Townships of Dellona, Excelsior and Winfield Drinking Water Testing Program

glass of drinking water

Sauk County Drinking Water Program

Sponsored by Local Town Boards, Sauk County UW-Extension and the Conservation, Planning & Zoning Department.

The luxury of quality drinking water is something that many of us commonly take for granted. Municipal and other public water supplies are subject to strict guidelines and water quality testing to ensure that the water meets the current drinking water standards and is safe to drink. However there are over 800,000 private wells which serve as the primary water supply for a large number of people throughout the state. Drinking water can be contaminated from a variety of sources, and most water pollutants cannot be easily detected by taste or smell. Getting your water tested annually is the best way to determine if your drinking water has been contaminated by chemicals or bacteria.

In a recent survey conducted by UW-Stevens Point, 73% of survey respondents had not tested their drinking water in the last five years, 57% did not know the depth of their well, and 66% did not know the depth to water in their wells. The Sauk County drinking water program provides a convenient opportunity to test your drinking water and learn about the issues facing well water in Sauk County. Water Sampling Procedures

Residents living in the townships of Dellona, Excelsior and Winfield will have an opportunity to participate in a Drinking Water Program in the spring of 2015. Participants will learn about their drinking water quality and quantity, and what actions they take to protect Sauk County’s groundwater. If you are a homeowner with a private well, it is important that you get your water tested once a year. Groundwater is constantly moving, so a water sample taken today may have different results than a sample taken a year ago. GET INVOLVED and find out what you and your family are drinking.

Directions:

  • Pick up a water bottle at your Town Hall on Friday, FEBRUARY 13th, 2015, from 4:00-6:00 PM or Saturday, FEBRUARY 14th from 8:00-11:00 AM.
  • Pay your testing fees when you pick up the bottle. Please make your checks out to Sauk County UW-Extension.
    SPECIAL NOTE:  If you purchase all three tests, there is a reduced price of $113.
  • Fill your water bottle on Monday, FEBRUARY 16th– NOT BEFORE and keep it refrigerated!
  • Return your water bottle to your Town Hall on Monday, FEBRUARY 16th from either 7:00-9:00 AM or 4:00-7:00 PM.
  • Water test results will be returned and discussed at an educational program on Wednesday, MARCH 25th at the CAL Center, 1100 S Albert Avenue, Reedsburg WI.  Registration begins at 6:45 PM; the program will start at 7:00 PM and conclude by 8:30 PM.

 

What Tests are Available?  Cost        
Homeowner Package includes tests for nitrate, coliform bacteria, pH, alkalinity, hardness, conductivity, corrosivity, and chloride. $49
DACT Screen tests for triazine-type pesticides like atrazine. $27
The Metals Package tests for copper, lead, iron, manganese, zinc, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. $45

In spring 2014, the Towns of Franklin, Honey Creek, Prairie du Sac and Troy participated in the drinking water program.  Nearly 100 households voluntarily tested their drinking water.  Kevin Masarik's 2014 presentation

In summer 2013, the Towns of Merrimac and Sumpter participated in the drinking water program.  Nearly 90 households voluntarily tested their drinking water.   Kevin Masarik's 2013 summer presentation

In spring 2013, the Towns of Bear Creek and Spring Green participated in the drinking water program.  Nearly 70 households voluntarily tested their drinking water.   Kevin Masariks 2013 presentation

In 2012, the Towns of La Valle and Woodland  participated in the drinking water program.  Nearly 135 households voluntarily tested their drinking water.  Kevin Masarik’s 2012 presentation

In 2011 the Towns of Fairfield and Delton participated in the drinking water program. Nearly 100 households voluntarily tested their drinking water.  Click here for Kevin Masarik’s 2011 presentation.

In 2010 the Towns of Freedom, Reedsburg and Westfield participated in the drinking water program. Nearly 100 households voluntarily tested their drinking water.  Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s 2010 presentation.

In 2009 the Towns of Baraboo and Greenfield participated in the drinking water program. Nearly 100 households voluntarily tested their drinking water. Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s 2009 presentation.

In 2008 the Towns of Honey Creek, Prairie du Sac, and Troy participated in the drinking water program. Nearly 120 households voluntarily tested their drinking water. Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s 2008 presentation.

In 2007 the Towns of Winfield, Dellona and Excelsior participated in the drinking water program. Over 140 households voluntarily tested their drinking water. Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s 2007 presentation.

In 2006 the Towns of Franklin and Spring Green participated in the drinking water program. Over 135 households voluntarily tested their drinking water. Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s 2006 presentation.

Jenny Erickson’s 2013 Groundwater presentation

More information can be found at the Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center.

 

UW Extension and Wisconsin DNR
Drinking Water Publications
(available as PDF files)
Publication
Number
Do Deeper Wells Mean Better Water? G3652
Keeping Your Home Water Supply Safe G3552-1
Evaluating the Condition of Your Private Water Supply G3558-2
Interpreting Drinking Water Test Results G3558-4
Choosing a Water Treatment Device G3558-5
Maintaining Your Home Well Water System G3399
Nitrate in Wisconsin Groundwater: Sources and Concerns G3054
Tests for Drinking Water for Private Wells WDNR Publication
You and Your Well WDNR Publication

 

For more information please contact:

Jenny Erickson
Sauk County – UW Extension
West Square Administration Bldg
505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI 53913-2404

Phone: 608-355-3250
Fax: 608-355-3550