Portage Co. Well Water Quality Project Informational Sessions Set
For the City Times
STEVENS POINT – In the summer of 2017, Portage County conducted a water sampling project of 214 drinking water wells throughout the County to evaluate water quality countywide. The countywide analysis is now complete.
Portage County partnered with the Center for Watershed Science and Education at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point for the comprehensive study. This was the first countywide water quality study in Portage County’s history.
“The purpose of this project was to generate baseline data on the current status of groundwater quality throughout Portage County,” said Patty Dreier, Portage County Executive. “The baseline data is now available to aid in identifying areas of concern for groundwater quality, to provide focus for education and outreach efforts, and to inform groundwater management decision making.”
The water quality data creates a baseline against which future countywide water quality studies can be measured to track changes over time. Portage County will be hosting four Informational Sessions to share and discuss the results found.
In addition to the Informational Sessions, the report will also be shared at the Feb. 20 meeting of the County Board of Supervisors at 5 PM in the County Board Chambers, 1516 Church St. on the second floor of the Portage Co. Courthouse.
Free nitrate water testing will be available at every Informational Session for those who bring a pint of cold water in a clean container. Test results will be shared privately following each session along with recommendations for follow-up tests, if applicable.
The Informational Sessions will be held as follows:
• Wednesday, February 28 – Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative (CWEC) from 6:30 PM –
8:00 PM in the Community Room, 10401 Lystul Road, Rosholt.
• Monday, March 5 – Lettie Jensen Community Center from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM in the
Community Room, 487 North Main Street, Amherst.
• Wednesday, March 7 – Town of Eau Pleine from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Town Hall, 3191
State Hwy 34, Junction City.
• Monday, March 12 – Town of Pine Grove from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Town Hall, 5444 County Road W, Bancroft
More about the Portage County Well Water Quality Project can be found at
http://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/planning-zoning/portage-county-well-water-quality-project or by contacting the Portage County Executive’s Office at [email protected] or by calling 715-346-1997.
A copy of the full report will be posted on the home page of Portage County’s website, www.co.portage.wi.us, on Feb. 20.