Three environmental groups and a dairy organization, working as partners to bring about long-term solutions to Wisconsin's water quality issues cheered an announcement this week that $10 million will be made available to protect owners of private wells from contaminated drinking water. Gov. Tony Evers said Tuesday he was committing federal funds to support replacing or treating private wells that are contaminated.
Clean Wisconsin, the Dairy Business Association, The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin, and WI Land+Water said in a joint statement that the investment is a significant, fundamental step forward in ensuring that all of our state's residents have clean water to drink.
"Ensuring access to clean drinking water is essential to our rural neighbors and our own families and farms, so expanding eligibility for this critical support is significant," said Dairy Business Association President Amy Penterman. "It is also part of a larger effort needed to protect and improve water quality while supporting farmers in our important role as caretakers of the environment and business owners. We are part of the solution and will continue to expand the use of innovative conservation practices through scientific research, collaboration with partners, and a commitment to the well-being of our communities."
The new grant program will expand eligibility beyond the state's current Well Compensation Grant Program to support more well owners.
Financial support will come from one-time funds Wisconsin received through the American Rescue Plan Act, a 2021 law that directed federal money to states during the pandemic.
Categories: Wisconsin, General