Safe Water on Tap

Wisconsin, like the United States in general, enjoys some of the cleanest drinking water in the world.

Good to the Last Drop

Good to the last drop.

Most people don’t think twice about turning on the tap, filling up a glass and drinking the water. That’s a luxury in a world where nearly half the people don’t have clean water and sanitation services. Our easy access to clean water reflects Wisconsin’s glacial good fortune: a legacy of groundwater abundant enough to cover the state 100 feet deep and the tremendous inland seas of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and Lake Winnebago. It also reflects protective state and federal regulations, and the cooperative efforts of water systems, water trade associations, individual operators and Department of Natural Resources staff. Clean water doesn’t happen by accident.

"Groundwater: Wisconsin's Buried Treasure"

"Protecting the Resources"

Learn What's in Wisconsin's Water, Your Water

Most Wisconsin residents are served by “public” water systems, which serve at least 25 people at least 60 days a year and range from restaurants and day cares to the state’s biggest cities. Public water systems must test their water to assure contaminants stay within limits set to protect health and report results; DNR reviews results, inspects water systems, trains operators and provides low-interest construction loans and other assistance to help public water systems provide safe water.

DNR's "2007 Annual Drinking Water Report" lets you know how these systems did as a whole. The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) your public water system is required to send customers every year can help you learn what’s in your water. If you didn’t get a CCR, ask your water system for one, or create your own via DNR’s online database. If you are worried about your water quality, or you notice a change in its taste, smell or appearance, call your water system. If you are concerned about certain contaminants, certified bacteriological or chemical laboratories can help test your water.

About one-fifth of Wisconsinites rely on private wells for drinking water. While Wisconsin boasts some of the nation’s first and strongest laws to assure private wells are properly constructed and produce safe water, private wells are not nearly as highly regulated. It’s up to owners to test their water and assure it’s safe to serve family and friends. Wells should be tested at least once a year, after flooding, and if the well owner notices a change in their water’s taste, color or appearance. Certified bacteriological or chemical laboratories can help tell you what’s in your water.

"2006 Annual Drinking Water Report"

“How Safe is My Drinking Water”

Learn About Threats to Drinking Water

Naturally occurring and man-made contaminants pose a threat to the groundwater and lakes that supply drinking water to Wisconsinites. Bacteria is the most common contaminant, with pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and nitrates other common threats to drinking water.

“Condition of the Groundwater Resource”

“Threats to Groundwater”

Help Keep Water Clean and Flowing

Every day activities can affect drinking water quality and quantity. People can take steps around their own home to help safeguard local water supplies, preserving the quality and quantity of water available for years to come. Examine your water habits, and try some simple steps to help conserve water and reduce the threats to drinking water.

People can also help keep their water safe and abundant by encouraging local officials to safeguard land areas important for replenishing drinking water supplies. DNR recently finished an exhaustive effort to identify potential sources of contamination of Wisconsin’s public water supplies. Such detailed information can help provide important information for plans to protect the source of water, and in turn, the health of local citizens, the economy and the environment.

“Better Homes and Groundwater”

“How to protect the groundwater you drink and use”

Assuring Private Well Water Makes the Grade

Private well owners can help assure the safety of their water by properly locating and building their well in the first place. An improperly constructed private water well can serve as a conduit for contaminants on the land to enter into the well and groundwater. Make sure you are contracting with a reputable licensed well driller and a licensed pump installer. DNR maintains a list of licensed vendors online.

Homeowners, or the well drillers they've delegated the responsibility to, must notify DNR of the proposed construction of a well and pay a $50 fee. The notification, which can be done online or at DNR office or license agent, gives the agency advance notice of the construction so DNR staff may be onsite during the construction process. Without an expert onsite during well construction, it can be difficult to know whether a well has been properly constructed.

“You and Your Well”

“How to protect the groundwater you drink and use”

“Answers to Your Questions about Groundwater”