2020 - Statewide Victory
Attorney General Josh Kaul withdraws damaging opinion on high capacity wells
The dry riverbed of the Little Plover River. The river has become one of the primary examples of the damage done to waterbodies by high capacity wells.
In May, Wisconsin Attorney general Josh Kaul withdrew an opinion of former Attorney General Brad Schimel that denied the Department of Natural Resources power to put conditions on high capacity well applications.
High capacity wells can draw more than 100,000 gallons of water per day, which can have adverse affects on surrounding water bodies and water tables. According to DNR data, there were 14,000 high capacity wells in Wisconsin in 2018.
With the withdrawal of Schimel's opinion, Kaul restored the DNR's authority – and duty – to manage, protect and maintain waters of the state.