Access to safe, clean drinking water is essential to the health and well-being of Oneida County residents. While most tap water in the county meets safety standards, there are potential threats to water quality—especially for private well users.
Common Threats to Drinking Water in Oneida County
Nitrates
Private wells may be contaminated by fertilizers, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, or failing septic systems. Nitrate exposure is especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women. Common sources include:
- Over-fertilization of crops or lawns
- Animal waste runoff
- Leaking or failing septic systems
Chloride & Sodium
Decades of road salt use have led to rising chloride and sodium levels in surface and groundwater. While current levels do not pose an immediate health risk, trends are increasing and being monitored.
Lead
Lead and other metals can leach into drinking water from old plumbing, pipes, and fixtures. This is more common in older homes or buildings with aging infrastructure.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in products since the 1950s. These substances do not break down easily and can build up in the environment and the human body, potentially posing health risks.
🔗 PFAS Resources:
- Click here for more information on PFAS
- PFAS in Drinking Water – Town of Stella Board Meeting: December 13, 2022 (PowerPoint)
- PFAS Private Well Sampling Project (pdf)
- Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water (pdf)
If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water:
- Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR):
All public water systems must provide a CCR by July 1 each year. If you haven’t received one, contact your water utility or visit the WI DNR website to generate your own. - Test Your Water:
Learn how to get your water tested, especially if you use a private well. Get information on how to get your water tested. - Well Owner Financial AssiStance Programs:
- Well Owner Resources:
- Private Well Self-Assessment Checklist (PDF)
- You & Your Well updated 11/8/2023
- Iron Bacteria Problems in Wells updated 11/8/23
- Treatment Devices for Private Wells updated 11/8/23
- Environmental Protection Agency information on groundwater and drinking water
- WI Department of Natural Resources information on groundwater and drinking water
Private Well Toolkit
This private well toolkit consists of:
- A quick-guide on the basics of private well water, P-02130
- A fact sheet on Arsenic in Private Well Water, P-45012
- A fact sheet on Bacteria in Private Well Water, P-02132
- A fact sheet on Nitrate in Private Well Water, P-02128
- Drinking Water Tests for Private Wells