All visitors at Farm Technology Days in Eau Claire County next week will have the chance to test their well water for nitrate, the most common health-related contaminant found in Wisconsin's groundwater. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will offer the free on-the-spot test, and it will only take a few minutes to get the results.
If you would like to take advantage of this free and easy water testing, please bring one pint of your well water in a clean container to Booth 587.
"Nearly one in every 10 private wells in Wisconsin may contain high levels of nitrate," said Marty Nessman, who serves as the DNR's private water supply section chief. "Areas of the state with a greater intensity of agriculture or septic systems generally have more issues with nitrate in well water at concentrations of concern. Areas with sandy soils or fractured bedrock near the surface can make areas more prone to groundwater contamination as well."
State health officials say high levels of nitrate in drinking water have been linked to 'blue baby' syndrome in infants less than six months of age. Infants less than six months of age and women who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant should not drink water with high levels of nitrate.
While nitrate occurs naturally at very low levels, the elevated levels found throughout much of Wisconsin indicate that human activities have impacted groundwater quality.
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days will be held July 20-22 at Huntsinger Farms near Eau Claire.
Categories: Wisconsin, Rural Lifestyle