Protect Wisconsin Waters

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Write your legislators: Support Right to Know Legislation

Roughly one-third of Wisconsinites rely on groundwater from private wells for their drinking water, but thousands of families remain unaware of the potential contamination in their water. Unlike Wisconsinites on municipal water systems who get annual notifications about their water quality, private well owners are rarely notified when local ground or surface water is contaminated.

There are dangerous health concerns related to water contamination from pollutants like nitrate, PFAS, lead, and arsenic. From developmental delays in children to cancer and chronic illness, these toxic contaminants cause lifelong harm.

That’s why we are working with Wisconsin Conservation Voters to address this urgent issue by supporting legislation that would protect private well owners’ right to know about contamination in their drinking water.

If the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identifies groundwater contamination, the bill would require the department to notify county health departments, county land and water conservation departments, and Tribal health departments. The legislation was introduced as AB 635 & SB 628.

Please join us in taking action to contact your state legislators and ask them to support this legislation!

Upcoming Action Hour: Right to Know

Roughly one-third of Wisconsinites rely on groundwater from private wells for their drinking water, but thousands of families remain unaware of the potential contamination in their water. Join us at 2pm on February 5th to advocate for their right to know about contamination! If you can't join us, email your legislator here.

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Why it Matters

Nearly half of Wisconsin’s waterways are federally listed as impaired due to pollution. This toxic water pollution is mainly perpetuated by factory farms and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Both factory farms and CAFOs generate a large amount of fecal waste, and unfortunately a large amount ends up in our water. Voice your support to protect our water and demand an end to the pollution!

Getting involved with this campaign today is vital to protect our water quality and supply!