Protect Our Streams

In La Crosse and other cities and towns, hard surfaces have replaced soil and plant life that absorb water. Instead, water runs fast from roofs, roads, parking lots and driveways into drainage systems that take it directly to the Mississippi River and other streams. As it moves, the water picks up soil, grass, leaves, chemicals, and trash that end up in the river, too.

We can make small changes at home, at work, and on construction sites that improve this right away. Learn how here.

AT HOME

Part of the challenge is seeing and doing ordinary things in new ways. In La Crosse County, some neighborhoods are working together and helping each other make changes in these four areas:

Car Care
Lawn Care
Landscaping
Pets
Using Less

AT WORK

Business owners who manage runoff are leaders. They gain respect from customers and colleagues, inspire others with visible investment and honest stories, and have the satisfaction of being good stewards. If the community has a stormwater utility, capturing rain water on the business site reduces utility costs.

Begin with this brochure: Managing Stormwater Runoff: A Self- Assessment Guide for Wisconsin Businesses.

Business Management
Parking Lots
Leadership

ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

It's essential for homeowners and builders to understand erosion control fundamentals. In our area this is really important because many homes are built on steep slopes. Our landscape also causes water to rush from bluffs and coulees when it rains.

La Crosse County's stormwater permitting process is designed to help builders and homeowners keep soil in place during construction and afterward. Forms and directions for getting a permit in La Crosse County and all of its municipalities are in the Permits section below.

Learn the basics here:

Planning a Home in the Country
Site Management Basics for Home Builders
Plan Ahead: Some Projects Need Committee Review
Permits