By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council has released its 2024 annual report, highlighting key recommendations for protecting the state's vital groundwater resources.
The report focuses on public health concerns, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and water-stressed areas.
One of the primary recommendations is to establish new and revised health-based groundwater standards to protect public health and the environment from PFAS, nitrate, and other contaminants.
The Groundwater Coordinating Council emphasizes the importance of these standards in safeguarding the health of Wisconsin residents.
The report also addresses the pressing issue of nitrate and pesticide contamination in groundwater, particularly in areas with intensive agricultural practices.
The Council recommends implementing agricultural practices that protect groundwater from these contaminants, such as continuous program implementation, funding, data assessment tools, and education.
Regarding PFAS, the Groundwater Coordinating Council recommends implementing enforcement standards, identifying PFAS sources, and supporting statewide initiatives to address the significant impact of PFAS on public health.
In addition to these recommendations, the Council has identified water-stressed areas in Wisconsin and recommends statewide collaboration, water conservation measures, and a regional framework to manage water withdrawals in these regions.
“Wisconsin depends heavily on groundwater. The level of coordination and investment in protecting this resource is appropriate as new challenges and ideas continue to warrant the collaborative approach of the Groundwater Coordinating Council and, most importantly, Wisconsin state legislators,” said Jim Zellmer, Groundwater Coordinating Council chair and DNR Environmental Management Division administrator.
The full report and recommendations can be found on the Groundwater Coordinating Council website.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zms
Categories: Wisconsin, General