Drinking Water

Sauk County Drinking Water Program

Sponsored by Local Town Boards, Sauk County UW-Extension and the Land Conservation Department.

The luxury of quality drinking water is something that many of us commonly take for granted. Municipal and other public water supplies are subject to strict guidelines and water quality testing to ensure that the water meets the current drinking water standards and is safe to drink. However there are over 800,000 private wells which serve as the primary water supply for a large number of people throughout the state. Drinking water can be contaminated from a variety of sources, and most water pollutants cannot be easily detected by taste or smell. Getting your water tested annually is the best way to determine if your drinking water has been contaminated by chemicals or bacteria.

In a recent survey conducted by UW-Stevens Point, 73% of survey respondents had not tested their drinking water in the last five years, 57% did not know the depth of their well, and 66% did not know the depth to water in their wells. The Sauk County drinking water program provides a convenient opportunity to test your drinking water and learn about the issues facing well water in Sauk County. Water Sampling Procedures

LaValle, Woodland and Ironton residents will have an opportunity to participate in a Drinking Water Program in the summer of 2012. Participants will learn about their drinking water quality and quantity, and what actions they take to protect Sauk County’s groundwater. If you are a homeowner with a private well, it is important that you get your water tested once a year. Groundwater is constantly moving, so a water sample taken today may have different results than a sample taken a year ago. GET INVOLVED and find out what you and your family are drinking.

Directions:

• Pick up a water bottle at your Town Hall on July 6th from 4-6pm or 7th from 8-11am.
• Pay your testing fees when you pick up the bottle. Please make your checks out to Sauk County UW-Extension.
• Fill your water bottle on Monday JULY 9th – NOT BEFORE and keep it refrigerated!
• Return your water bottle to your Town Hall on Monday July 9th from either 7-9am or 4-7pm.
• Water test results will be returned and discussed at an educational program on Thursday, August 9th at the LaValle Town Hall.  Registration begins at 6:45pm; the program will start at 7:00pm and conclude by 8:30pm.

In 2012, the Towns of La Valle, Woodland and Ironton will participate in the drinking water program.

In 2011 the Towns of Franklin and Delton participated in the drinking water program. Nearly 100 households voluntarily tested their drinking water.  Click here for Kevin Masarik’s presentation.

In 2010 the Towns of Freedom, Reedsburg and Westfield participated in the drinking water program. Nearly 100 households voluntarily tested their drinking water.  Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s presentation.

In 2009 the Towns of Baraboo and Greenfield participated in the drinking water program. Nearly 100 households voluntarily tested their drinking water. Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s presentation.

In 2008 the Towns of Honey Creek, Prairie du Sac, and Troy participated in the drinking water program. Nearly 120 households voluntarily tested their drinking water. Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s presentation.

In 2007 the Towns of Winfield, Dellona and Excelsior participated in the drinking water program. Over 140 households voluntarily tested their drinking water. Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s presentation.

In 2006 the Towns of Franklin and Spring Green participated in the drinking water program. Over 135 households voluntarily tested their drinking water. Click here to view Kevin Masarik’s presentation.

2011 Groundwater Basics Presentation by Jenny Erickson

More information can be found at:

• Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/gndwater/index.htm

For more information please contact:
Jenny Erickson
Sauk County – UW Extension
West Square Administration Bldg
505 Broadway
Baraboo, WI 53913-2404
Phone: 608-355-3250
Fax: 608-355-3550