Leaders push for water testing amid high nitrate levels

Dec 02, 2023

MADISON, Wis. — Public health leaders in Dane County are advising private well owners to test their drinking water.

The advice comes following the release of the 2023 Environmental Health Report from Public Health Madison & Dane County. The report finds that one in every five private wells tested in Dane County had unsafe levels of nitrate. The testing has been done regularly for more than 30 years, from 1988 to July 2021.

In Wisconsin, nitrate is one of the most common groundwater contaminants. It's most often found in water wells in rural areas. The chemical can enter groundwater through fertilizers and animal waste.

"A lot of people say it's the farming activity," said Dean Harding, the owner of Pump Connection in Stoughton. "We check and fix wells all around the state, and usually the biggest problem we find is bacteria in the water. We get that a lot."

Elevated levels of nitrate don't necessarily violate federal drinking water standards, but research shows there are risks.

John Hausbeck, an environmental health supervisor with Public Health Madison & Dane County, said nitrate is most dangerous for babies, young children and women who are pregnant.

"The health impacts most people talk about when it comes to nitrate are potential birth defects," Hausbeck said. "There's something called blue baby syndrome where there is not enough oxygen in a baby's blood, causing an unusual blue tone to the skin."

Hausbeck said the only way to know what's in your well water is to professionally test it.

Unlike private water systems, private well owners are not required to regularly test their wells or correct water-quality problems.

"It's just always good to know," Harding said. "Test once a year and build a little database. Have a good idea about what quality of water you have."

Harding recommends getting well water tested once a year. He also said you should test after any flooding, if you’ve had maintenance done on the well, or notice a change in the look, smell, or taste of the water.

In Dane County, all private well testing requires the use of a $60 kit provided by the health department. You can find more details on how to order a kit and who to contact for help, here.

Correction: A previous version of this article had the wrong price for the kit provided by the health department. The error has been corrected. (June 7, 2023)