WCVStories
Preventing water contamination in Lake Superior
When Mary Dougherty moved to Bayfield, Wisconsin, she never imagined she'd become a clean water activist. But living on the shores of Lake Superior – one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world – changed everything.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Clean Water For All
May 28, 2025
When Mary Dougherty moved to Bayfield, Wisconsin, she never imagined she'd become a clean water activist. But living on the shores of Lake Superior – one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world – changed everything. When an industrial hog farm was proposed near Lake Superior, Mary and the Bayfield community banded together to stop it.
These concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) threaten Wisconsin’s drinking water because they can contaminate the groundwater with nitrate – a serious public health risk. In this video, Mary shares her journey from concerned mom to environmental leader, and calls on Wisconsin state legislators to take urgent action to protect clean water, rural communities, and the future of Lake Superior.
MORE STORIES
![${story.issues[0]} icon](/assets/site-files/water-thumb.svg)
Trouble in the valley: contaminated groundwater threatens Wisconsin businesses
Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin
Nelsonville's fight against water contamination
Contaminated well water leads to a child's hospitalization
COLE: How lead exposure has changed the lives of a family and a city
PFAS contamination in Campbell
Wausau's fight against PFAS and lead in the water
Take action
Join the movement
Sign up for our emails to get our latest stories right to your inbox and stay up-to-date on the issues you care about.
Become a member
Every day, Wisconsin Conservation Voters members are standing up to protect our air, land, water, and democracy. Join the movement and help protect Wisconsin.
Volunteer
This is a people powered movement. Fill out this volunteer form, and our organizing team will reach out with opportunities to take action.
Activist toolkit
Want to take action, but aren’t sure where to start? The Activist Toolkit gives you tips and opportunities to take action and develop your skills.
Donate
Clean drinking water, climate justice, and a healthy democracy begin with you. Together, we can ensure a healthy, beautiful Wisconsin for all to enjoy.