Fond du Lac County UW-Extension recently completed a drinking water sampling program in partnership with the Town of Ripon.
67 households sampled their wells, and 72 people attended the educational presentation at the Town Hall on April 13th. Each participant received a packet of their own sampling results which were explained in the program. Here is what we learned about the township drinking water:
- 15% of sampled wells had coliform bacteria present. Coliform bacteria can occur for a number of reasons including poor well maintenance, cracked casing, rodents or insects. No e.coli, which indicates the presence of human or animal waste, was found in any wells.
- 26% of sampled wells had nitrate levels over the safe drinking water standard. Nitrates occur naturally, but at these levels it means that wells are being impacted by fertilizers, manure, septic systems, and other land use activities. By comparing wells that were sampled in both the 2004 and 2011 sampling opportunities, one can see that some wells have improved and some have increased in nitrates. The net result is no change since the last town wide sampling program in 2004. Nitrates are typically found in agricultural areas, and they can remain in the soil and in the aquifer for many decades. No one recent event or change to land use can be the source for these higher readings now.
- 4% of sampled wells had arsenic levels over the health standard. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in Wisconsin’s groundwater aquifers. It is released from soil and rock into the groundwater and drawn into wells. Wells in which arsenic was detected should be monitored closely in the coming years. Arsenic is a known carcinogen and is a serious health concern.
- None of the wells sampled contained pesticides (atrazine) higher than the drinking water standard. Small amounts of atrazine were present in 39% of wells sampled. This is also normal for an agricultural area.
Past data from UW-Extension sampling programs show that about 17% of Town of Ripon wells sampled have been bacteria positive and about 10% have measured nitrate levels over the EPA health standard.
Water quality can change quickly in a short time. It is recommended that people drinking well water sample it at least once per year. If you would like to sample your home well water or if your township would like to host a well water sampling program, contact Diana Hammer Tscheschlok at UW-Extension: 920/748-7565 or https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu.
Materials are traditionally handed out with results at the Educational Program. If you were unable to attend the program you can view and print the materials.
