Townships of Reedsburg, Winfield & Westfield Water Testing Program

Sauk County Drinking Water Program

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

The luxury of quality drinking water is something that many of us often 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

Residents living in the townships of Reedsburg, Winfield, and Westfield will have an opportunity to participate in a Drinking Water Program in the summer of 2024. Participants will learn about their drinking water quality and quantity, and what actions they should 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 26 & 27, 2024.
Pay your testing fees when you pick up the bottle. Please make your checks out to Sauk County UW-Extension.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you purchase all three tests, there is a reduced price of $161.
Fill your water bottle on July 29– NOT BEFORE and keep it refrigerated!
Return your water bottle to your Town Hall on July 29th between 7-9am or 4-6pm.
Water test results will be returned and discussed at an educational program on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Cal Center, 1100 S Albert Ave, Reedsburg, WI 53959.

What Tests are Available?

Homeowner Package includes tests for nitrate, coliform bacteria, pH, alkalinity, hardness, conductivity, corrosivity, and chloride	$68
DACT Screen tests for triazine-type pesticides like atrazine.	$40
The Metals Package tests for copper, lead, iron, manganese, zinc, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium	$60
All three tests listed above as a package deal	$161 Save $7

Here is a presentation that covers Private Wells and Water Quality Issues. Private Wells & Water Quality Problems

In 2022, 106 households in the Towns of Dellona, Delton and Fairfield to participate in the well water testing program. Kevin Masarik’s 2022 presentation here.

In 2021, 87 households in the Towns of Honey Creek, Troy and Prairie du Sac chose to participate in the well water testing program. Kevin Masarik’s 2021 presentation is here presentation is here.

In 2020, 155 households in the Towns of Bear Creek, Franklin, Spring Green and Washington chose to participate in the well water testing program. Kevin Masarik’s 2020 presentation is here.

In 2019, 154 households in the Towns of Ironton, chose to participate in the well water testing program. Kevin Masarik’s 2019 presentation is here.

In 2018, 119 households in the Towns of Greenfield, Merrimac and Sumpter chose to participate in the well water testing program. Kevin Masarik’s 2018 presentation is here.

In 2017, 81 households in the Towns of Freedom, Reedsburg and Westfield chose to participate in the well water testing program. Kevin Masarik’s 2017 presentation is here.

In 2016, 129 households in the Towns of Baraboo, Delton and Fairfield chose to participate in the well water testing program. Kevin Masarik’s presentation is here.

More information can be found at the Central Wisconsin Gro undwater Center.

UW Extension and Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water Publications (available as PDF files)	Publication Number
Do Deeper Wells Mean Better Water?	G3652
Evaluating the Condition of Your Private Water Supply	G3558-2
Interpreting Drinking Water Test Results	G3558-4
Choosing a Water Treatment Device	G3558-5
Maintaining Your Home Well Water System	G3399
Nitrate in Wisconsin Groundwater: Sources and Concerns	G3054
Tests for Drinking Water for Private Wells	WDNR Publication
You and Your Well	WDNR Publication