You will see more experts come into the fold in Kewaunee County as officials and researchers continue to be puzzled by an influx of nitrates-related issues in the Village of Casco. A test of 73 wells last October showed that 34.2 percent of them were unsafe from nitrates and more than half were unsafe due to nitrates and/or coliform bacteria. That is in contrast to the 46 wells tested earlier that year in July when 21.7 percent were unsafe from nitrates and nearly 35 percent were unsafe due to nitrates and/or coliform bacteria. Researchers from UW-Stevens Point and environmental advisors from Dragun Corporation have tried to pinpoint the reason why Casco, in particular, has been struggling with its nitrate pollution. Back in January, initial results show that some of the sources of nitrate pollution are 15 years old. Land and Water Conservation Committee chairperson Aaron Augustian says they are collaborating with UW-Stevens Point, Dragun Corporation, and United States Geological Service scientist Maureen Muldoon to develop a flow chart for the region to determine why the issue remains persistent.

Muldoon is a familiar name to Kewaunee County residents as she was the co-principal investigator for the Kewaunee County groundwater study.  She famously said back in 2017 that she “cannot think of a hydrogeologically worse place than northeast Wisconsin to put a lot of cows.” Augustian is hopeful they will be able to develop a plan of action once the flow chart is created.