MENOMONIE, Wis (WCFW/WSCM) – The Dunn County Health Department will offer residents free well water testing this summer for the third year in a row.

Dunn County officials say they’re testing for nitrates to update their Well Water Quality Map. The testing efforts began in 2023 when officials tested 995 wells in total. In 2024, the county tested 263 wells, and this year they’re hoping to test around 300 wells.

Residents who wish to participate in the testing at no cost can sign up online or contact the county directly. Participating well owners will receive a letter following the completion of testing explaining the results and sharing available resources if mitigation is needed. Individual properties tested will not appear on the map, but it does show general trends by sections.

Officials say nitrates most often enter the water system from agricultural runoff, septic systems, and fertilizers. The goal of the testing is to find out which areas of the county are showing consistent issues with nitrates in the groundwater.

Improving water quality has become a major project across Western Wisconsin. Last month, the Rice Lake City Council heard comments from residents on special assessments for water and sanitary sewer main replacement projects. The City of Ashland is also replacing new filters at their water plant and both the City of Altoona and the City of Chippewa Falls are working to replace lead service lines. A new $20 million PFAS removal facility is currently under construction in Eau Claire to address the forever chemicals in the water supply.

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