Portage County

         Wisconsin

 

 

Learning about Groundwater in Portage County:
A Reference & Publications Guide

Produced by the Public Information & Education Subcommittee
of the
Portage County Groundwater Citizens Advisory Committee

Groundwater Logo

June 2000

You may read  the Groundwater Reference and Publications Guide:  on-line or download this multi-page document in a pdf file

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Contents

Nitrate Pesticides Miscellaneous
bulletGeneral Overview Information
bulletGeneral Overview Information
bulletBest Management Practices-Agriculture
bulletBest Management Practices-Agriculture
bulletBest Management Practices-Agriculture
bulletBest Management Practices-Homeowners
bulletBest Management Practices-Homeowners
bulletBest Management Practices-Homeowners
bulletEducation
bulletHealth Effects
bulletHealth Effects
bulletForms
bulletOther Resources
bulletOther Resources
bulletGroundwater Basics
bulletTechnical Publications
bulletTechnical Publications
bulletLocal Government & Community Groundwater Planning
bulletWells/Water Quality Information
bulletWells/Water Quality Information
bulletOthers Sources of Help
bulletRegulations
Other Water Quality Issues Quantity
bulletSoils
bulletWells/Water Quality Issues

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Agency Abbreviations 
Sources for Groundwater Publications

* Portage County Specific Reference & Publication

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Nitrate

General Overview Information on Nitrate

Groundwater-Protecting Wisconsin’s Buried Treasure is a magazine supplement, which highlights agency and individual actions to protect groundwater. This revised edition introduces new protection programs and reminds Wisconsin citizens that we are responsible for guarding our valuable groundwater resource. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-055-99, 1999, 32pp.

Nitrate in Drinking Water is a brochure that defines nitrate, its levels in drinking water, health effects, testing, and recommendations. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-001, 97 Rev, 2pp.

Nitrate in Groundwater-A Continuing Issue for Wisconsin Citizens is a report from The Nutrient Management Subcommittee of the Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement Program Redesign. This paper provides additional information on the extent of nitrate pollution, the costs resulting from nitrate pollution and nitrate pollution sources and trends. Principal authors: Laura Chern, George Kraft, and Jeff Postle. DNR, March 1999, 13pp.

Nitrate in Wisconsin Groundwater Sources and Concerns is a pamphlet that explains nitrate, its role in agriculture, the numerous sources that can contaminate groundwater, its impacts on human and animal health, and what can be done to keep nitrates from building up to potentially harmful levels in groundwater. UWEX: A3054, 8pp.

*Portage County Groundwater Conditions is a document that summarizes groundwater information and identifies the groundwater challenges of nitrate, pesticides, and quantity that need to be addressed in a new planning effort for Portage County.   CWGC:  Draft 2.1, January 2000, 32pp.

*Portage County Water Resources is a brochure intended to help direct your water questions to the best agency. The topic categories range from laws and ordinances to agricultural practices and municipal water questions. UWEX and P&Z, December 96, 1pp.

*The Changing State of Portage County’s Groundwater is an article from a newsletter dealing with groundwater quality issues. P&Z, 2000, 4 pp.

The Well Street Journal: Special Issue: Groundwater Basics is a newsletter that covers some of the basic information on the Fact Sheet called, Groundwater Basics, and adds seven tips for groundwater protection, a list of groundwater terms, and whom to contact for more information. RC&D, June 1996, 5pp.

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Best Management Practices-Agriculture for Nitrate

Crop Residue Systems for Conservation and Profit is a booklet addressing crop residue management, types, levels, and a variety of systems.  USDA, NRCS, December 1992, 15pp.

Farming Sandy Soils: Strategies for Managing Nutrients and Pesticides in the Upper Midwest is a publication summarizing the proceedings of a 1994 conference in St. Cloud, Minn. The conference brought together government agency representatives, farmers, and agri-business reps, and it covered management practices, research, and implementation. Co-sponsoring the conference were a host of Minnesota groups, including the Univ. of Minn. and Minn. Extension Service. University of Minnesota Dept. of Soil Science, call 612-625-4749 or e-mail bgiebink@soils.umn.edu  , 67pp.

Farm-A-Syst: Farmstead Assessment System is a folder of documents designed to help farmers practice safe management of chemicals and to protect groundwater. UWEX: G3536, July 1991.

Farmland Conservation Choices: A Guide to Environmentally Sound Practices for Wisconsin Farmers is a booklet  to help you think about the resources on your farm, and to select practices that will help balance environmental needs with your farm's economic needs. DNR: WT-520-98 or UWEX: GWQ025, 1998, 31pp.

Guidelines for Applying Manure to Cropland and Pastures in Wisconsin is a booklet describing safe manure application practices for Wisconsin farmers.  UWEX: A3392, 1995, 20pp.

*Land Use and Groundwater Quality in the Central Wisconsin Sand and Gravel Aquifer is a brochure that discusses how common land use activities might pollute groundwater. UWEX: G3335, 1985, 5pp.

Manure Management Choices for Wisconsin Dairy & Beef Cattle Operations is a booklet discussing the water resource issues associated with each management and housing system for dairy and beef cattle. DNR: WT-518-98 or UWEX: GWQ024, 1998, 16pp.

Manure Storage for Wisconsin's Dairy Farmers is a fact sheet to help you decide if manure storage is right for your farm and if it is, what type of storage facility will best fit your management needs. UWEX: GWQ021, 1997, 4pp.

Nitrate, Groundwater & Livestock Health is a pamphlet that examines the connections between nitrate in groundwater and livestock and poultry health and suggests how to avoid nitrate problems and what to do if you think you have a problem. UWEX: G3217, 1983, 4 pp.

Nutrient and Pesticide Best Management Practices for Wisconsin Farms, a magazine-style bulletin from UW-Extension and DATCP, covers recommended practices for nitrogen, phosphorous, and pesticide use; and strategies for implementation of the practices. UWEX: A3467, 1989, 25pp.

Sampling Soils for Testing is a pamphlet that describes how to take soil samples in fields. UWEX: A2100, 1997, 3pp.

Soil Nitrate Tests for Wisconsin Cropping Systems is a booklet to be used as a guide for using the Pre-plant and Pre-side dress Soil Nitrate Tests. UWEX: A3624, 1994, 24pp.

The Bottom Line: An Economic Summary of Nutrient and Pest Management Practices is aimed at farmers. UWEX: A3302, 1992, 2pp..

*The Well Street Journal: Nitrogen Management, Integrated Crop Management, ICM & Beyond are newsletters that focus on nitrogen management practices, including both nitrogen crediting practices and practices that improve the efficiency of nitrogen used. RC&D, 1992, 1994, 1997, 4pp.

USDA. Rural Conservation Practices for Cleaner Water is a booklet addressing soil conservation practices, livestock waste management, streamside management, and other conservation practices. DNR and UWEX.

Water Quality Field Guide is a booklet that provides information to field personnel on the control of nonpoint sources of pollution from agricultural lands. NRCS, Feb. 1991, 62pp.

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Best Management Practices-Homeowners for Nitrate

Better Homes and Groundwater is a booklet that guides homeowners to groundwater protection through sound maintenance of their lawns and gardens, household wastes. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WR-386-95 and RC&D, 1995, 15pp.

Garden Fertilization is a pamphlet that describes how to use the results of the soil test report to determine the type, amount, and application rate of fertilizers on vegetables and flowers. UWEX: A2304, 1988, 2pp.

Home Composting is a brochure notes the benefits of composting—including saving water and reducing fertilizer use—and introduces composting techniques. DNR: WDNR PUPL- SW-072, Revised 1992.

Mulches for Your Garden is a brochure that notes the benefits of mulching—including water retention and nutrient addition—and illustrates how to make compost mulch. NRCS: Home and Garden Bulletin No. 185.

Pet Waste and Water Quality is a publication regarding the risks of and protection against pet wastes. UWEX: GWQ006, 1994, 2pp.

