While areas like Door and Kewaunee counties are starting to lead the way to limiting nitrate pollution in your water, organizations like Clean Wisconsin and the Alliance of the Great Lakes are calling for a broader approach to addressing the issue.

The two organization released their report “Nitrates on Tap,” chronicling the current challenges of nitrate pollution in the state and offering possible solutions to address it. The report includes a feature on Casco resident Tyler Frye, who discovered his home’s nitrate levels tested at 26.6 mg/L, nearly three times the current standard of 10 mg/L and almost six times the limit the two organizations would like to see. Statewide, there were 59 nitrate maximum contaminant level (MCL) violations in 2024, the highest since 2012 and one of three years where it was over 50 (57 in 2014, 54 in 2017).

The study estimates that nitrate pollution costs Wisconsinites millions of dollars every year, whether it is well replacement ($7,500-$75,000), water filtration systems ($3000 installation, $617-$1321 for the first year of a lease), medical expenses, and more. Water and Agriculture Program Director Sara Walling says a more statewide approach to addressing nitrate pollution is needed in Ohio and Minnesota, rather than the piecemeal approach you see in Wisconsin.

Since making national headlines nearly a decade ago for its water quality issues, Kewaunee County Land and Water Conservation Director Davina Bonness says there has been improvement thanks to new NR-151 rules, its winter manure spreading ordinance, and the work of producer-led watershed groups like Peninsula Pride Farms. She says bacteria-related issues have dropped drastically, while nitrate concerns pop up from time to time.

Walling recognizes Kewaunee County's strides to improve its water quality but insists that more can be done.

Door and Kewaunee counties both have well-testing opportunities during October. Click this link to learn how to sign up.