Drinking Water Program

The St. Croix County Community Development Department offers various programs throughout the year that provides residents with opportunities to test their private well water. Participation is voluntary and programs are developed to make testing convenient and ensure residents are working with State Certified Laboratories. Additionally, well owners learn about their drinking water and things that you can do to keep their water supply healthy.

Residents living in rural areas are encouraged to test their drinking water annually for certain contaminants like coliform bacteria. Often times a family may have no idea what is happening with their drinking water because some contaminants have no taste, odor, or color. Their presence can only be determined by testing with state-certified laboratories. 

Upcoming Free Well Water Nitrate Screening Clinics

St. Croix County is offering free well water nitrate screening clinics to help homeowners monitor and protect their drinking water supply. Nitrate contamination in drinking water can have health implications, so it's important for residents to be aware of the nitrate levels in their well water.

To participate in the screening clinics, residents are asked to follow a few guidelines:

  • Collect Sample: Bring in about eight ounces of water in a closed container, preferably glass. The sample should be collected within 24 hours of the clinic event.
  • Flushing the Tap: Before collecting the sample, it's important to run the tap for 10 to 15 minutes on cold at full flow. This step helps to remove any stagnant water from the plumbing system and provides a representative sample of the well water.
  • On-Site Analysis: The nitrate analysis of the water sample will be conducted on-site at the clinic. This allows participants to receive immediate results.
  • Interpretation and Advice: Trained staff will be available at the clinic to discuss and interpret the results of the nitrate analysis. They can also provide guidance on any further actions that may be necessary based on the results.

By participating in these clinics, residents can gain valuable information about the nitrate levels in their well water. This knowledge empowers homeowners to take appropriate measures to protect their drinking water supply and ensure the health and safety of their families.

Dates/Locations of Clinics:

  • Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm | Earth Fest 2023 - Glen Park, 361 W Park St, River Falls, WI 54022
  • Wednesday, June 14th 2023 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm | Agriculture Service and Education Center - 1960 8th Ave, Baldwin, WI 54002
  • Wednesday, July 12th 2023 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm  | Hammond Townhall - 1816 County Road E, Hammond, WI 54015
  • Wednesday, August 16th 2023 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm  | Warren Townhall - 720 112th St, Roberts, WI 54023
  • Wednesday, September 6th 2023 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm | St. Croix County Services Center - 1752 Dorset Lane, New Richmond, WI 54017

View this Youtube video created by the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point to see how to properly take a water sample at home.

Other Testing Options

If you are unable to attend a nitrate screening clinic in St. Croix County but still wish to have your well water tested, you have the option to pick up a state-certified test kit at a county office location. This provides an alternative method for residents to assess the nitrate levels in their well water.

To obtain a state-certified test kit, you can visit one of the designated county office locations in St. Croix County:

Baldwin Agriculture Service & Education Center

  • 1960 8th Avenue, Suite 141, Baldwin, WI 54002
  • Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Hudson Government Center in the Community Development Department

  • Main Floor-1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
  • Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Community Services Center (New Richmond)

  • 1752 Dorset Lane, New Richmond, WI 54017
  • Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

After collecting the sample, you will need to submit it to the appropriate laboratory for analysis. The test kit should provide information on where and how to send the sample for testing. The laboratory will conduct the nitrate analysis and provide you with the results.

If you have any questions or require assistance with the test kit or the interpretation of the results, you can contact the relevant county office for guidance. They should be able to provide you with the necessary support and information.

Collect Samples

  • The best time to drop off samples for shipment is just before the last pick-up time as specified by the carrier.
  • Keep sample bottle(s) chilled (fridge or on ice) until shipped
  • The lab must receive samples within 40-hours after collection (if bacteria is being sampled)
  • Please note: samples are not Hazardous
  • Plan to collect water samples after 2:00 p.m. on either Monday or Tuesday
  • How to collect a water sample

Shipping Options:

Don't feel comfortable testing your water, consider hiring:

Results

Results will be mailed directly to you within 10-working days from the date received by the lab.

Available Analyses