Sampling Lawn and Garden Soils for Soil Testing is a brochure that explains how to test soils for fertility and determines whether nutrients are needed, thus avoiding unnecessary or excessive applications of fertilizers. UWEX: A2166, 1997, 2 pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn & Garden Fertilizers is a pamphlet that describes fertilizer practices that will help maintain healthy lawns and gardens, while protecting water quality in your community. DNR: WT-528-99 or UWEX: GWQ002, 1999, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn Weed Control is a pamphlet that discusses lawn establishment, mowing, fertilizing, and weed control. DNR: WT-527-99 or UWEX: GWQ013, 1999, 8pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Practical Tips for Home and Yard is a pamphlet that lists ways you can make a contribution to clean water and a healthy environment at your home and in your community. UWEX: GWQ007, 1999, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment Rethinking Yard Care is a pamphlet that discusses water quality problems originating at home, the environmental consequences of lawn and garden chemicals, ways to reintroduce natural processes, and practical tips for protecting water quality around the home. DNR: WT-526-99 or UWEX: GWQ 009, 1999, 8pp.

Your Personal Water Supply is a magazine pamphlet with facts on water cycles, pesticides, testing, and protecting groundwater. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-021, 1992, 16pp.

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Health Effects of Nitrate

Common Drinking Water Contaminants is a fact sheet regarding water contaminants and the risks, causes, and treatment options for each. P&Z, 2pp.

Drinking Water Contamination: Understanding the Risks  is a pamphlet that examines the risks posed by small concentrations of toxic chemicals sometimes found in drinking water. Pollutants include nitrate, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and gasoline. UWEX: G3339, 1992, 4pp.

How Drinking Water Standards are Established is a pamphlet that summarizes the range of health concerns caused by contaminated drinking water, how scientists estimate human health effects, and how average daily intake and risk estimate methods are used to set standards. UWEX: G3338, 1991, 4pp.

Improving Your Drinking Water Quality is a pamphlet that explains how the methods work, and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Three other documents are available in the series. UWEX: G3378, 1994, 8pp.

Nitrate in Drinking Water is a brochure that defines nitrate, its levels in drinking water, health effects, testing, and recommendations. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-001, 97 Rev, 2pp.

Nitrate Nitrogen is a reference explaining nitrate levels and appropriate actions. You can track your nitrate test results and the sheet provides a list of contacts for advice. CWGC, 1997, 1pp.

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Other Resources for Nitrate

Improving the Quality of Water is a progress report that outlines educational programs available to teachers, farmers, and homeowners and describes a five-year program to help Wisconsin farmers reduce fertilizer and pesticide use. UWEX, 1995, 2 pp.

Nutrients In The Nation's Waters Too Much of a Good Thing? is a report defining nutrients, especially nitrate, in the nation's ground and surface water, the concerns, sources, and major influences of nutrients. Author: David K. Mueller and Dennis R. Helsel. USGS: Circular 1136, 1996, 24 pp.

*Portage County Value of Groundwater Survey is a survey conducted in 1996 to document public concerns and perceptions about groundwater.  Wellhead Protection Project, Portage County Planning and Zoning, UW-Extension and the Portage County Groundwater Citizens Advisory Committee, Feb. 1997, 15pp.

USGS Map of Nitrate Contamination Risk in US is a map and fact sheet of the United States acres most vulnerable to nitrate contamination of groundwater. USGS: NAWQA Fact Sheet 092-96, 1997, 1pp.

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Technical Publications on Nitrate

*Case Study of Nitrate Control: The Stevens Point-Whiting- Plover Wellhead Protection Project is a report explaining the Wellhead Protection Project purpose and goal. A study of the Plover Land Use is included. This is used in the exercise to explain nitrate loading with and without Best Management Practices. Author: William Ebert. RC&D, (no date), 5pp.

*Contaminant Source Assessment and Management Using Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Models in the Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Area is a study using a predictive groundwater flow model to determine future groundwater quality and quantity in the Central Sands area of Wisconsin. Authors: George Kraft and David Mechenich. CWGC, and UWEX, January 1997, 100+pp.

*Groundwater Challenges and Management Tools for the Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Recharge Area is a document with charts and is a summary of contaminant source assessment and management using groundwater flow and contaminant models in the Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Area. Authors: Dave Mechenich and George Kraft. CWGC, (no date), 15pp.

*Impacts of Irrigated Vegetable Agriculture on a Humid North-Central U.S. Sand Plain Aquifer is the summary of a study conducted to determine the impacts of irrigated vegetable agriculture on groundwater quality in a portion of the Wisconsin central sand plain. Authors: George Kraft, David Mechenich,, and W. Stites. Article appeared in Groundwater, Vol. 37, No. 4, July-August 1999, 9pp.

*Nitrate and Pesticides in Domestic Water Supply Wells, for a Part of the Town of Stockton, Portage County is a report describing a study conducted by the Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center on a 6 square mile area in Central Wisconsin to assess nitrates and pesticides in rural wells. A 5 page summary of the report is also available. Authors: George Kraft and David Mechenich. CWGC, November 1998, 140pp.

Nitrogen Contamination Sources: A Look at Relative Contributions is a report that discusses the major nitrogen inputs to land and groundwater in Wisconsin. Author: Byron Shaw. Paper from Nitrate in Wisconsin's groundwater: Strategies and Challenges Conference Proceedings, 1994. CWGC, May 1994, 6pp.

*Subdivision Impacts on Groundwater Quality is a report of the effects of lawn and household chemicals and septic systems on groundwater quality in two subdivisions in the Stevens Point-Central Sands area of Wisconsin. This report summarizes the results of a 1987 study conducted by Dr. Byron Shaw and graduate students at UW-Stevens Point. CWGC, 1987, 10pp.

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Well /Water Quality Info on Nitrate

Do Deeper Wells Mean Better Water? is a pamphlet explaining groundwater movement and the important differences in water quality that can occur between shallow and deep wells. UWEX: G3652, 1996, 8pp.

*Drinking Water Quality in Portage County is a brochure discussing the results of 234 private wells in Portage County tested in 1997 for nitrate, coliform bacteria, corrosivity, hardness, chloride, pH, alkalinity and conductivity. CWGC, May 1998, 1pp.

Home Water Safety: Choosing a Water Treatment Device is a pamphlet that describes the various water treatment devices, sales techniques, and government regulations. UWEX: G3558-5, 1999, 16pp.

Home Water Safety: Evaluating the Condition of Your Private Water Supply is a pamphlet that guides you through the steps needed to evaluate the quality of your well and the water it supplies. UWEX: G3558-2, 1999, 8pp.

Home Water Safety: Evaluating the Condition of Your Public Community Water Supply is a pamphlet that tells you how to make sure that water from a public supply source is safe when it comes into your home. UWEX: G3558-3, 1999, 8pp.

Home Water Safety: Interpreting Drinking Water Test Results is a pamphlet that describes the basic set of water tests, explains what the test results mean, and suggests when further tests should be considered. UWEX: G3558-4, 1999, 12pp.

Important Private Water Supply Information is a fact sheet for correct installation of private wells. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-030, Rev. 1995, 1pp.

Interpreting Your Drinking Water Quality Test Results: Identifying Problems and Solutions is a fact sheet to help readers interpret the results of commonly recommended analysis for drinking water from private wells in Wisconsin. CWGC, 1998, 6pp.

Non-Community Water System Owner Responsibilities is a booklet regarding standards for caring for private well systems. EPA, 1989, 5pp.

Tests for Drinking Water from Private Wells is a booklet explaining why private well owners should test their wells, what tests are recommended, and how often test should be taken. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-023-99.

The Well Street Journal: Drinking Water and Drinking Water Tests are two newsletters discussing water source, water treatment, water contaminants and interpreting water test results. Golden Sands RC&D, 1995 & 1996, 4pp.

*Village of Whiting Nitrate Removal Systems Open House is a brochure explaining the nitrate removal system. Village of Whiting, May 16, 1992.

Water Quality Monitoring of Your Public Water System is a handout explaining the types of public water systems, types of water contaminants, and water supply monitoring or testing. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-028,  Rev. 1999, 6pp.

