The Manitowoc County Health Department is reminding residents who have water wells to get them tested.
Department Director Korina Aghmar said on WOMT’s Be My Guest program that everyone in the county should have good water, and while most wells in Wisconsin are safe to drink from, they can become contaminated.
“You don’t always know,” she stated. “Clear water isn’t always safe water, especially during the spring thaw. As the ground melts, runoff can carry bacteria and nitrates into the ground water. And then, even that shifting soil can cause different cracks or issues with well seals.”
The county health department recommends that owners of private water wells get them tested every year for two chemicals, coliform bacteria and nitrates.
Aghmar says coliform bacteria show that other bacteria could be getting into the water.
Nitrates come from fertilizers, manure, and septic systems.
“It’s particularly dangerous for infants under six months and pregnant women,” she noted. “So, it’s important to test those at least once a year. And then anytime your water seems off.”
That means if the water smells different, tastes different, or feels different.
Residents who are interested in getting their wells tested can contact the Manitowoc County Health Department at 920-683-4155 and tell the staff you have a question about well testing.
More information can also be found at the health department’s website at manitowoccountywi.gov/departments.
