Released March 8, 2010
MADISON, Wis. – Groundwater is vital to all of us living in Wisconsin, and the coming of spring represents an important time for our groundwater resources. You can celebrate Groundwater Awareness Week (March 7-13) by having your well water tested.
This time of year is especially critical for individuals who rely on well water or a private well for their drinking water supply. While all groundwater originates as precipitation, melting snow and spring rains generally provide the largest contribution of groundwater to our aquifers each year.
Because groundwater recharge during this time can occur rapidly, bacterial contamination of wells often takes place during the spring. This is especially true for wells located in karst regions, areas where soil is thin or absent and bedrock is highly fractured. Some well owners may actually notice their well water change appearance or odor after large rain events or snowmelts.
--continued on University of Wisconsin Extension news
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