You and Your Well is a brochure explaining regulations affecting private wells, and some general dos and don’ts regarding construction, installation, and maintenance. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-009, Rev.1999, 4pp.

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Pesticides

General Overview Information for Pesticides

Atrazine and Drinking Water Wells: Questions and Answers is a fact sheet describing atrazine, health risks, levels found in Wisconsin well water, sources, prevention, and testing. Author: Ron Struss. UWEX: POH 4588, March 1998, 2pp.

Groundwater-Protecting Wisconsin’s Buried Treasure is a magazine supplement highlights agency and individual actions to protect groundwater. This revised edition introduces new protection programs and reminds Wisconsin citizens that we are responsible for guarding our valuable groundwater resource. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-055-99, 1999, 32pp.

Pesticides in Drinking Water is a brochure explaining how pesticides get into water supplies, health risks, and how pesticide levels can be reduced. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-007,  Rev. 1995.

Pesticides in Groundwater: How They Get There, What Happens to Them, How to Keep Them Out is a pamphlet that describes pesticides in relation to the amount and timing of watering, the effects once in the groundwater, and avoiding future problems. UWEX: G3213, 1989, 4pp.

*Portage County Groundwater Conditions is a document that summarizes groundwater information and identifies the groundwater challenges of nitrate, pesticides, and quantity that need to be addressed in a new planning effort for Portage County.   CWGC, January 2000, 32pp.

*The Changing State of Portage County’s Groundwater is an article from a newsletter dealing with groundwater quality issues. 2000, 4pp.

*The Well Street Journal: Special Issue: Groundwater Basics is a newsletter that covers some of the basic information on the Fact Sheet (above) and adds seven tips for groundwater protection, a list of groundwater terms, and whom to contact for more information. RC&D and UWEX, June 1996, 5pp.

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Best Management Practices-Agricultural for Pesticides

Farm-A-Syst: Farmstead Assessment System is a folder of documents designed to help farmers practice safe management of chemicals and to protect groundwater. UWEX: G3536, July 1991..

Farmland Conservation Choices: A Guide to Environmentally Sound Practices for Wisconsin Farmers is a booklet to help you think about the resources on your farm, and to select practices that will help balance environmental needs with your farm's economic needs. DNR: WDNR PUB-WT-520-98 or UWEX: GWQ025, 1998, 31pp.

Keeping Current: The DATCP Survey of Agrichemicals in Wisconsin Groundwater is an article about pesticide levels in Wisconsin groundwater. CWGC, 1995, 2pp.

*Land Use and Groundwater Quality in the Central Wisconsin Sand and Gravel Aquifer is a brochure that discusses how common land use activities might pollute groundwater. UWEX: G3335, 1985, 5pp.

Nutrient and Pesticide Best Management Practices for Wisconsin Farms, a magazine-style bulletin from UW-Extension and DATCP, covers recommended practices for nitrogen, phosphorous, and pesticide use; and strategies for implementation of the practices. UWEX: A3467, December 1989, 25pp.

Pesticides and Water Quality: Basic Facts for Better Management is a pamphlet that discusses how soil and site characteristics, chemical properties and management practices can interact in various ways and influence whether pesticides will move to surface water or groundwater. UWEX: GWQ005, 1992, 4pp.

Pesticide Drift and Overspray: Wisconsin State Rules is a sheet that discusses the rules and laws regulating pesticide application. UWEX: A3302, 1985, 2pp.

The Bottom Line: An Economic Summary of Nutrient and Pest Management Practices is aimed at farmers. UWEX: A3302, 2pp.

*The Well Street Journal was a newsletter published by the Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Project. Several issues of the newsletter focus on issues that can affect groundwater quality such as Pesticides and Groundwater Quality, Herbicides, Spills on Your Farm, and On-Farm Gas and Diesel Storage. RC&D and UWEX, 1992-3, 1996, 4pp.

Wanted at All Costs: More Atrazine! Is a packet regarding legislative action pending on allowing some use of atrazine. WGA, 1999, 3pp.

What Works in Wisconsin: Integrated Crop and Pest Management Strategies is a booklet on reducing the use of harmful agricultural pesticides, and finding alternative methods. DATCP: ARMPUB 36, 1995, 29pp.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Website: Global Toxics: Program Areas: Agricultural Pesticides. In 1996, the WWF began as a collaboration with the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Assoc. (WPVGA) to work towards more sound ecological practices. The result was a 25% reduction in pesticide use, as measured by the WWF, a measurement, however, that did not consider pesticide leachability or persistence. CWGC or WWF website address: http://www.worldlife.org/action/frame/action.html.

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Best Management Practices-Homeowners for Pesticides

Backyard Conservation is a colorful booklet outlining basic land-friendly techniques for homeowners, including tree planting, composting, mulching, developing wildlife habitat, conserving water, and more. Available by calling 1-888-526-3227, 10pp.

Better Homes and Groundwater is a booklet that guides homeowners to groundwater protection through sound maintenance of their lawns, gardens, and household wastes. RC&D and DNR: WDNR PUBL-WR-386-95, 1995, 15pp.

Better Homes and Groundwater. Fact Sheet: Lawn Care—Fertilizers, Mowing and Weeds is a sheet that summarizes important guidelines for maintaining an attractive lawn without harming groundwater. RC&D, 1pp.

Hazardous Waste in Your Home is a sheet of guidelines for storing and disposing of hazardous household wastes. DNR and UWEX, Rev. 1986, 2pp.

Paint and Other Home Improvement Products is a fact sheet regarding types of paints and ways to dispose of them. UWEX: G3454, 1989, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn & Garden Fertilizers is a pamphlet that describes fertilizer practices that will help maintain healthy lawns and gardens, while protecting water quality in your community. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-528-99 or UWEX: GWQ002, 1999, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn & Garden Pesticides is a pamphlet that defines pesticides as including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides and describes pest control options and guidelines for pesticide use. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-529-99 or UWEX: GWQ011, 1999, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn Weed Control is a pamphlet that discusses lawn establishment, mowing, fertilizing, and weed control. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-527-99 or UWEX: GWQ013, 1999, 8pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Practical Tips for Home and Yard is a pamphlet that lists ways you can make a contribution to clean water and a healthy environment at your home and in your community. UWEX: GWQ007, 1999, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment Rethinking Yard Care is a pamphlet that discusses water quality problems originating at home, the environmental consequences of lawn and garden chemicals, ways to reintroduce natural processes, and practical tips for protecting water quality around the home. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-526-99 or UWEX: GWQ 009, 1999, 8pp.

Your Personal Water Supply is a magazine pamphlet with facts on water cycles, pesticides, testing, and protecting groundwater. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-021, 1992, 16pp..

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Health Effects of Pesticides

Atrazine is a fact sheet intended for people who may be exposed to chemicals in the environment. It describes atrazine, how people are exposed, standards, health effects, and medical tests. DOH: POH 4588, Revised 1994, 2pp.

Common Drinking Water Contaminants is a fact sheet regarding water contaminants and the risks, causes, and treatment options for each. P&Z, 2pp.

Drinking Water Contamination: Understanding the Risks is a pamphlet that examines the risks posed by small concentrations of toxic chemicals sometimes found in drinking water. Pollutants include nitrate, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and gasoline. UWEX: G3339, 1992, 4pp.

Herbicides in Drinking Water Sources: Public Health Perspectives is a booklet from CIBA-GEIGY agricultural group, the maker of atrazine. The document provides technical information on herbicide occurrence in surface waters and the relationship to Safe Drinking Water requirements.  Environmental and Public Affairs Dept., Greensboro, NC: Technical Report 4-9, 3pp.

Home Water Safety: Choosing a Water Treatment Device is a pamphlet that describes the various water treatment devices, sales techniques, and government regulations. UWEX: G3558-5, 1993, 16pp.

Home Water Safety: Evaluating the Condition of Your Private Water Supply is a pamphlet that guides you through the steps needed to evaluate the quality of your well and the water it supplies. UWEX: G3558-2, 1996, 8pp.

Home Water Safety: Evaluating the Condition of Your Public Community Water Supply is a pamphlet that tells you how to make sure that water from a public supply source is safe when it comes into your home. UWEX: G3558-3, 1993, 8pp.

