The Wisconsin DNR today announced the launch of Be Well Informed. This is an online tool that can help private well owners interpret their drinking water lab test results.
The DNR partnered with the UW-Madison Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and UW-Madison Division of Extension to design the Wisconsin version of Be Well Informed. The tool is tailored to Wisconsin’s drinking water environment and includes current water guidelines and standards. Resources are also available to help private well owners make informed decisions about the results.
A well owner can simply enter the test results provided by a certified laboratory, and the tool generates a report that explains the results and provides educational resources for any recommended next steps.
Wisconsin has over 800,000 private wells that serve about one-quarter of the state’s population. While most private water wells in Wisconsin provide safe drinking water, some may become contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants that can affect health.
Testing your well is the best way to make sure your water is safe. The DNR recommends that private well owners test their water at least annually and whenever there is a change in the taste, odor or color of the water.
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