Drinking Water and Groundwater

Safe, clean drinking water is what we expect when we turn on our faucets. The Wisconsin Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater manages activities that affect the safety, quality and availability of drinking water by preventing contamination of drinking water and groundwater to protect public health.

Viruses found in untreated Wisconsin drinking water

A recent Wisconsin study shows that viruses can be found in drinking water in communities that use groundwater and do not disinfect it before supplying it to consumers.

Virus contamination from operation and maintenance events in small drinking water distribution systems, Journal of Water and Health, December 2011

The vast majority of Wisconsin's municipal water systems currently disinfect the water they deliver to consumers, killing viruses and bacteria that can unexpectedly occur in groundwater.

Learn if your municipal water system disinfects its water

DNR recommends that all municipal water systems supplied by groundwater wells continuously disinfect the water they supply to consumers. Not all do. Here's how you can learn if your municipal water supplier disinfects.

1. Check this list, based on DNR records as of Dec. 19, 2011, to see if the system disinfects its water.
2. Contact your water system directly.
3. From the DNR Drinking Water System page,type in your water system's name, click on "find," then on the link generated for your system and scroll down to "treatment processes." If there is no notation of disinfection under the "objective" heading, the system does not disinfect.

People with health questions related to viruses in drinking water should consult with their personal physician or the State Department of Health at 608-266-1120.

City of Waukesha Diversion Application

The DNR has determined that the City of Waukesha's application for a diversion of Great Lakes water is complete. The completeness determination begins the review of the application by the DNR. The DNR will schedule informational meetings/public hearing for late July to introduce the proposal, the decision process, decision criteria, environmental impact statement process and take public comments.

Waukesha Diversion Application

Registration Required by June 30 for Large Water Withdrawals

Industries, large irrigators, cranberry growers and other facilities that can withdraw 100,000 gallons per day or 70 gallons per minute or more from a water supply system (e.g. well or surface water intake pipe) on their property are required to register with the state by June 30, 2011.

Chromium-6 in Wisconsin Drinking Water

Learn more about chromium-6, a chemical element that has been found in some Wisconsin drinking water and is the topic of federal review and discussion over whether a maximum level needs to be set to protect public health.

• Chromium 6 in Wisconsin Drinking Water
• EPA Basic Information about Chromium in Drinking Water [exit DNR]

Fluoride in Wisconsin Drinking Water

Learn more about fluoride in Wisconsin drinking water. The state does not require public water supplies to add fluoride to its drinking water to protect dental health, but the state Department of Health recommends communities do so and sets the recommended levels. The DNR is responsible for approving the installation of equipment public water suppliers use to add fluoride, and assuring the systems' monitor their fluoride levels and review those results, among other technical issues.

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Fluoride [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin Oral Health Program [exit DNR]

Assure the Safety of Your Drinking Water After a Flood

Private well owners should suspect their drinking water is contaminated by floodwaters if the well casing becomes inundated; if there's a change in taste, color or sediment in your water; or if your well does not have a deep casing and you are near areas that have been flooded. Wells located in pits and basements are especially susceptible to contamination. If you suspect your well has been contaminated by flooding, read more...

Properly Fill and Seal Unused Wells

The water that private well owners drink will be safer and groundwater will be better protected under new provisions effective this month for privately owned wells. Starting June 1, only licensed well drillers or pump installers or their employees may fill and seal unused wells. A second provision effective June 1 requires that if a drinking water well inspection is performed for a real estate transfer, it must be done by a licensed well driller or pump installer. These new requirements will help protect the health of private well owners' families and their neighbors and keep Wisconsin's groundwater clean. Learn more about unused wells and real estate transfers.

Web-based Data Entry Form

The electronic reporting of public drinking water results for entering Safe Drinking Water Act samples is now available! Read more about Electronic Reporting.

Safe Drinking Water Hotline

hotline-sdwa@epamail.epa.gov
1-800-426-4791