Home Water Safety: Interpreting Drinking Water Test Results is a pamphlet that describes the basic set of water tests, explains what the test results mean, and suggests when further tests should be considered. UWEX: G3558-4, 1992, 12pp.

How Drinking Water Standards are Established is a pamphlet that summarizes the range of health concerns caused by contaminated drinking water, how scientists estimate human health effects, and how average daily intake and risk estimate methods are used to set standards. UWEX: G3338, 4pp.

Improving Your Drinking Water Quality explains how the methods work, and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method. UWEX: G3378, 1994, 8pp.

National Pesticide Telecommunications Network offers information on the health effects of pesticides and pesticide poisonings toll-free, 24 hours a day at 1-800-858-7378.

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations - Atrazine is a fact sheet about atrazine, a chemical that may be found in some public or private drinking water supplies. EPA: 811-F-95-003 d-c, October 1995.

Triazine Screening Test Recommendations is a fact sheet for people who have tested their household water for atrazine. CWGC, March 1998, 1pp.

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Other Resources for Pesticides

A Review of the Science, Methods of Risk Communication and Policy Recommendations in Tap Water Blues is a criticism of Tap Water Blues (the Environmental Working Group’s report summarized below). This criticism is by David B. Baker et al. of the Water Quality Lab at Heidelberg College, Ohio.

Agricultural Pesticides and Aggression in Mice is an audiotape of a Wisconsin Public Radio interview with Warren Porter, UW-Madison researcher and co-author of a study on the effects of agri-chemical mixtures in drinking water. Tape and transcript are available by calling The Radio Store at 1-800-747-7444 or by writing WPR at 821 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706. Ask for Tape #524L.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): Proposed Rules on the Use of Pesticides Containing Atrazine is a publication that discusses a legislative rule proposed in 1991 for restricting atrazine use. The EIS also contains background information on atrazine, including chemistry, toxicology, and the findings in groundwater; a discussion of the environment and persons affected by the proposed rule; significant economic and social effects of the proposal; and possible alternative actions. Ag Resource Mgt. Div., 608-266-7130. DATCP: ARM-PUB 10, January 1991, 51pp.

Groundwater Sampling Program Summaries are a five documents analyzing groundwater surveys. DATCP: ARMPub 21A-E, 1996.

Improving the Quality of Water is a progress report from UW-Extension. It outlines educational programs available to teachers, farmers, and homeowners and describes a five-year program to help Wisconsin farmers reduce fertilizer and pesticide use. UWEX, 1995, 2 pp.

Pesticide Use and Control Chapter Ag 29 the 1990 Wisconsin law, DATCP: AG 29.01-29.18.

*Portage County Value of Groundwater Survey is a survey conducted in 1996 to document public concerns and perceptions about groundwater.  Wellhead Protection Project, Portage County Planning and Zoning, UW-Extension and the Portage County Groundwater Citizens Advisory Committee, Feb. 1997, 15pp.

Restricted-Use Pesticides is a flyer listing the restricted-use pesticides that are used in Wisconsin's agriculture. UWEX, 1996, 2pp.

Seasonal Variations of Pesticides in Surface Waters is a 1994 report by the American Water Works Association. According to the Environmental Working Group (see Tap Water Blues summarized below), this report revealed an even greater contamination of drinking water than Environmental Working Group estimated. See the EWG Home Page on the Web at http://www.ewg.org

Setting the Record Straight is a report responding to several documents regarding water contamination. EWG, 5 pp.

Tap Water Blues, a 1994 report of the Environmental Working Group and Physicians for Social Responsibility, is an analysis of pesticide contamination of drinking water supplies in the Midwest, which identified over ten million individuals exposed to five herbicides at levels that exceed EPA’s negligible cancer risk standard. The report gave three recommendations, which resulted in EPA action. See the Environmental Working Group Home Page on the Web at http://www.ewg.org

The Rhythm of the Earth, a publication that profiles five farming families across the nation who received the NPC’s environmental stewardship award. National Potato Council, call 303-773-9296 or write 5690 DTC Blvd., Suite 230E, Englewood, CO 80111-3200, 4pp.

Wisconsin Groundwater Advocates [WGA]: Citizens Who Speak for the Sustainable Use of Our Groundwater Resources is the title of an information sheet, and what can be done when community or private wells are contaminated. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-009, 93 Rev.

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Technical Publications on Pesticides

*Contaminant Source Assessment and Management Using Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Models in the Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Area is a study using a predictive groundwater flow model to determine future groundwater quality and quantity in the Central Sands area of Wisconsin. Authors: David Mechenich and George Kraft. CWGC, January 1997, 100+pp.

*Nitrate and Pesticides in Domestic Water Supply Wells, for a Part of the Town of Stockton, Portage County is a report describing a study conducted by the Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center on a 6 square mile area in Central Wisconsin to assess nitrate and pesticides in rural wells. A 5 page summary of the report is also available. Authors: George Kraft and David Mechenich. CWGC, November 1998, 140pp.

Clean Water—Clean Environment—21st Century: Team Agriculture—Working to Protect Water Resources: Volume I: Pesticides is a lengthy report of the proceedings of a 1995 conference in Kansas City sponsored by the USDA. The report contains technical data and results from 47 research projects in the areas of herbicides, chemical leaching, insecticide control, alachor and atrazine, nitrate, runoff, tillage and formulation, alternative cropping, spraying, and much more. Published by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. ASAE PUBL 2-95. 185pp.

Endocrine, Immune, and Behavioral Effects of Aldicarb (carbamate), Atrazine (triazine) and Nitrate (fertilizer) Mixtures at Groundwater Concentrations is a paper written by Warren Porter and two fellow scientists at UW-Madison describing their five-year study of the combined effects of the three chemicals—the first study to look at the effects of combinations of agricultural chemicals. The study found that the three groundwater contaminants “are capable of altering immune, endocrine, and nervous systems…in mice.” The researchers speculate that the chemicals may contribute to similar increases in health problems in humans: aggression, learning disabilities, adult and juvenile onset diabetes, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, cancer, and brain development abnormalities. Contact Warren Porter, Ph.D., by e-mailing him at wporter@macc.wisc.edu .

Farming Sandy Soils: Strategies for Managing Nutrients and Pesticides in the Upper Midwest is a publication summarizing the proceedings of a 1994 conference in St. Cloud, Minn. The conference brought together government agency representatives, farmers, and agri-business reps, and it covered management practices, research, and implementation. Co-sponsoring the conference were a host of Minnesota groups, including the Univ. of Minn. and Minn. Extension Service. University of Minnesota Dept. of Soil Science 612-625-4749 or e-mailing bgiebink@soils.umn.edu, 67pp.

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Wells/Water Quality Information for Pesticides

Important Private Water Supply Information is a fact sheet for correct installation of private wells. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-030, Rev. 1995, 1pp.

Non-Community Water System Owner Responsibilities is a booklet regarding standards for caring for private well systems. EPA, 1989, 5 pp.

Pesticides in Drinking-Water Wells is a booklet with basic information on pesticides, health concerns, and well testing. Contact the EPA Regional Office—Region 5, 230 Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60607 or call 312-353-2072 for booklet. EPA: 20T-1004, 90 Rev., 12pp. 

Tests for Drinking Water from Private Wells is a booklet explaining why private well owners should test their wells, what tests are recommended, and how often test should be taken. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-023-99.

The Well Street Journal: Drinking Water and Drinking Water Tests are two newsletters discussing water source, water treatment, water contaminants and interpreting water test results. RC&D, 1995 & 1996, 4pp.

Water Quality Monitoring of Your Public Water System is a handout explaining the types of public water systems, types of water contaminants, and water supply monitoring or testing. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-028, 99 Rev., 6pp.

You and Your Well is a brochure explaining regulations affecting private wells, and some general “dos and don’ts” regarding construction, installation, and maintenance. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-009, 99 Rev., 4pp.

