MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging private well owners to bring a water sample to Farm Technology Days later this month for a free on-site nitrate screening.
The screenings will be offered July 14-16 at the DNR tent during Farm Technology Days at Redetzke’s No Joke Dairy in Stratford. Attendees should bring about one cup of well water in a clean container. DNR staff will perform the screening while visitors explore exhibits, with results available within minutes.
According to the DNR, nitrate cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, making water testing one of the easiest ways for private well owners to learn more about their drinking water quality.
“Many well owners haven’t checked their water in years,” DNR Private Water Field Supervisor Jared Niewoehner said. “If you’re already planning to attend Farm Technology Days, bring a sample from home. We’ll screen it while you explore the DNR tent and you’ll have results before you leave.”
The DNR tent will feature staff from several agency programs, including Drinking Water and Groundwater, Watershed Management, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Public Safety and Resource Protection, Wastewater, and Recreational Safety and Outdoor Skills.
Farm Technology Days is one of Wisconsin’s largest agricultural events, bringing together farmers, landowners, industry professionals and families to learn about agriculture, conservation and natural resource management.
