Public Information
- We collect, organize, and make available existing data on
groundwater and related resources, including: published reports and
maps; collection of well records; computerized data base to allow
retrieval of water resources data; groundwater education publications
and materials.
- We answer questions about groundwater for both private citizens and
local officials, or refer questions to other information sources.
Education Activities
- We develop, conduct and promote educational activities relating to groundwater awareness, protection and management.
- We conduct private well testing and drinking water education programs through county-based Extension faculty.
Available Resources
Wisconsin Groundwater Directory
The Wisconsin Groundwater Directory is a listing of topics and contact information
for the citizens of Wisconsin to find answers and information to
groundwater related concerns. To download a pdf copy click on the
following link:
Wellhead Protection
Wellhead protection is a preventive
program designed to protect public water supply wells. The goal of
wellhead protection is to prevent contaminants from entering public
water supply wells by managing the land that contributes water to the
wells.
Well Water for Rural Residential Subdivisions
This fact sheet describes using computer
generated groundwater flow models as tools to evaluate water supply
options in rural communities
Groundwater Resources for Local Governments
The three fact sheets listed below will help communities address
groundwater concerns as part of the comprehensive planning process.
Additional resources containing information on groundwater management for local governments:
Organizing a Community Drinking Water Program
Community drinking water programs offer
local governments the opportunity to learn more about their community's
groundwater in addition to educating local residents on groundwater and
drinking water related issues. To learn more about organizing a program
for your community click on the link below.
Teaching and Learning about Groundwater in Wisconsin
The following is a short list of educational materials for teaching about groundwater issues in Wisconsin:
Sand-tank Groundwater Model
The sand-tank groundwater model is a
hands-on demonstrational model made by students at UW-Stevens Point and
is used as an educational tool to demonstrate how water and contaminants
move through aquifers, various soil structures and watersheds.
Educational Activities
There are a number of educational
activities that can be performed which aid in students understanding of
groundwater. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources developed an
award winning curriculum development guide primarily for 6th to 9th
grade earth science teachers, adaptable to older and younger students,
informal education settings and the general public.
- One 36-page "Groundwater Study Guide"
- One copy of "Groundwater: Protecting Wisconsin's Buried Treasure"
- One set of 12 activity handouts.
- Ten small posters and one large poster, "Groundwater and Land Use in the Water Cycle"
- One "Groundwater Contamination Susceptibility in Wisconsin" map.
It'll Go With the Flow - Powerpoint presentation that can be used in conjunction with one of the activities in the Groundwater Study Guide.
For more information about
groundwater and educational activities or to request a hardcopy of the
Groundwater Study Guide please contact
Kevin Masarik at (715)346-4276.