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Quantity

*Contaminant Source Assessment and Management Using Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Models in the Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Area is a study using a predictive groundwater flow model to determine future groundwater quality and quantity in the Central Sands Area of Wisconsin. Authors: George Kraft and David Mechenich. CWGC and UWEX, January 1997, 100+pp.

*Portage County Groundwater Conditions is a document that summarizes groundwater information and identifies the groundwater challenges of nitrate, pesticides, and quantity that need to be addressed in a new planning effort for Portage County.   CWGC, January 2000, 32pp.

*The Changing State of Portage County’s Groundwater is an article from a newsletter dealing with groundwater quality issues. P&Z, 2000, 4pp.

*The Well Street Journal: Special Focus: Irrigation Management is a newsletter describes how much water to apply to certain crops. RC&D, June 1992, 6pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn Watering is a pamphlet that discusses the art of watering lawn and reducing the need for watering. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-530-99 or UWEX: GWQ012, 1999, 4pp.

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Other Water Quality Issues

Bacteriological Contamination of Drinking Water is a brochure explaining how a well becomes contaminated, sampling, what to do if an unsafe sample occurs, sources of possible contamination, and disinfecting. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-003, 97 Rev., 4pp.

Common Drinking Water Contaminants is a fact sheet regarding water contaminants and the risks, causes, and treatment options for each. P&Z, 2 pp.

Copper in drinking water is a brochure defining copper, its health effects, testing, and what to do if elevated copper levels are found. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-027, 97 Rev.

Corrosion, Lead and Copper in Home Water Supplies – Are You at Risk? is a brochure with flowcharts to help determine the risks to ones health and plumbing system from corrosion, lead and copper. RC & D, Revised 1999, 8pp.

Corrosive Water Education Program Review of Workgroup’s Accomplishments, 1995-Present is a summary of the accomplishments of the “Corrosive Water Education Program.” Includes a packet of planned work and time line, and budget details. RC&D, 1998, 5pp.

Earwigs in your well is a brochure illustrating and explaining earwigs, how they bring the bacteria that can contaminate wells, and what to do to get rid of them. DNR: WDNR PUB-DG-029, 98 Rev.

Farm and Residential Petroleum Storage Tanks is a booklet that gives an overview of issues and regulations in Wisconsin.  UWEX: GWQ030, 2000, 11pp.

Home Water Safety: Choosing a Water Treatment Device is a pamphlet that describes the various water treatment devices, sales techniques, and government regulations. UWEX: G3558-5, 1993, 16pp.

Home Water Safety: Evaluating the Condition of Your Private Water Supply is a pamphlet that guides you through the steps needed to evaluate the quality of your well and the water it supplies. UWEX: G3558-2, 1996, 8pp.

Home Water Safety: Evaluating the Condition of Your Public Community Water Supply is a pamphlet that tells you how to make sure that water from a public supply source is safe when it comes into your home. UW-Extension: G3558-3, 1996, 8pp.

Home Water Safety: Interpreting Drinking Water Test Results is a pamphlet that describes the basic set of water tests, explains what the test results mean, and suggests when further tests should be considered. UW-Extension: G3558-4, 1992, 12pp.

Improving Your Drinking Water Quality is a pamphlet that explains how the methods work, and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method. UWEX: G3378, 1994, 8pp.

Iron Bacteria Problems in Wells is a brochure that explains iron bacteria problems, how you can prevent them, and what you can do to treat them if they do occur. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-004, 92 Rev.

Iron and Manganese in Drinking Water is a brochure that addresses health and water quality types, testing, well construction/reconstruction, and treatments. Cornell Cooperative Extension Water Treatment Notes: Fact Sheet No. 6, September 1989.

Lead in Drinking Water is a brochure explaining lead-its toxic properties and affects on human health. This brochure also explains how lead can get into drinking water, testing, levels at which lead is dangerous, and ways to reduce exposure to lead. DNR: WNDR PUBL-DG-015, 98 Rev.

Lead is a fact sheet intended for people who may be exposed to chemicals in the environment. It describes lead, how people are exposed, standards, health effects, and medical tests. DOH: POH 4603, Revised 94.

Metals, Minerals, and Drinking Water is a bulletin designed to help understand whether concentrations of the most common elements potentially found in drinking water are in beneficial amounts or are in amounts that are potential health concerns. ETF, 2000, 4pp.

Pet Waste and Water Quality is a publication regarding the risks of and protection against pet wastes. UWEX: GWQ006, 1994, 2pp.

Radium in Drinking Water is a brochure defining radium, what areas in Wisconsin are affected, as well as regulations, health effects and options that communities and private well owners have to remedy this problem. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-008, 93 Rev.

Radon in Private Well Water is a brochure explaining radon - its toxic properties and cancer risks. This brochure also explains how radon gets into home and wells, testing, and ways to minimize exposure if radon is present. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-036-98.

Removal of Radon from Household Water is a booklet intended for homeowners who suspect that the water they get from their own well, or water they receive from a water utility that uses well-water, may be a significant source of radon in their homes. EPA, 1987, 8pp.

Solving Corrosive Water Problems is a fact sheet describing corrosive water, avoiding lead and copper in water, and fixing corrosive water problems by changing the source of water or treating water. RC & D, 1998, 2pp.

Sulfur Bacteria Problems in Wells is a brochure that explains common sulfur bacteria problems and what you can do to avoid or control them. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-005, 99 Rev.

*The Well Street Journal: Drinking Water and Drinking Water Tests are two newsletters discussing water source, water treatment, water contaminants and interpreting water test results. RC&D, 1995 & 1996, 4pp.

Volatile Organic Chemicals in Drinking Water is a brochure explaining volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), how they contaminate groundwater, health effects of VOCs, and what can be done when community or private wells are contaminated. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-009, 93 Rev.

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Miscellaneous

Best Management Practices-Agriculture Misc.

A Better Row to Hoe: The Economic, Environmental, and Social Impact of Sustainable Agriculture is a booklet describing sustainable agriculture and the obstacles present in American agriculture for farmers who chose this option. Northcrest Area Foundation, December, 1994, 39pp.

Bio Options is a newsletter of the Center for Alternative Plant and Animal Products. University of Minnesota (1 issue), Summer 1995, 16pp.

Dollars and Sense in Conservation is a 1951 reprinted circular (402) explaining how economic principles help us understand the conservation behavior of farmers and ranchers. USDA, NRCS, Resource Economics and Social Sciences Division: PUBL. 95-1, August 1995, 39pp.

Farm and Residential Petroleum Storage Tanks is a booklet that gives an overview of issues and regulations in Wisconsin.  UWEX: GWQ030, 2000, 11pp.

For the Food of the People (Facts about Farmers and Ranchers) is a booklet describing the importance of agricultural products in our lives. Also included are children activities.

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Best Management Practices-Homeowners Misc.

Farm and Residential Petroleum Storage Tanks is a booklet that gives an overview of issues and regulations in Wisconsin.  UWEX: GWQ030, 2000, 11pp.

Home Composting is a brochure notes the benefits of composting—including saving water and reducing fertilizer use—and introduces composting techniques. DNR: WDNR PUBL-SW-072, Revised 1992.

Home Environmental Stewardship is a guide providing information to help (you) make essential decisions about home and property activities which could contribute to contamination risk for groundwater, surface water, soil and the environment. Author: R.J. Tomesh. Desktop Images Inc., 1995, 177pp.

Invite Birds to Your Home: Conservation Plantings for the Midwest is a two-sided, colored poster detailing landscape designs and plantings that attract different bird species and that reduce water runoff and soil erosion from a suburban lot. NRCS, 1991.

Maintaining Your Septic System is a pamphlet that explains how a septic system works, proper maintenance, and household hints that help. DNR: WDNR PUBL-Wr-165 90, Rev.1990, 4pp.

Mulches for Your Garden is a brochure that notes the benefits of mulching—including water retention and nutrient addition—and illustrates how to make compost mulch. NRCS: Home and Garden Bulletin No. 185.

Recycle Used Oil is a publication that gives reasons for recycling oil including protecting groundwater and surface water and explains how to recycle oil safely. DNR: WDNR PUBL-IE-105 January 1991, 4pp.

