Analyses Offered

Listed below are analyses the would be of interest to homeowners, lake and river groups, and various research project managers. You may request a package or any individual analysis by calling 715-346-3209 or send an email to weal@uwsp.edu.

 

 

 

Nitrate plus Nitrite-Nitrogen

pH

Alkalinity

Hardness

Chloride

Conductivity

Corrosivity Index

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Arsenic

Calcium

Copper

Iron

Lead

Magnesium

Manganese

Potassium

Sodium

Sulfate

Zinc

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Pesticide Package:

Diaminochlorotriazine (DACT)

Triazines are a class of pesticides which includes the herbicide atrazine. Atrazine has three metabolites (breakdown products) that are of concern, and one of the more commonly found metabolite is DACT.From our studies, we have found that DACT is a good test to predict the total concentration of atrazine and its metabolites in groundwater.

 

We recommend this test as a low cost alternative to the Nitrogen and Phosphorus (N/P) containing pesticide analysis. If your results come back as less than 0.10 ppb, your water can be likely considered safe for atrazine and its metabolites.

 

The State of Wisconsin has determined there is a risk to drinking water contaminated with atrazine plus three of its chlorinated metabolites. The State has a drinking water standard of 3.0 ppb for total chlorinated atrazine residues. We have determined that if your sample is greater than 2.0 ppb triazine, there is a good chance your water supply exceeds the total atrazine standard of 3.0 ppb. We then recommend proceeding to the N/P analysis (below) or contacting the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (608-224-4503). They may provide free follow up testing.

 

 

These chemicals are from herbicides (alachlor, acetochlor, and metolachlor) that have replaced atrazine. While these parent herbicides normally degrade in the top soil, they form ethane sulfonic acid (ESA) and oxanillic acid (OA) degradates which can penetrate to groundwater. They have been found in groundwater in many of the agricultural areas of the state of Wisconsin.

 

At this time, there is little known regarding the health implications of drinking water contaminated with these chemicals. The only DNR regulatory standard that exists is for Alachlor ESA. It has a standard of 20 ppb.

 

 

This test is for those who have a reason to suspect contamination (other than atrazine). High nitrates from an agricultural source is a good start. We usually recommend homeowners have their water tested for nitrates before going ahead with this test. These pesticides are more commonly used in agriculture in Wisconsin. Again, this test doesn't cover all pesticides.

 

 

This test covers a wide range of insecticides. Generally, these compounds are not found in Wisconsin groundwater as often as those in the nitrogen and phosphorus containing pesticides. If there is concern from excessive use, a local spill, or a nearby agricultural chemical loading and mixing facility, this test may be appropriate.

 

 

 

Package A

The analyses in this package gives the basic chemistry of your lake relative to the mineralogy and nutrient content.

​	​	Alkalinity Ammonium Nitrogen Calcium Chloride Color Conductivity Nitrate plus Nitrite Nitrogen pH	Potassium Reactive Phosphorus Sodium Sulfate Total Hardness Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Turbidity​

 

The analytes in this package affect the plant growth within the lake, which may be an indication of land use runoff. This package is recommended after running Package A for at least two years.

 

 

The analytes run in this package are the nutrients that would affect plant growth within the river, which may be an indication of land use runoff.

 

 

 

Metals: