Problem: The state of Wisconsin first began to address the problem of water quality in the 1950s and 1960s. By the 1970s, however, it was evident that the existing pollution cleanup programs were insufficient to maintain the desired water quality. Proposed solution: In 1978, the legislature established the Wisconsin Fund, designed to help localities comply with the federal clean water regulations. By discussing the importance of clean water to the continued success of the state's tourism and agricultural industries, the government leaders built popular support for the fund, which took advantage of federal matching funds programs in addition to providing other funding for the water projects. To encourage localities to develop water- treatment facilities, the Wisconsin Fund offers grants in different stages to finance the planning, design, and construction of these facilities. Evaluation: The vast majority of the state's localities were operating in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act by the 1983 deadline; those not meeting the deadline were all in the process of building the necessary facilities at that time. The fund is now being developed for use in addressing other environmental problems in the state. Contact: Jeff Smoller, Information Director, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Citation: "An Extra Effort Wins Water Quality Payoffs." EPA Journal, v. 11 (April 1985), pp. 14-15. Keywords: environment water pollution clean water act matching funds