Former Kewaunee County supervisor Chuck Wagner believes you should get your well tested and many have been able to thanks to a recently awarded state grant. During his visit to Kewaunee County on Thursday, Governor Tony Evers stopped by Wagner’s home to present a $27,000 check to Kewaunee County officials for its community well testing program. The grant helped provide funds for 300 homes to get their wells tested and do the same for another 300 homes later this fall. The testing comes five years after the United States Department of Agriculture did a comprehensive study on the region, pointing its finger at improper manure handling practices and faulty septic tanks for the area’s poor water quality. It was 20 years ago when Wagner first learned his well was contaminated shortly after the birth of his first grandchild. That started a crusade of public service to address water quality concerns, including his current role on the Wisconsin Coastal Management Council. He says getting your well tested is important to do.

He added that the early returns from the first round of testing have shown some improvement in water quality in the county thanks to new county and state laws limiting where and when you can spread manure and improved agricultural practices. Evers also stopped in Algoma on Thursday for a photo opportunity and to highlight another grant addressing Lake Michigan water levels. 

Picture Courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Administration