In a letter to state officials, the federal Environmental Protection Agency recently noted numerous deficiencies in the way Wisconsin manages water pollution. The letter is part of a review process, and state officials say some deficiencies were bound to come up. They also say that they will work to address the concerns.

But finding 75 deficiencies in the state's management of the Clean Water Act, something the state took over in 1974, is indeed troubling, as an attorney for Midwest Environmental Advocates argued. "This is certainly one of the most dramatic statements I have seen from the EPA," said that attorney, Dennis M. Grzezinski.

The EPA's list of deficiencies ranged from long-standing state practices to measures advanced this year by Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature.

The letter should serve as a wake-up call to the Department of Natural Resources and to state legislators to tighten up the state water permitting process to make sure it's in accord with the federal Clean Water Act. Legislators also should be careful that they don't further loosen the rules as they consider Walker's measures.

That doesn't necessarily mean making the rules more complex or cumbersome for business or that they can't be further streamlined. But it does mean doing everything required by federal law. And if that means new legislation is needed to give DNR officials the authority they need to keep the state's waters healthy, legislators should provide that legislation.

Wisconsin has long taken pride in its natural wonders and its pioneering efforts on protecting the environment. And clean water has been a particular source of that pride, especially given the attraction of the state's waterways to families, businesses and tourists. Clean water is a draw that some other states don't have; it can thus give the state a competitive edge.

The state's image as a water mecca hasn't been warranted in every instance - the Fox River from Lake Winnebago to Green Bay comes to mind, as do past sewerage issues in the Milwaukee area. But water quality is still generally good and protection has improved dramatically, including in Milwaukee.

The EPA's letter is simply a reminder that this needs to be a continuing effort.