Drinking Water Education ProgramProgram

St. Croix CountyyTown of Richmond

Sponsored by:Sponsored by: • Town of Richmond• St. Croix County UW-Extension• St Croix County Land and WaterSt. Croix County Land and Water

Conservation Department• Center for Watershed Science and Education

Through the University of WisconsinThrough the University of Wisconsin--Extension, all Wisconsin people can access Extension, all Wisconsin people can access University resources and engage in lifelong learning, wherever they live and work. University resources and engage in lifelong learning, wherever they live and work.

Today’s presentationToday s presentationoo What is groundwater and where does it come from?What is groundwater and where does it come from?oo What is groundwater and where does it come from?What is groundwater and where does it come from?

oo What do my individual test results mean?What do my individual test results mean?oo What do my individual test results mean?What do my individual test results mean?

oo General groundwater quality in the Town ofGeneral groundwater quality in the Town ofoo General groundwater quality in the Town of General groundwater quality in the Town of Richmond.Richmond.

oo Improving your water qualityImproving your water quality

The Water CycleThe Water CycleThe Water CycleThe Water Cycle

Precipitation

I filt tiTranspiration

Infiltration

W ll

Runoff EvaporationPercolationWell

Water Table Runoff

River

Water Table

Groundwater

Groundwater MovementGroundwater Movement

St.Croix County GeologySt.Croix County GeologyAquifer – (n.) A geologic formation that stores and transmits water

Soil

Private vs. Public Water SuppliesPrivate vs. Public Water SuppliesPublic Water SuppliesPublic Water Supplies

Regularly tested andRegularly tested andRegularly tested and Regularly tested and regulated by drinking water regulated by drinking water standards.standards.

Private WellsPrivate Wells

Not required to be Not required to be regularly tested.regularly tested.

Not required to take Not required to take ti titi ticorrective actioncorrective action

Owners must take special Owners must take special precautions to ensure safeprecautions to ensure safeprecautions to ensure safe precautions to ensure safe drinking water.drinking water.

Why do people test their water?Why do people test their water?Why do people test their water?Why do people test their water?

Installed a new wellInstalled a new wellChange in taste or odorChange in taste or odorggBuying or selling their homeBuying or selling their homePlumbing issuesPlumbing issuesggWant to know if it’s safe to Want to know if it’s safe to drink.drink.

What are the Health Concerns?What are the Health Concerns?What are the Health Concerns?What are the Health Concerns?Acute EffectsAcute Effects –– Usually seen within a Usually seen within a short time after exposure to a short time after exposure to a substance. substance. ( B t i l t i ti i t ti l di )( B t i l t i ti i t ti l di )(ex. Bacterial contamination may cause intestinal disease) (ex. Bacterial contamination may cause intestinal disease)

Chronic EffectsChronic Effects –– Results from Results from exposure to a substance over a long exposure to a substance over a long period of time. period of time. (ex. Arsenic or pesticides can increase the chance of (ex. Arsenic or pesticides can increase the chance of developing certain types of cancer)developing certain types of cancer)

No one No one t t t llt t t lltest tells us test tells us everything we everything we y gy gneed to know need to know about theabout theabout the about the safety and safety and condition of a condition of a water supplywater supplywater supplywater supply

Interpreting Drinking Water Interpreting Drinking Water Test ResultsTest ResultsTest ResultsTest Results

Tests important toTests important to Tests for aesthetic Tests for aesthetic Other importantOther important

Coliform bacteriaColiform bacteria Saturation Index Saturation Index

Tests important to Tests important to health:health:

HardnessHardness

(taste,color,odor) (taste,color,odor) problems:problems:

Other important Other important indicator tests:indicator tests:

SodiumSodiumNitrateNitrateCopper Copper

AlkalinityAlkalinityConductivity Conductivity PotassiumPotassium

HardnessHardnessIronIronManganeseManganeseChl idChl idLeadLead

TriazineTriazineZincZincSulfateSulfate

ChlorideChloride

SulfateSulfateArsenicArsenic

RedRed = human= human--influenced,influenced, BlueBlue = naturally found= naturally found

LaboratoryResults:

LaboratoryResults:Laboratory Results:

Homeowners Package: Bacteria-Coliform Absent Hardness-Total 357 mg/l CaCO3

Laboratory Results:

Homeowners Package: Bacteria-Coliform Absent Hardness-Total 357 mg/l CaCO3 Hardness Total 357 mg/l CaCO3

Alkalinity 326 mg/l CaCO3 Conductivity 724 umhos/cm Homeowners Metal Package: Arsenic (VISTA-ICP) Less Than 0.005 mg/l (None Detected

Hardness Total 357 mg/l CaCO3 Alkalinity 326 mg/l CaCO3 Conductivity 724 umhos/cm Homeowners Metal Package: Arsenic (VISTA-ICP) Less Than 0.005 mg/l (None Detected

Conductivity 724 umhos/cm Homeowners Metal Package:

se c ( S C ) ess a 0 005 g/ ( o e etected Calcium 0.5 mg/l Copper (VISTA-ICP) 0.031 mg/l Iron (VISTA-ICP) 0.065 mg/l Lead (VISTA-ICP) 0.016 mg/l

se c ( S C ) ess a 0 005 g/ ( o e etected Calcium 0.5 mg/l Copper (VISTA-ICP) 0.031 mg/l Iron (VISTA-ICP) 0.065 mg/l Lead (VISTA-ICP) 0.016 mg/l Lead (VISTA-ICP) 0.016 mg/l Pesticides: Triazine Screen 0.2 ppb Pesticides: Triazine Screen 0.2 ppb Pesticides:

milligrams per liter (mg/l) = parts per million (ppm)

1 mg/l = 1000 parts per billion (ppb)1 mg/l 1000 parts per billion (ppb)

Coliform bacteriaColiform bacteriaColiform bacteriaColiform bacteriaColiform bacteria Coliform bacteria maymay indicate indicate the presence of more harmfulthe presence of more harmfulthe presence of more harmful the presence of more harmful bacteria with similar life cycles. bacteria with similar life cycles.

