Publications Archive Archives - Center for Water Policy

Policy Perspectives: Placing a Value on Wetlands

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 20:25:00 +0000

Until the late 20th century, wetlands were viewed as wastelands to be filled for agricultural or urban development. Today, we know wetlands serve several vital ecological, economic, and cultural roles. They store water to buffer against flooding, filter nutrients and toxins from surface waters, provide habitat to a diversity of plants and animals, and support a recreational industry comprised of anglers, hunters, boaters, and wildlife watchers.

Perspectives_Boyer_FINAL_08_2018 (PDF)

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Policy Perspectives on Research: Changing the Menu in Lake Michigan

Sat, 15 Aug 2015 20:24:00 +0000

The spread of invasive Dreissenid mussels has relocated nutrients from the open water to the floor of Lake Michigan. How has this shift impacted the diets of fish and invertebrates in this system? Ben Turshak (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) and his co-authors use state-of-the-art stable isotope techniques to determine the impact of these changes on the diets of aquatic organisms. Managers and policymakers can use this information to identify who the winners and losers are in this new Lake Michigan food web and plan their efforts accordingly.

August 2018 Policy Perspectives (PDF)

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Great Lakes Restoration and Climate Change Conference at Wingspread

Sun, 14 Dec 2014 16:12:00 +0000

The Wingspread Event on Great Lakes Restoration and Climate Change (15-17 April 2014) convened renowned regional and national leaders, scientists and other Great Lakes stakeholders to discuss climate change impacts on restoration efforts in this vital system. Through plenary addresses and working groups, attendees discussed various ways policymakers can improve existing restoration efforts in the Great Lakes and develop new ways to address the effects of climate change on this vital system.

May 2014 Conference Report (PDF)

March 2014 Background Briefs: Energy (PDF); Agriculture (PDF); Habitat Restoration (PDF); Invasive Species (PDF); Nearshore Health (PDF); Toxic Substances (PDF)

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More Storms Expected for Warmer Wisconsin

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:42:00 +0000

Our water and sewer infrastructure were designed under assumptions that no longer hold true. A wetter Wisconsin with more frequent, intense storms will tax that failing infrastructure, increasing the risk of waterborne disease. The extreme storms that wreaked catastrophic flooding and historic damage in 2008 and 2010— causing the state to request millions in federal disaster assistance because the deluge overwhelmed our infrastructure—are consistent with the future pattern of climate change predicted for Wisconsin.

Full Text PDF

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Proactive surveillance and alert systems can mitigate rain-related disease risks

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:39:00 +0000

Pathogen tracking and public communication strategies modeled after heat wave warning systems can educate the public about local risks and inform targeted boil-water advisories.

Full Text PDF

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Long-term epidemiological studies needed to better assess rain-related disease risks

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:35:00 +0000

We are beginning to glimpse the tip of the iceberg of rain-related disease, but its true incidence and costs to society are not yet fully quantified. The true incidence of waterborne disease in the United States is likely underestimated.

Full Text PDF

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Kids most vulnerable to rain-related disease

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:31:00 +0000

Children under age 5 are most vulnerable to acute diarrhea and its complication of severe dehydration. The viruses that cause diarrhea are routinely found in groundwater and migrate into public water distribution systems even after treatment.

Full Text PDF

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Improving sewer infrastructure should reduce rain-related disease risk

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:23:00 +0000

Impending hydrological changes in Wisconsin due to climate change combined with vulnerabilities due to failing infrastructure pose a public health threat, with increasingly extreme precipitation and leaky pipes promoting waterborne diseases that hit children hardest. More than half of the documented waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States have followed heavy storms.

Full Text PDF

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Climate Change Impacts on Rain-Related Disease in Wisconsin

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:45:00 +0000

Impending hydrological changes due to climate change, combined with vulnerabilities due to failing infrastructure, pose a threat to public health. More frequent and intense storm events combined with leaky wastewater and drinking water pipes can promote waterborne diseases, often affecting children the most. This series of policy briefs explores the linkages between climate change and rain-related disease, providing details about the potential challenges facing Wisconsin and what policymakers can do to overcome them.

Spring 2013 Executive Summary (PDF)

Policy Briefs

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