Septic Systems and Water Quality is a diagram with explanation showing the mechanisms by which septic systems waste disposal can affect both private wells and surface water quality. Author: Byron Shaw.  CWGC, 1994, 2pp.

*Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Project. Fact Sheet: Trees and Shrubs for Wildlife gives landscaping guidelines and suggests specific plantings for attracting birds, butterflies, and small mammals. RC&D, 1994, 2pp.

Wisconsin Fund Private Sewage System Replacement or Rehabilitation Grant Program explains the grant and how to apply.  SBD-9320P, Rev. 1996, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn & Garden Fertilizers is a pamphlet that describes fertilizer practices that will help maintain healthy lawns and gardens, while protecting water quality in your community. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-528-99 or UWEX: GWQ002, 1999, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn Watering is a pamphlet that discusses the art of watering lawn and reducing the need for watering. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-530-99 or UWEX: GWQ012, 1999, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Lawn Weed Control is a pamphlet that discusses lawn establishment, mowing, fertilizing, and weed control. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-527-99 or UWEX: GWQ013, 1999, 8pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Managing Leaves and Yard Trimmings is a pamphlet that explains various ways to reduce, re-use, and recycle leaves and yard waste. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-490-97 and UWEX: GWQ022, 1999, 12pp.

Yard Care and the Environment: Practical Tips for Home and Yard is a pamphlet that lists ways you can make a contribution to clean water and a healthy environment at your home and in your community. UWEX: GWQ007, 1999, 4pp.

Yard Care and the Environment Rethinking Yard Care is a pamphlet that discusses water quality problems originating at home, the environmental consequences of lawn and garden chemicals, ways to reintroduce natural processes, and practical tips for protecting water quality around the home. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WT-526-99 or UWEX: GWQ 009, 1999, 8pp.

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Education

The Comprehensive Water Education Book, Grades K-6 is a learn-by-doing, hands-on curriculum for use by teachers and schools. Its lengthy text includes 63 lessons with well-illustrated activities and ample background information for students and teachers. Contact The International Office for Water Education by calling 1-800-922-4693 or by writing The International Office for Water Education, Utah Water Research Lab, Utah State Univ., Logan, UT 84322-8200, 332pp.

Making Waves: How to Put On a Water Festival is a good-sized booklet that includes practical advice and hands-on materials for organizing and presenting a celebration of water resources festival. The booklet includes sections on defining the festival’s purpose, deciding where and when to hold it, choosing activities, finding presenters, getting volunteers, securing financial support, and using a what-to-do-when checklist. Nebraska Groundwater Foundation call 1-800-858-4844 or write the foundation at P.O. Box 22558, Lincoln, NE 68542-2558, 58pp.

Project WET:  K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide is a book that contains over 100 activities on water resources.  Council for Environmental Education, 1995, 516pp.  Call 406-994-5392 or e-mail nwwet@msu.oscs.montana.edu .

Recommendations for Improving the East River Priority Watershed Urban Education Campaign is a booklet describing a study done in the Green Bay area to assess the effectiveness of various methods and literature to communicate with the public on water quality issues. Authors: Steve Bennett and Dotty Jungst. DNR and UWEX, February 1993, 40pp.

Teach Your Children Well – Environmental Care Begins at Home is a letter regarding family participation in conservation activities. Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Project. RC&D, 1pp.

Wisconsin Groundwater Education Resource Directory is a booklet listing local and statewide agencies, contacts, publications and other educational materials as well as groundwater courses available in Wisconsin. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WR381-94 or call Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council (608) 267-7610, December 1994, 50pp.

Wisconsin Water Education Resource Center is a brochure explaining a joint effort by WI-DNR, UWEX and Wisconsin Water Education, to develop water education resource centers throughout the state of Wisconsin.  UWEX.

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Forms

Application for Variance is a form used to determine if a variance from Chapter NR 812 construction and maintenance of water supply systems will be considered. DNR: WDNR Form 3300-210, Rev. 6-97.

Water Testing Form for Private Water Systems is a laboratory form to record sample location and owner information. DNR: WDNR Form 3300-217, Rev. 1-93.

Well Construction Report for Wisconsin Unique Well Number is a form to record well location, type, dimensions, geology and more. A form for a water quality test is also attached. Water Quality Test WDNR Form 3300-77, Rev. 8-98 and Well Construction Report Form 3300-77A, Rev. 8-98.

Well/Drillhole/Borehold Abandonment is a form to record well, owner, location and material information as required by Wisconsin State Statutes and ch. NR 141, Wis. Adm. Code. DNR: WDNR Form 3300-5, 2/2000.

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Groundwater Basics

Answers to your questions about Groundwater is a brochure, which gives some common questions and answers concerning groundwater. The answers provide information regarding groundwater issues affecting you and your family. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-049, 98 Rev.

Groundwater and Land Use in the Water Cycle is a poster with narrative describing the water cycle, groundwater flow systems, and aquifers of Wisconsin. DNR :WDNR PUBL-WR-104, 1999.

Groundwater: Protecting Wisconsin’s Buried Treasure is a magazine supplement to the Wisconsin’s Natural Resource magazine that highlights agency and individual actions to protect groundwater.  This revised edition i troduces new proetection programs and remnds Wisconsin citizens that we are responsible for huarding our valuable groundwater resource.  DNR:  WDNR PUBL-DG-055-99, 1999, 32pp.

*The Well Street Journal: Special Issue: Groundwater Basics is a newsletter that covers some of the basic information on the Fact Sheet and adds seven tips for groundwater protection, a list of groundwater terms, and whom to contact for more information. RC&D, June 1996, 5pp.

Your Personal Water Supply is a magazine pamphlet with facts on water cycles, pesticides, testing, and protecting groundwater. DNR:  WDNR PUBL-WS-021, 1992, 16pp.

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Local Government or Community Groundwater Planning

A Guide to Groundwater Quality Planning and Management for Local Governments is a special report that describes local groundwater issues, available management powers and techniques, and how to develop an integrated local management strategy. WGNHS: Special Report 9, 1987, 91pp.

A State of Local Government Guide to Environmental Program Funding Alternatives. This booklet provides an overview of traditional funding mechanisms and introduces state and local governments to innovative alternatives to traditional funding. The focus is on nonpoint source pollution, but funding sources and mechanism can be applied to environmental programs in general. EPA Office of Water: EPA 841-K-94-001, January 1994, 26pp.

Groundwater Protection Through Local Land Use Controls is a special report that describes state and local groundwater protection powers; analyzes legal issues relative to local groundwater protection; and describes how local governments can use zoning and subdivision regulations to protect groundwater. WGNHS: Special Report 11, 1999, 48pp.

Protecting Groundwater Quality by Managing Local Land Use is a reprint of an article describing local land use options to protect groundwater. Examples of local programs are included. Authors: D.A. Yanggen and S.M. Born. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation: 45(2)90. pp.207-210.

The County Well Delegation Program is a brochure describing a program for managing wells and protecting potable groundwater and explains county participation, levels of delegation, incentives, and more. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-041-97, 1997, 1pp.

Wellhead-Protection Districts in Wisconsin: An Analysis and Test Applications is a special report outlining the technical task of delineating possible wellhead protection areas in Wisconsin. UWEX: 0512-0659, 1988, 75pp.

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Other Sources of Help

Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater Order Form is a brochure listing groundwater publications available to order including brochures, forms, natural resource codes, license applications, approval information and reports. DNR: WDNR PUB-DG-047, Revised 8/98, 1pp.

*Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center is a brochure explaining the scope of the groundwater center whose mission is to help Wisconsin citizens and governments manage the groundwater resource wisely, through education, public information, applied research and technical assistance. CWGC, 1pp.

*Environmental Task Force Program is a brochure describing the scope of the program located at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, which ranges from research in groundwater issues and water analysis to drinking water education. ETF, 1pp.

EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline provides information on water treatment, water quality, and health advisories. 1-800-426-4791.

*Golden Sands RC&D is a brochure that explains the scope and purpose of the organization: To effectively meet local needs (both economic and natural resource needs) through collaborative partnerships that foster sustainable ecosystems in Central Wisconsin. RC&D, 1pp.

