Why should I test my well?
As one of Wisconsin’s 900,000 private well owners you are using
ground water for your drinking, cooking and bathing needs.
Municipalities are required by law to test their water regularly to
ensure it is safe to use. There are no similar mandates for private
well water so it the owner’s responsibility to make sure the water
supply is safe.
Most Wisconsin wells provide safe water. However, bacterial and
chemical contaminants can pollute ground water in a variety of
ways. Every private well should be tested routinely and whenever
there are changes in taste or clarity.
What tests should be done on my water?
Total Coliform Bacteria/ Fecal Coliform - Test Annually
This test indicates if potentially harmful bacteria are present
in water. Coliform bacteria live in topsoil, on vegetation and in
surface waters such as lakes and streams. Fecal coliform bacteria
are found in human and animal wastes. Bacteria, viruses and other
contaminants are usually filtered out as water seeps through soil.
Contamination can find its way to well water through defects in well
casing, poorly sealed caps, failed septic systems or runoff from
agriculture and industry. Testing for Coliform will help prevent
many illnesses caused by infectious organisms.
Nitrate – Test Annually
Nitrate is one of the most common causes of contaminated ground
water in Wisconsin. Approximately 20% of wells in La Crosse County
have elevated nitrate levels. Wells less than 100 feet deep are
more susceptible to nitrate contamination. Fertilizer, animal waste
and private septic systems are the major sources of nitrate in
water. The condition methemoglobinemia also known as “blue-baby
syndrome” is caused by ingestion water containing nitrates.
Infants under six months of age and pregnant women should not
consume water with elevated nitrate. Scientific studies have linked
high nitrate water with cancer of the stomach, prostate, bladder and
colon.
Chemicals – Atrazine and Metals - Test as Needed
Atrazine testing is recommended for those living near
agricultural lands. Atrazine is found in herbicides that control
broad-leaf weeds and is frequently used to grow corn and clear
transportation right-of- ways. The Wisconsin Board of Agriculture
has banned the use of atrazine in 1.2 million acres in areas where
it has been found in wells. Studies show atrazine can persist for
more than 10 years in ground water even after its use has been
discontinued. Atrazine has been shown to cause liver, kidney and
heart damage in animal studies. There are limited data suggesting
a link between atrazine exposure and various cancers although
research has not confirmed it as a cause cancer in humans.
Metals Screen – Test as Needed
Testing includes aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, calcium, chromium,
cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, strontium,
vanadium, and zinc. Metals may be present in water due to erosion
of natural deposits, corrosion of well and plumbing hardware or
runoff from orchards and industrial processes. Metals are toxins
that cause a wide range of illnesses including cancer,
gastrointestinal distress, kidney damage and neurological problems.
How can I test my
well water?
The La Crosse County Health Department Laboratory is certified by
the WI DNR and WI Department of Agriculture and offers water testing
to private well owners and municipalities. The lab is located at
300 4th St North, La Crosse, on the 2nd floor of the La Crosse
County Health and Human Services Building. Hours are 8:30 to 5:00
Mon - Fri. The lab will supply you with water sample bottles,
instructions and a lab submission form. A written report will be
sent to you with the results. Please contact 608-785-9733 for more
information.
What are the fees
for testing?
water coliform/fecal coliform 24.00
nitrate 23.00
atrazine 32.00
metals screen 55.00
How can I protect my private water supply?
Protect
your well. Be careful with lawn care products, fertilizer and other
chemicals. Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Make
sure your well is protected from run-off, livestock, pets, and
insects. Protect your water supply by carefully managing activities
near the well. This includes keeping contaminants away from
sinkholes and maintaining your septic system properly. Keep
hazardous chemicals out of septic systems. Check your well cap,
screen and conduit and maintain in good condition. |
