Wisconsin's Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Waters Program is designed to maintain the quality of Wisconsin's cleanest waters.

DATA QUALITY: The spatial data you are viewing was derived using the methodologies listed below. Water Quality Standards Program staff should be consulted for specific regulatory issues.

The dataset you are viewing was developed in the 1990s using narrative descriptions from the state’s O/ERW designations described in NR102 and the state’s 1:24,000 scale hydrography datalayer derived from 7.5 minute USGS topographic quadrangle maps. This dataset is considered “draft”. The accuracy of the delineations will improve over time with the use of new technologies and tools. Year 2006 designations were derived by selecting and copying applicable features from the 1:24,000 scale hydrolayer.

An outstanding resource water is a lake, stream or flowage having excellent water quality, high recreational and aesthetic value and high quality fishing. ORW waters are free from point source or nonpoint source pollution.

An exceptional resource water is a lake, stream, or flowage exhibiting the same high quality resource values as outstanding waters, but may be affected by point source pollution or have the potential for future discharge from a small sewer community.

For more information regarding the Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Program, see the state’s Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Waters Web Page.

For more information about the state’s 1:24,000 scale hydrography dataset, see the state’s GIS resources website about Hydrography Dataset.