M.K DeSantis, Pegasus Technical Services for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Series: Drinking Water Quality

Drinking water quality varies across in Wisconsin. In communities with public utilities, drinking water is subject to disparate levels of treatment depending on local needs and budget concerns. Nearly one million households get their water from private wells, which depend on property owners for monitoring and treatment. Across the state, many natural processes and human activities can introduce pathogens and chemical contaminants into water supplies. Wherever their drinking water comes from, Wisconsinites can use various resources to better understand and improve its quality.
 
Series: Drinking Water Quality

No Acceptable Level: Milwaukee's Struggles With Lead Poisoning

Scott Gordon
WisContext
Lead presents a continuing health threat in communities across the U.S., and has lingered in homes and drinking water in Wisconsin.
Series: Drinking Water Quality
Series: CAFOs, Manure And Water

Fecal Microbes Found In Kewaunee County Wells Raise Concerns About Dairy Manure, Septic Waste

Coburn Dukehart
Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism
Up to 60 percent of sampled wells in a Kewaunee County study contained fecal microbes, many of which are capable of making people and calves sick, two scientists told hundreds of local residents gathered at a public meeting on June 7.
Series: Drinking Water Quality

After A DNR Boost To Remove Lead Water Pipes, What's Next?

Scott Gordon
WisContext
Wisconsin's municipal drinking-water systems have tens of thousands of lead pipes in communities around the state, and there is growing pressure to get rid of them.
Series: Drinking Water Quality

Lead Pipe Replacement Costs Are An Ongoing Issue For Wisconsin's Local Governments

Kristian Knutsen
WisContext
Local governments across Wisconsin face an open question of how they'll pay for ongoing lead pipe replacement efforts.
Series: Drinking Water Quality

The State Of Wisconsin's Water Utilities In 2016

Scott Gordon
WisContext
Wisconsin is proud of its water, including the stuff that comes out of the tap. Every year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources releases an annual report about how the state's public water systems are doing.
Series: Drinking Water Quality

Milwaukee's Long-Festering Lead Problem Becomes Politically Toxic

Scott Gordon
WisContext
When longtime city of Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevan Baker resigned on Jan. 12, it brought renewed attention to the city's broader struggle to address the problem of lead poisoning.
Series: Drinking Water Quality

Tracking Coal Ash Contamination In The Great Lakes Region

Andrew Blok
Great Lakes Echo
Sometimes pollution is dramatic, like aerial footage of a 2011 coal ash pond collapse that sent toxic contents onto the beach and into Lake Michigan in Oak Creek, just south of Milwaukee.
Series: Drinking Water Quality

What Are PFAS And Why Are They A Problem?

Christy Remucal
UW-Madison
A group of chemicals known as PFAS are prompting increasing attention and concern across Wisconsin. What are these chemicals and why are they such a big deal?