Archives

Agricultural Practices Can Affect Levels Of Nitrate In Groundwater

WisContext

U.S. farmers embraced nitrogen-based fertilizer at a dramatic pace during the 1960s and '70s. Since then, its use has played a key role in boosting agricultural productivity. But as a consequence, nitrogen's more soluble form, nitrate, has become a common drinking water contaminant, in Wisconsin and around the country.

Understanding Changes In Wisconsin's GED System

Scott Gordon

WisContext

The process of earning a high-school equivalency certificate in the U.S. has changed dramatically over the last couple of years, and the transition hasn't been smooth.

Series: The Flu And Wisconsin's Public Health

What's Behind 2015-16's Mild Flu Season?

Breann Schossow

Wisconsin Public Radio

Audio:

Larry Meiller

Wisconsin Public Radio

It's been a low-activity year so far for influenza in Wisconsin and in much of the United States.

A Whirlwind Week To Close Assembly's 2015-16 Session

Scott Gordon

WisContext

Last week, the Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said the chamber would conclude its work for the 2015-2016 legislative session. But it wasn't easy to keep track of all of the bills under consideration.

Series: Drinking Water Quality

Wisconsin's Drinking Water Utilities Have Many Connections

Scott Gordon

WisContext

The distribution of drinking water ties Wisconsin's major population centers together, and shapes local economies and political dynamics. Local governments depend on and sometimes battle with each other to ensure access to drinking water sources, and the infrastructure necessary for treatment.

Series: Voter ID In Wisconsin

Online Registration Bill Echoes Voter ID Debate

Scott Gordon

WisContext

Wisconsinites are hearing some familiar arguments lately about a pending change in the state's election law, with proponents saying it will streamline the democratic process in Wisconsin and others saying it will undermine low-income and minority voters. No, this change is not about Wisconsin's voter ID law.

Series: Drinking Water Quality

Do You Use Well Water? An Introduction To Testing

Kevin Masarik

UW-Extension

As the groundwater education specialist for the Center for Watershed Science and Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Kevin Masarik gets a lot of questions from Wisconsin residents about their well water and how to go about testing its safety. Here are a few basic questions I regularly encounter.

Series: Drinking Water Quality

9 Ways For Wisconsin Well Owners To Improve Their Drinking Water Quality

Karen Faster

WisContext

Scott Gordon

WisContext

Kristian Knutsen

WisContext

For those Wisconsinites who use a well, here are nine tips for making sure their drinking water is as safe as possible.

Series: Drinking Water Quality

Defining 'Corrosion' In Drinking Water

Scott Gordon

WisContext

The term "corrosion" has leached its way into public discussion about drinking water over recent weeks, thanks largely to the roiling water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

UW-Madison Food Pantry Highlights Student Poverty

Scott Gordon

WisContext

A new food pantry for University of Wisconsin-Madison students is one sign that poverty can exist on campus. As UW-Madison Ph.D. student Katharine Broton explained in a Feb. 5 interview on Wisconsin Public Television's Here And Now , traditional conceptions of college students' financial and social situations has grown outdated.