• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Beloit honored for water quality efforts

BELOIT — The city of Beloit has been selected as a charter member of a new state program recognizing the water-protection efforts of counties and municipalities.

Water Star, which was launched on Earth Day, is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the University of Wisconsin-Extension Environmental Resources Center, the Rock River Coalition and the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Those groups recently helped choose the eight charter Water Star award winners.

Entries were judged on such criteria as taking steps to protect surface and groundwater, strengthening storm-water controls, ensuring water quality, protecting habitat and encouraging conservation efforts.

Beloit was honored with a silver star rating Monday at a city council meeting. Mukwonago and Waukesha County received the same award. Fitchburg, River Falls and Dane County earned gold stars; Darlington and Manitowoc received bronze stars.

“Too often, we complain about what isn’t being done, instead of celebrating the positive steps municipalities are taking,” said Suzanne Wade, a UW-Extension basin educator and Water Star coordinator. “I’m amazed at the local wisdom that these municipal staff and elected officials have used in solving problems. Water Star is one way for them

Read the full story in the May 23, 2010 e-edition of The Stateline News, PAGE 8.