For the fourth year in a row, you are invited to submit water samples for research on Door County’s groundwater quality. UW-Oshkosh and Door County residents have worked together since 2019 to offer an easy way for residents to get into the habit of getting their water tested and for the university to build its groundwater quality database in Door County. The study will mainly look at bacteria and nitrate counts, with the preliminary test being distributed for $30 for the first 300 participants and $45 for anyone after that. Residents can also learn more about their water by testing for pH, hardness, alkalinity, and iron for an extra $25 per test. You can click here to learn more about the water testing process and fill out an application to participate. You have until September 12th to apply.
According to the Wisconsin Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Door County is faring better than much of the state regarding its private water quality. Approximately 1.6 percent of water test results were above the EPA standard of ten milligrams per liter when it comes to nitrates compared to 10.1 percent for the rest of the state. About 2.5 percent of water test results were above the ten micrograms per liter standard the EPA has for arsenic, compared to 5.4 percent for the state. The county's karst geography still makes the area's groundwater susceptible to contamination.
