Safe Water on Tap

Wisconsin, like the United States in general, enjoys some of the cleanest drinking water in the world. It reflects our glacial good fortune: 1.2 quadrillion gallons of groundwater, the Great Lakes and Lake Winnebago, and protective state and federal regulations and the cooperative efforts of water systems, water trade associations, individual operators and DNR staff. Their work has improved public drinking water quality overall in recent years.

But new and continuing threats are impacting Wisconsin’s drinking water sources, and there is an estimated $6 billion needed in upgrades to pipes and other water infrastructure by 2023.

Learn more about what’s in your water, the challenges ahead, and how you can help.

Public drinking water quality has improved, but there continues to be threats to the sources of that water.

Learn What's In Your Water

Wisconsin's municipal water systems have an enviable track record of providing clean water to their 3.8 million customers, and Wisconsin's been in the forefront nationally in crafting laws to protect the groundwater that supplies water to private well owners. But sometimes, problems come up.

If you drink municipal tap water...

• Get the big picture about municipal water quality in Wisconsin. Read: Safe Water on Tap [PDF 1.46MB], the 2008 Annual Drinking Water Report
• Look for the Consumer Confidence Report your municipal water supplier is required to send you in the mail by July 1 of every year about the quality of the water you drink.
• Learn more about how your drinking water is provided and how frequently water is tested, and what for. Read EPA's publication on how: Water on Tap: What You Need to Know [PDF 3MB]

If you drink water from private wells...

• Listen to why it's important to test your well water regularly [AUDIO Length :58]
• Watch a video showing how to collect a water sample
  Assuring Safe Drinking Water [VIDEO Length 3:16]

• Read DNR's testing recommendations: Test Your Private Well Water Annually
• Identify potential causes and solutions to potential water problems What's Wrong with My Water? - Diagnostic information for when something doesn't look, smell, or taste right.

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, and the quantity of water is also becoming a challenge in some places. Read more about these challenges and proactive state efforts to address them:

DNR Testimony before Joint Legislative Committee Informational Session on Groundwater Protection, July 29, 2009

Todd Ambs addresses The Big Picture

Jill Jonas addresses water quantity and quality

2009 Groundwater Coordinating Council report to the Legislature

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”