Water Quality

Today, the St. Louis River and Lake Superior are recognized as precious natural resources in need of careful protection. People canoe, kayak, raft, swim and enjoy the St. Louis River as few would have believed possible in the 1960's and 70's.

Improved water resources in this area are the result of dedicated individual efforts and close cooperation on the part of industry, federal, state and local governments. WLSSD's wastewater and pollution prevention programs stand as evidence of the area's commitment to a clean environment and economic stability.

WLSSD maintains a continuous water-quality monitoring program of the St. Louis River and area streams. This program ensures that State water quality standards are maintained and to plan for future wastewater disposal needs throughout the WLSSD service area.

Today's threats to water quality in the WLSSD area include non-point source pollution such as storm water run-off, mercury deposition from world-wide sources and the emerging issue of pharmaceutical substances reaching rivers and streams. Inflow and Infiltration can cause or contribute to sanitary sewer overflows. WLSSD is working to address these issues through wastewater treatment system improvements and public pollution prevention education.