Bipartisan Bills Would Allow Private Well Owners to Have an Easier Time Accessing Grant for Nitrate-Contaminated Wells

Saturday, April 8th, 2023 -- 8:01 AM

(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) -Private well owners would have an easier time accessing state grants for nitrate-contaminated wells under a bipartisan bill that's being weighed by lawmakers.

Nitrates are the state’s most widespread contaminant and have been associated with blue baby syndrome, birth defects, thyroid disease and colon cancer. Research has shown around 10 percent of private well samples in Wisconsin exceed federal health standards for nitrates.

Around one-third of people in the state rely on private wells for drinking water. State Rep. Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay, and Sen. Rob Cowles, R-Green Bay, are sponsoring the bill.

They along with state Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, testified Tuesday in support of the legislation during a public hearing held by the Assembly's agriculture committee.

The bill is among a dozen others proposed by a water quality task force convened by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, in 2019.

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