Drinking water education programs are organized for Wisconsin communities to learn about local groundwater quality and drinking water safety of individual homeowner wells. Programs offer participants a convenient opportunity to test water from their private wells for some of the most common health-related contaminants and other water quality concerns.

Water test results are handed back at an educational program presented by UW-Extension water quality specialists. By the end of the program participants will have:

• Gained a better understanding of the safety of their water supply
• Have increased knowledge of local geology and groundwater movement
• Understand the processes and practices that may cause groundwater contamination
• Increased understanding of local groundwater quality
• Learn about practices that can improve or protect groundwater quality

Past Presentations and Summaries

By testing as a community, the results become an important tool to understand the quality of the local groundwater resource.

Organizing a Community Drinking Water Program

Programs are generally organized in partnership with county UW-Extension faculty and local governments at a town level; however, other arrangements can be made. The following document is a guide on organizing a community drinking water program:

A Guide to Organizing a Community Drinking Water Testing and Educational Program

If you are interested in organizing a program in your community please plan ahead.  Depending on availability programs generally need to be arranged at least 6 months in advance.  To find out more information about this program contact Kevin Masarik at (715)346-4276 or email him at kmasarik@uwsp.edu.