Residents in the Towns of Fond du Lac and Oakfield learned that their samples returned better results than the state average this week.  Coliform bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic, three of the most common problems detected with well water systems, were found minimally or not at all in the 118 wells sampled in the two townships. View the complete results including maps.

• Less than one percent of samples had levels of nitrate above the recommended drinking water limit which compares to the state average of ten percent typically measuring levels considered unsuitable for drinking.
• Six percent of wells tested positive for coliform bacteria. This is also a lower rate than is typically seen in comparable testing done around the state.
• Arsenic, a naturally-occurring carcinogen, was detected at low levels in only three wells, and all were within the range still considered suitable for drinking and cooking.
• No evidence of atrazine, a corn herbicide, was detected in any wells.

To sustain high quality drinking water, residents are encouraged to properly seal wells that are no longer in use and to sample well water annually.