WISCONSIN — The deadline for counties to add referendum questions to local ballots is complete and Adams, Bayfield, Juneau, Green and Outagamie Counties will offer advisory referendum questions on clean water protection in the fall elections.

The question on the ballot will read: “Should the State of Wisconsin establish a right to clean water to protect human health, the environment, and the diverse cultural and natural heritage of Wisconsin?”

The Clean Water Now advisory referendum gives Wisconsinites a direct opportunity to express their support for more action by state government and elected officials to protect drinking water and groundwater across Wisconsin. 

“What we hear from Wisconsinites all across the state is that they are frustrated with the lack of significant action from state leaders to make water protection a priority,” said River Alliance of Wisconsin Water Advocates Organizer Johnson Bridgwater. “Another year has passed, and tens of thousands of Wisconsinites are still unable to drink their own water, and that is not acceptable. Wisconsin’s greatest asset is and will always be our water. Voters will agree by voting ‘yes’ to Clean Water Now on November 8.” 

In spring 2021 elections, voters in Marquette County (73%), Portage County (77%) and Wood County (76%) approved referendum questions. In spring 2022 elections, Eau Claire (79%) and La Crosse (86%) Counties approved the question. Also this spring, Monroe County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution committing to conserving, protecting, and restoring clean water.