Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced a new $10 million grant program to support the replacement, reconstruction, treatment, or abandonment of contaminated private wells. The program, based on the state's Well Compensation Grant Program, will expand eligibility beyond the current Well Compensation Program to support more private well owners and increase access to clean drinking water.
With this $10 million investment and expanded eligibility criteria, it is estimated the program could help well owners address contamination in approximately 1,036 additional wells.
The current Well Compensation Grant Program contains a number of statutory eligibility requirements that significantly limit the number of individuals that are able to utilize the program.
According to the Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council, nitrate was the most widespread groundwater contaminant during the past year, with about 10 percent of private well samples and more than 200 public water supply systems exceeded state and federal standards for nitrate.
The DNR says there are approximately 800,000 wells in Wisconsin that serve an estimated 40 percent of Wisconsin households.
Categories: Wisconsin, General