DNR Report Finds Nearly All Wisconsin's Public Water Systems Met Health-Based Standards

Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 -- 8:04 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Nearly all of Wisconsin's public water systems met health-based standards during the past year.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, that's according to the Department of Natural Resources, which released its annual study on drinking water. The report noted that 98 percent of the more than 11,500 systems met tough health standards during the calendar year of 2021.

The agency says the vast majority of Wisconsin's public water systems rely on groundwater pumped from wells. However, 56 systems use surface water from Wisconsin lakes to provide drinking water to their customers.

"This annual report illustrates the commitment of the DNR and its partners to continue to provide safe drinking water for consumers while facing many challenges. Through collaboration, we treated nitrate contamination, replaced lead service lines and provided new water systems funding for small, underserved and disadvantaged communities," said Steve Elmore, DNR Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater Program Director.

The DNR inspects public water systems regularly and provides on-site assessments when bacterial contaminants are detected. Through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program, the agency provided more than $33 million in assistance to 60 communities around the state in 2021 to help them make repairs and improvements to their drinking water systems.

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