Nitrate testing reaches more from grant funds

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health has received a $10,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, to improve environmental public health, by increasing private well water testing for nitrate.

Nitrate is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in groundwater. Too much nitrate in water (over 10 mg/L) can be dangerous.

For pregnant women, it may cause early birth. In babies, it can make it hard for blood to carry oxygen around the body, leading to a serious condition called Blue Baby Syndrome. This happens because the baby’s blood can’t deliver enough oxygen to their body parts.

In recent studies, chronic exposure to elevated levels has also been linked to certain diseases and cancers in adults.

About 2,500 homes (just under 10 percent of households) in Chippewa County, have nitrate levels higher than 10 mg/L in their well water. Public water sources are regularly tested for nitrate and other contaminants, but private well owners are responsible for ensuring their well is safe.

This program will provide free nitrate screening for private well owners in Chippewa County. Several screening events have taken place across the county already and there are more to come in 2025.

Check the nitrate screening page for event updates, at https://bit.ly/nitratescreening.

Of the wells that have been tested through this program so far, more than 45 wells were recommended for further screening, because of their high nitrate levels. Vouchers for this advanced testing are available on a limited basis through the program.