achieve water quality standards, whichever is more stringent. Land disposal systems also receive permits with limits established to protect groundwater. WPDES permits also address the land application of municipal and industrial wastewater sludge deemed safe for landspreading. Where necessary to achieve effluent limits, a WPDES wastewater permit includes a compliance schedule for making improvements in the treatment facility.

The WPDES Wastewater Permit Program controls:

1. Effluent discharged by industries and municipalities to surface waters and groundwater.
2. Sludge and by-product solids disposal practices.
3. Facility upgrading through plan approval.
4. Correction of overflows and bypasses.
5. Municipal regulation of industrial pretreatment.
6. Discharges of toxic substances to surface or ground waters.
7. Maintenance of the quality of surface water and groundwater resources (antidegradation, compliance maintenance, etc).

Contact Information:
Bureau of Watershed Management WT/2
101 South Webster St
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
phone: 608-267-7694
FAX 608-267-2800
Watershed@wisconsin.gov