Drinking Water Testing for High Nitrate - Towns of Armenia & Port Edwards
Posted
3/27/2019
by
Wood County Environmental Health
Recent tests of wells in the Armenia area indicated levels of nitrate above the drinking water standard. Juneau and Wood County Health Departments are working with the DNR and area farmers to provide free nitrate water tests for residents in the Towns of Port Edwards and Armenia. The test will let participants know if the nitrate level of their drinking water is safe for consumption. Water with a high nitrate level is unsafe for infants, pregnant women and women who may become pregnant, as it may cause birth defects. For all other adults and children, some studies have shown that consuming water with high nitrates may cause cancers, thyroid disease and diabetes.
Who: Homeowners from the Towns of Armenia or Port Edwards
What: Nitrate Test bottle pickup at the Juneau and Wood county Health Departments
When: During regular business hours from March 25th through April 5th.
Collect your sample and drop off on the same day sample is collected.
Sample Drop Off Dates:
April 2nd, April 4th, April 9th or April 11th at the Wood and Juneau County Health Departments.
Samples will be analyzed by the Wood County Water Laboratory at no cost. Participants will receive nitrate results within a month. If the nitrate levels are unsafe, a confirmatory test may be taken by County staff followed by an offer of free drinking water and a water treatment system provided by the Armenia Growers Coalition.
The Counties and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are working together to find a more permanent solution to high nitrates in the groundwater in this area. Questions?? Call 715-421-8911 or 608-847-722, ext 112 for assistance.