*Golden Sands RC&D State Groundwater Resource Contacts for Portage County is a flier listing state and county groundwater contacts. RC&D, October 1997, 1pp.

*Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Area 1995 Annual Report is a booklet about RC&D projects in 1995 in the areas of forestry, groundwater and wind erosion. RC&D,1996, 13pp.

Laboratories in Wisconsin this document listing laboratories certified by DNR for analysis of inorganics in water.  Website http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/science/lc/search, updated annually, 2pp.

References for Wellhead Protection is a list of publications regarding groundwater protection. 1pp.

*Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Project is a folder containing brochures, newsletters, and fact sheets describing the project, activities, wellhead protection, pesticides, and best management activities. RC&D, UWEX, NRCS, FSA, and P&Z, October 1995.

*Tomorrow/Waupaca River Priority Watershed is a brochure explaining the purpose and plan of the Clear Water Project. Waupaca Co. LCD or UWEX, 1997, 1pp.

*Who Can Answer My Questions About Groundwater? is a flier listing local and state groundwater contacts. P&Z, August 1998, 1pp.

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Regulations

County Administration of Ch. NR 812, Private Well Code NR 845 is a chapter to establish standards for county adoption and enforcement of an ordinance for private well location. DNR: WDNR NR 845.01-845.16.

Groundwater Monitoring Well Requirements. Chapter NR 141 is to establish minimum acceptable standards for the design, installation, construction, abandonment and documentation of groundwater monitoring wells. These rules are adopted under chapters 144, 160, and 277, Stats. DNR: WDNR 690-7-30.

Groundwater Quality Chapter NR 140 is to establish groundwater quality standards for substances detected in or having a reasonable problem of entering the groundwater resources of the state. DNR: WDNR NR 140.05-140.28.

How Drinking Water Standards are Established summarizes the range of health concerns caused by contaminated drinking water, how scientists estimate human health effects, and how average daily intake and risk estimate methods are used to set standards. UWEX: G3338, 4pp.

Non-Community Water System Owner Responsibilities is a booklet regarding standards for caring for private well systems. EPA, 1989, 5pp.

Requirements for Plans and Specifications Submittal for Reviewable Projects and Operations of Community Water Systems, Sewerage Systems and Industrial Wastewater Facilities NR 108 is a chapter which governs the submission of plans and specifications for any reviewable system listed previously. DNR: WDNR NR 108.01-108.06.

Requirements for the Operation and Design of Community Water Systems. Chapter NR811 governs the general operation, design and construction of community water systems. DNR: WDNR NR 811.02-811.86.

Rules of DNR Environmental Quality, Chapter NR 112: Private and Non-Community Well Construction and Pump Installation Code is a handbook stating the requirements for private well construction and pump installation according to Wisconsin law. 1991 version, No. 421.

SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act as amended by Congress Aug. 6, 1996 is a copy of the act prepared by the American Water Works Association in Denver, CO, 2pp.

Well Compensation Program NR 123 is a chapter to establish rules under s. 144.027, Stats., for the implementation and administration of a financial assistance program for the replacement of contaminated private water supplies. DNR: WDNR NR 123.01-123.25.

Well Construction and Pump Installation NR 812 is a chapter to establish uniform minimum standards and methods in conformity with chs. 280 and 281, Stats., for obtaining or extracting groundwater for any purpose, and protecting groundwater and aquifers from contamination through adequate construction and reconstruction of water systems. This chapter also governs the location, construction or reconstruction and maintenance of water systems, the abandonment of wells and drillholes and the installation and maintenance of pumping and treatment equipment. DNR: WDNR NR 812.01-812.43.

Well Driller and Pump Installer Registration NR 146 is a chapter to establish the criteria by which the WDNR administers the well driller and pump installer registration program required by ch. 162, Stats. DNR: WDNR NR146.01-146.09.

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Soils

*Soil Survey of Portage County, Wisconsin is a guide with maps that contain information that can be applied in managing farms and woodlands; in selecting sites for roads, ponds, buildings and other structures; and in judging the suitability of tracts of land for farming, industry, and recreation. USDA, NRCS, 1978, 95pp with 66 maps.

*Soils of Portage County and Their Ability to Attenuate Contaminants is a map that shows the soils ability to hold essential plant nutrients for uptake by crops, immobilizes metals that might be contained in municipal sewage sludge, or removes bacteria contained in animal and human wastes. WGNHS: Map 87-8, 1987.

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Wells/Water Quality Issues Misc.

Acceptable Materials and Methods for Well Abandonment is a fact sheet listing acceptable materials for various well types to be used for proper well abandonment. DNR: WDNR PUBL DG-044, Rev. 99.

*Designs for Wellhead Protection in Central Wisconsin documents the first wellhead protection area study in the State of Wisconsin pursuant to the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments. Two communities were examined: the City of Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County and the Town of Weston in Marathon County. CWGC, UWEX, Rev. 1993, 95pp.

Driven Point (Sand-Point Wells) is a booklet, which defines driven-point wells, and explains regulations affecting their construction, installation, and maintenance. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-022, 99 Rev., 12pp.

Fiscal Year 1997 Groundwater Quality Monitoring Plan is a report explaining the monitoring plans to identify and document the process and priorities of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources groundwater quality monitoring program for fiscal year 1997. DNR, August 1996. 56pp.

Financing Approaches for Local Groundwater Protection is a leaflet addressing wellhead protection, activities, local sources of funds, private sector investments, capital financing sources, and options for effective administration. Freshwater Foundation Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Groundwater Quality Relationships to Well Depth and Land Use is a fact sheet with a diagram to describe the variability of water quality with depth, and groundwater movement. Author: Byron Shaw. ETF, 1987, 1pp.

Information on How to Request a Copy of a DNR Well Construction Report contains a general information sheet and a Well Constructor’s Request Form. UWEX and CWGC, January 1999.

Laboratories in Wisconsin Certified by the DNR for Analysis of Organics in Water is a list of labs (with addresses and phone numbers) that can measure organic compounds, such as pesticides, nitrate, and solvents in water samples. CWGC or at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/science/lc/search/ , updated annually, 2pp.

Local Financing for Wellhead Protection provides information to state and local managers of water quality and water supply about a variety of financing approaches available to support wellhead protection initiatives. EPA Office of Water: WH-550G or EPA: 440/6-89-004, June 1989, 57pp.

National Water Quality Inventory 1992 Report to Congress is a comprehensive report on water quality throughout the United States that includes lots of legislative information. EPA: 841-R-94-001, March 1994, 328 pages plus appendixes.

Power to Protect (workbook to accompany the video) is a workbook that focuses on the protection of groundwater from many potential sources of contamination. The workbook is organized to provide a step-by-step approach to understanding groundwater principals so that local officials can begin the development of groundwater protection programs. EPA-Region II, Groundwater Management Section, 1991, 65pp.

Private Well Construction in Granite Formations is a pamphlet regarding rules for building and maintaining wells in areas with granite formations. DNR: WDNR PUBL-WS-017, Rev. 1991, 3pp.

Redwood River Clean Water Project is a folder containing fact sheets and newsletters describing wellhead protection for Minnesota. MN Department of Health, (2 fact sheets, 3 newsletters, 1994-1996).

The Potential for Drinking Water Contamination from Submersible Well Pump is a booklet intended to inform owners of submersible pumps about the potential for drinking water contamination from oils and PCBs in submersible pump motors. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-025, 98 Rev., 18pp.

Unprotected Springs can be Hazardous to your Health! is a handout that advises citizens against drinking from unprotected springs and shallows, open or flowing wells. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-013, 98 Rev.

Untitled (re: Wellhead Protection) is an in house report addressing wellhead protection funding: needs, availability and alternatives. Author: J. Helmuth. DNR: WDNR, 115pp.

Well Abandonment is a brochure explaining effects of improper abandonment, reasons and instructions for proper abandonment, according to types of wells, and reporting abandonment. DNR: WDNR PUBL-DG-016, 98 Rev., 6pp.

