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Center For Watershed Science and Education

A student conducts baseflow monitoring in a small stream, holding a flow meter.
Lab staff sets up bacteria samples for analysis. Samples are in rows on a lab bench.
A person sits on a bench enjoying the view of Lake Joanis.

Empowering Communities and Individuals to Manage Their Water Resources

The Center for Watershed​ Science and Education ​​is a joint venture of the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin – Madison Division of Extension.

The Center works across the state of Wisconsin and beyond:

  • Supporting watershed stewardship
  • Assisting citizens with lake, river, and drinking water quality problems
  • Promoting strategies for water resource protection
  • Providing water quality assessments and support
  • Preparing students for careers as water resource professionals

Areas of Focus

A lab analyst uses a pipette to transfer a water sample in the laboratory.

Water and Environmental Analysis Lab

Certified water testing for private wells, groundwater, lakes, rivers, and more. The Water and Environmental Analysis Lab has been providing high quality water analytical services to Wisconsin residents and communities since 1972.
Learn more about our analytical services
Wisconsin Well Water Viewer, by county, for Nitrate-Nitrogen

Research and Data

Learn about historical and ongoing research, interactive data portals, and other products available through the Center.
WI Well Water Viewer Reports and Publications
A Groundwater Education Specialist demonstrates groundwater flow to a group of people using a sand-tank groundwater model.

Public Outreach & Education

Assisting individuals and communities in understanding and management of their water resources
Water WELLness: Well testing and education Well Water Trend Monitoring Groundwater Model Teacher Workshops
A student takes water level measurements of a piezometer.

Student Experiences

Opportunities exist for graduate and undergraduate students to work side-by-side with faculty and staff conducting scientific research and performing laboratory analysis.
Learn about our student opportunities

News and Events

Lab staff sets up bacteria samples for analysis. Samples are in rows on a lab bench.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 @ 6:00 PM

Douglas County Water WELLness

Solon Springs Community Center, 11523 S Business Hwy 53, Solon Springs, WI 54873

Learn about Douglas County well water quality at this free educational opportunity, open to the public.

The program will last about an hour and cover the following topics:

  • Groundwater Basics: where does your well water come from
  • Well construction and how it influences water quality
  • Understanding your individual test results
  • General groundwater quality in Douglas County
  • Ways to improve your well water quality
Lab worker pours a water sample into a sterile bacteria bottle
Thursday, January 15, 2026 @ 6:00 PM

Monroe County Water WELLness

Kendall Community Hall, 219 W South Railroad Street, Kendall, WI 54638

Learn about Monroe County well water quality at this free educational opportunity, open to the public.

The program will last about an hour and cover the following topics:

  • Groundwater Basics: where does your well water come from
  • Well construction and how it influences water quality
  • Understanding your individual test results
  • General groundwater quality in Monroe County
  • Ways to improve your well water quality
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