All visitors at Farm Technology Days in Clark 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, bring one pint of your well water in a clean container to Booth 485 on 4th Street east of University Avenue.
"Nearly one in every 10 private wells in Wisconsin may contain high levels of nitrate," said DNR Private Water Field Supervisor Stacy Steinke. "We typically see higher nitrate levels occur in areas with a larger agricultural presence or a concentration of septic tanks."
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 12-14 at Roehl Acres and Rustic Occasions near Loyal.
Categories: Wisconsin, Rural Lifestyle