Wellhead Protection is a brochure describing the National Rural Water Association’s Wellhead Protection Program. NRWA.

Wellhead Protection: An ounce of prevention is a brochure explaining wellhead protection and the steps needed to organize one for your community and why. DNR: WDNR PUBL-OG-039, 99 Rev., 2pp.

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Agency Abbreviations

Abbreviation

Agency
CWGC Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center, UWSP
DATCP Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
DHFS 
part of DOH
Wisconsin Department of Health & Family Services 
part of the Division of Health
DNR Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ETF Environmental Task Force Lab, UWSP
EWG Environmental Working Group
FSA Farm Services Administration
LCD Portage County Land Conservation Department
NAWQA National Water Quality Assessment Program
NFMC National Farm Medicine Center
NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service
NRWA National Rural Water Association
P&Z Portage County Planning and Zoning
RC&D Golden Sands Resource Conservation and Development Council
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USGS United States Geologic Survey
UWEX University of Wisconsin Extension
WGA Wisconsin Groundwater Advocates
WGNHS Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey

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Sources for Groundwater Publications

The following agencies and organizations offer publications on groundwater related issues:

Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center (CWGC)
http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/gndwater  


University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
College of Natural Resources, Room 224
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-4270
George Kraft, Director; Chris Mechenich, Education Coordinator

CWGC helps Wisconsin citizens and governments manage the groundwater resource wisely, through education, public information, applied research, and technical assistance.  Offers drinking water education programs for citizens
Department of Agriculture Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP)
http://datcp.state.wi.us


2811 Agriculture Drive/P.O. Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
State Office: 608-224-5002, Consumer Info Hotline:  1-800-422-7128, Farm Center Hotline: 1-800-942-2474

DATCP provides services in consumer and business information, complaint handling, lab testing, agricultural development and marketing services, farm assistance, and more.  DATCP has educational information and administers/enforces rules on pesticide use, agricultural chemical storage, soil and water resource management, and water bottler licensing.  Grants are offered in nutrient management planning.
Department of Commerce (Comm)
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us

 
Division of Safety and Buildings  
2715 Post Road
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-345-5334    or

123 W. Washington Avenue/P.O. Box 7969 
Madison, WI 53707-7969
608-266-3151    or

Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services
608-266-3723

Comm regulates the installation and operation of private septic systems and petroleum storage tanks, maintains records for tank ownership, and approves home water treatment devices. 
Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS)
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us 


Bureau of Public Health
1414 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53702
608-266-1251

DHFS inspects restaurant, hotel, motel, and campground water supplies, recommends enforcement standards for substances in groundwater related to health concerns, investigates health effects from contamination incidents, and interprets water test results.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
main page: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us 
drinking water: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg
groundwater: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/gw 


473 Griffith Avenue
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
715-421-7829
Fred Bailey, Water Supply Specialist  or

101 South Webster/P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
608-266-2621

DNR, the lead state agency in protecting and improving Wisconsin's groundwater,  has a bureau dedicated to groundwater and drinking water management, which provides educational information, publications, and wellhead protection programs; collects well construction reports; and enforces groundwater standards.  DNR also maintains a list of certified water testing labs and regulates solid and hazardous wastes and wastewater systems. 
Division of Health (DOH)
See DHFS.
    
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
main page: http://www.epa.gov 
groundwater and drinking water:  http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW 
office of water:  http://www.epa.gov/OW 
region 5:  http://www.epa.gov/region5 


Region 5, EPA
77 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604
312-353-2000 or 1-800-621-8431 (only in IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI)
Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

EPA is the federal agency responsible for establishing standards for drinking water, groundwater, pesticides, and more. EPA offers publications and information on regulations, databases, source water protection, public drinking water programs, drinking water and health basics, drinking water standards program, underground injection control, local drinking water, and kid's stuff.
Environmental Task Force Lab (ETF)
http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/etf 


University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
College of Natural Resources, Room 201
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-3209

ETF performs studies on groundwater, lakes, streams, and watersheds as well as operates a state certified water-testing laboratory.  Water samples may be tested for organic and inorganic chemicals such as nitrate, pesticides, heavy metals, and more.
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
http://www.ewg.org or Info@ewg.org

1718 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20009
202-667-6982

   
Farm Services Administration (FSA)
http://www.fsa.usda.gov

1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-1313

    
Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D)
http://www.goldensandsrcd.org 


1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-6215
Bill Ebert, Coordinator

RC&D works with local people and farmers to address groundwater problems and concerns. 
Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC)
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/gcc

101 South Webster Street/P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
608-267-7610
Susan Sylvester, Council Chair

GCC is comprised of state government officials, the governor, and local and federal governments.  It advises and assists state agencies in the coordination of non-regulatory programs and the exchange of information related to groundwater, and provides public outreach and educational materials.
Land Conservation Department-Portage County (LCD)
(no web site available)

1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-1334

   
National Farm Medicine Center (NFMC)

1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
715-387-9298

  
National Rural Water Association (NRWA)
See:  WRWA.
   
National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA)
http://wwwrvares.er.usgs.gov/nawqa/nawqa_home.html

USGS Water Resources Division
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS413
Reston, VA 20192

    
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov 


1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-1325

NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our natural resources and environment.  Areas of assistance and education include soil and water resource management, protection practices, nutrient and pest management planning, and livestock waste management.
Portage County Health and  Human Services (PCHHS)
http://www.co.portage.wi.us/health_and_human_.htm  


Environmental Health or Water Testing Services
817 Whiting Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-345-5350

PCHHS provides assistance with health issues related to groundwater contamination and operates a state certified water testing laboratory.
Portage County Groundwater Citizens Advisory Committee (PCGCAC)
http://www.uwsp.edu/water/portage/manage/pcgcac/index.htm 


1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481

715-346-1334
Ray Schmidt, Water Quality Specialist for Portage County

PCGCAC's role is to gather views and concerns regarding groundwater protection and management in Portage County from individual citizens and municipal governing boards, and to present recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Committee for consideration by the  Portage County Board.  PCGCAC is also responsible for this website.
Portage County Planning & Zoning (P&Z)
main page: http://www.co.portage.wi.us 
P&Z page: http://www.co.portage.wi.us/P&Z.htm  
e-mail: groundwater@portage.co.wi.us 


1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-1334
Chuck Kell, Director; Ray Schmidt, Water Quality Specialist

P&Z oversees the County's planning and zoning, wellhead protection ordinances, and soil and water conservation.  It also manages the groundwater resource according to the Groundwater Management Plan.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
See:  NRCS
   
United States Geologic Survey (USGS)
main page: http://www.usgs.gov 
water resource division: http://www-ne.cr.usgs.gov 


Wisconsin District 
6417 Normandy Lane
Madison, WI 53719
608-274-3535

USGS produces and distributes maps, collects data, and conducts studies regarding groundwater quality and quantity, groundwater levels, stream flows, lakes and reservoirs, and physical and biological characteristics of surface water.
University of Wisconsin Extension (UWEX)
main page: http://www.uwex.edu 
water resource program: http://clean-water.uwex.edu


1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-1316
Mark Hilliker, Community, Natural Resources and Economic Development and Deana Saxton, Agriculture

UWEX partners with local, county, state and federal government to address public issues and local needs.  UWEX develops practical educational programs based on university knowledge and research in the areas of agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, and natural resources.  Many publications and services are available on nutrient and pest management, soil testing, drinking water, and groundwater.
Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey (WGNHS)
http://www.uwex.edu/wgnhs 


3817 Mineral Point Road
Madison, WI 537055121
608-262-1705

WGNHS conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research about the geology, mineral resources, water resources, climate, soil, and biology of Wisconsin.  It collects and distributes maps, well construction reports, publications, and other information. 
Wisconsin Groundwater Advocates (WGA)
probsolv@wi-net.com

P.O. Box 36
Nelsonville, WI 54458
715-824-3260

   
Wisconsin Rural Water Association (WRWA)
http://www.wrwa.org   


350 Water Way
Plover,  WI 54467
715-344-7778

WRWA assists small municipalities with wellhead protection issues.

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