Nearly all of Wisconsin's public water systems met health-based standards during the past year. That's according to the Department of Natural Resources, which released its annual study on drinking water in the state this week. The report noted that 98 percent of the more than 11,500 systems met tough health standards.
The agency says the vast majority of Wisconsin's public water systems rely on groundwater pumped from wells. However, 56 systems use surface water from Wisconsin lakes to provide drinking water to their customers.
"The pandemic exemplified how critically important access to safe drinking water is for everyone," said Steve Elmore, DNR Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater Program Director. "Safe drinking water has been essential throughout the pandemic, not just for drinking. We also depend on it for hand washing and minimizing disease risk. This year's report showcases efforts by the DNR and water system owners and operators in response to the drinking water challenges caused by the pandemic."
The DNR inspects public water systems regularly and provides on-site assessments when bacterial contaminants are detected. Through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program, the agency provided more than $93 million in assistance to 14 communities around the state in 2020 to help them make repairs and improvements to their drinking water systems.
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle