Dear Resident,
This letter is to invite your household to participate in the Green County Grassroots Groundwater Quality Trend Data Program. To do this program, Green County Extension is working with the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point to collect and analyze water samples from wells located throughout the County. This sampling effort will be useful for collecting data on a variety of important well water quality concerns as well as continuing a seven-year history of groundwater quality tracking in Green County.
Why am I receiving this letter?
You are receiving this letter because we are trying to obtain representative samples from across the county and continue a prior groundwater quality monitoring project that spanned from 2019 to 2025. The past project resulted in hundreds of wells in Green County being sampled every year for seven years, which has amounted to more than 2000 well water samples analyzed. Because of this program, participants and the County have learned valuable information about groundwater quality in Green County and associated groundwater quality trends.
Another outcome of the seven year testing program was an online water quality dashboard where you can view and interact with data from the project. You can access the dashboard using the QR code to the right or by visiting: http://68.183.123.75/wisconsinwater/County-Apps/Green/. Our goal is to continue this program as additional years of well water quality data will provide a more robust picture of groundwater quality over time.
We hope you will agree to assist this study by providing a water sample from your well.
What are the benefits of my participation?
The offered tests include those commonly recommended for residential wells. You will receive a copy of all test results as well as interpretive information once testing is complete. By continuing to participate in the program, you will be able to learn if and how your well water quality is changing over time. Please note that personal information of participants will not be shared.
How do I participate?
If you would like to participate in this study, please complete the interest form, accessed via the QR code to the right, or visit: https://green.extension.wisc.edu/groundwater-quality-trend-data-program/. Those who agree to participate will be emailed in August with additional details. At that time, you will register for the tests and pay for your sample kit. Sample collection is not complicated and will require only a few minutes. When completed, the sample bottle can be returned using a pre-paid mailer.
How do I receive additional information before agreeing to participate?
We ask that you call or email staff at the Center for Watershed Science and Education to speak directly with one of the researchers.
What tests will be performed, and how much does it cost?
The base testing kit and prepaid shipping costs $78 and will test for nitrate-nitrogen, chloride, alkalinity, total hardness, pH, and conductivity. Some tests are important to health, while others measure things like how hard or corrosive your water is. Additional tests for more specific components (not used for trend monitoring) may be added for an additional fee.
What if the results indicate a problem?
The water test results are simply a way to study water quality in Green County and are not part of any regulatory program. Based on previous testing in Green County, we expect the majority of wells will not indicate any health-related concerns.
In the event results indicate a concern, we will provide educational information with your results to determine what steps could be implemented to improve the quality of your drinking water. Please note that you would not be required to take any additional actions as a result of submitting a sample.
If you have any questions regarding the project, we encourage you to contact Cayla Cavey at the Center for Watershed Science and Education at 715-346-2229, or by email at [email protected].
Our sincere thanks for considering this request to participate in the Green County Grassroots Groundwater Quality Trend Data Program. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jordyn Sattler
Regional Crops and Soils Educator
University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension – Green County
608-328-9440 or [email protected]
Cayla Cavey
Groundwater Education Specialist
University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point & University of Wisconsin–Madison, Division of Extension
715-346-2229 or [email protected]
Olivia Roth
Office Specialist
University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension – Green County