By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering free well water testing for nitrate at Farm Technology Days in Cadott from August 13-15.
The DNR will provide on-the-spot nitrate screening at the DNR area located at Rooney Grain Way and Seventh Street. Participants are asked to bring one cup of well water in a clean container.
Results will be available within minutes, and DNR staff will answer questions and provide recommendations for further testing if elevated nitrate levels are found.
Nitrate is the most common health-related contaminant in Wisconsin’s groundwater. An estimated 10% of private wells may contain nitrate levels above health standards, and nearly one-third of private well owners have never tested their drinking water for nitrates.
“The DNR has provided free nitrate screening at Farm Technology Days for four years,” said Marty Nessman, DNR private water section manager. “We aim to make it easy for private well owners to get their water tested and their questions answered. Reducing the wait time for results is appreciated by well owners.”
Households with pregnant women or infants using private wells are especially encouraged to bring a water sample, as they are most at risk and should not consume water with nitrate-nitrogen levels greater than 10 mg/L.
Don't miss this opportunity for free nitrate testing and to learn more about maintaining safe drinking water at Farm Technology Days!
More information DNR: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Wells/privateWellTest.html
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zms
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy