MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council recently shared key recommendations for protecting and preserving vital groundwater resources in its 2026 annual report to the Wisconsin State Legislature.
The key recommendations in the report address some of the most prevalent and pressing issues in Wisconsin, including:
- Addressing PFAS contamination in groundwater
- Addressing nitrate contamination in groundwater
- Addressing pesticides contamination in groundwater
- Finding solutions for water-stressed areas that affect communities, economic activity and water resources
- Addressing other contaminations found in groundwater
“Wisconsin depends heavily on groundwater, and we need to coordinate and invest in protecting this water resource,” said Joe Van Rossum, GCC Chair and DNR Environmental Management Deputy Division Administrator. “As new challenges emerge and new ideas develop, a collaborative approach involving the GCC and, most importantly, Wisconsin state legislators will be essential to developing effective and long-term solutions.”
The full report and GCC recommendations are available on the DNR’s Groundwater Coordinating Council website.
>> WisPolitics is now on the State Affairs network. Get custom keyword notifications, bill tracking and all WisPolitics content. Get the app or access via desktop.
About The GCC
The GCC consists of high-level administrators of all state agencies with some responsibility for groundwater management plus a Governor’s representative. The GCC serves to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of entities involved in groundwater management. It advises and supports collaboration among state agencies, academic institutions and other organizations in coordinating nonregulatory programs, fostering collaboration and information sharing related to groundwater.
The GCC’s work ranges from agency budgeting for groundwater programs, groundwater monitoring and data management to public education, and the appropriation and allocation of state funds for research.