Harmful bacteria can causeHarmful bacteria can causeHarmful bacteria can cause Harmful bacteria can cause gastrointestinal disease, gastrointestinal disease, cholera, hepatitischolera, hepatitis

If any is present assume that the If any is present assume that the water is unsafewater is unsafe

Present =Unsafe

Sources:Sources:Live in soils and on vegetationLive in soils and on vegetationHuman and animal wasteHuman and animal waste

Absent = Safe

Human and animal wasteHuman and animal wasteSampling errorSampling error

E coli bacteriaE coli bacteriaE.coli bacteriaE.coli bacteriaType of bacteria found in the Type of bacteria found in the ypypintestines of warmintestines of warm--blooded blooded animals and their feces are animals and their feces are called E.coli.called E.coli.

E.coli are often present with E.coli are often present with harmful bacteria, viruses and harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause parasites that can cause serious gastrointestinal serious gastrointestinal illnesses.illnesses.

Any detectable level of E.coli Any detectable level of E.coli means your water is unsafe means your water is unsafe t d i kt d i kto drink.to drink.

What should I do if I have What should I do if I have Bacteria Problems?Bacteria Problems?

1.1. Use alternative source of water for drinkingUse alternative source of water for drinking2.2. Retest Retest 3 Try to identify any sanitary defects3 Try to identify any sanitary defects3. Try to identify any sanitary defects3. Try to identify any sanitary defects

Loose or nonLoose or non--existent well capexistent well capWell construction faultsWell construction faultsAbandoned wellAbandoned wellInadequate filtration by soilInadequate filtration by soil

4. Disinfect the well4. Disinfect the well5. Retest to ensure well is bacteria free.5. Retest to ensure well is bacteria free.5. Retest to ensure well is bacteria free. 5. Retest to ensure well is bacteria free.

For reoccurring bacteria problems it may be For reoccurring bacteria problems it may be necessary to look into drilling a new wellnecessary to look into drilling a new wellnecessary to look into drilling a new well.necessary to look into drilling a new well.

Rock and Soil ImpactsRock and Soil ImpactsRock and Soil Impacts Rock and Soil Impacts on Water Qualityon Water Quality

Tests for Aesthetic ProblemsTests for Aesthetic ProblemsTests for Aesthetic ProblemsTests for Aesthetic ProblemsHardnessHardness

Natural (rocks and soils)Natural (rocks and soils)Primarily calcium andPrimarily calcium andPrimarily calcium and Primarily calcium and magnesiummagnesium

200“HARD”

IDEAL?150

IDEAL?

Problems: scaling, scum, Problems: scaling, scum, use more detergent, use more detergent, decrease water heaterdecrease water heater

0

“SOFT”

decrease water heater decrease water heater efficiencyefficiency

Water SofteningWater SofteningWater SofteningWater SofteningWater softeners remove calcium Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium which causeand magnesium which causeand magnesium which cause and magnesium which cause scaling and exchange it for scaling and exchange it for sodium (or potassium).sodium (or potassium).

Negative: Increases sodium Negative: Increases sodium content of water. content of water. Suggestions:Suggestions:

Bypass your drinking water Bypass your drinking water faucet.faucet.Do not soften water for outdoor Do not soften water for outdoor faucets.faucets.faucets. faucets. If you are concerned about If you are concerned about sodium levels sodium levels –– use potassium use potassium chloride softener salt.chloride softener salt.

Tests for Overall Water QualityTests for Overall Water QualityTests for Overall Water QualityTests for Overall Water QualityAlkalinityAlkalinity –– ability to neutralize acidability to neutralize acidConductivityConductivity ––

Measure of total ionsMeasure of total ionscan be used to indicate presence of can be used to indicate presence of contaminants (~ twice the hardness)contaminants (~ twice the hardness)

pHpH –– Indicates water’s acidity and helps Indicates water’s acidity and helps determine if water will corrode plumbingdetermine if water will corrode plumbingp gp g

70 14Acidic Basic

Tests for Overall Water QualityTests for Overall Water QualitySaturation IndexSaturation Index

Tests for Overall Water QualityTests for Overall Water Quality

((--3)3) ((--1)1)((--2)2) (+2)(+2)(0)(0) (+1)(+1)(+0.5)(+0.5) (+3)(+3)

IdealIdeal SevereSevereSevereSevere ModerateModerate ModerateModerateSlightSlight SlightSlight

Corrosion occursCorrosion occurs Scaling occursScaling occurs

Land UseLand Use and Water Quality

Well pumping

water

Test Important to HealthTest Important to Health

Nitrate NitrogenNitrate Nitrogen

Test Important to HealthTest Important to Health

Nitrate NitrogenNitrate NitrogenGreater than 10 mg/L Greater than 10 mg/L Exceeds State and Federal Limits Exceeds State and Federal Limits for Drinking Waterfor Drinking Water

Between 2 and 10 mg/LBetween 2 and 10 mg/L10

UNSAFE

Between 2 and 10 mg/L Between 2 and 10 mg/L Some Human ImpactSome Human Impact

Less than 2.0 mg/L Less than 2.0 mg/L “T i i l”“T i i l” 2“Transitional” “Transitional”

Less than 0.2 mg/L Less than 0.2 mg/L “Natural”“Natural”

0

2

“NATURAL”NaturalNatural

NitrateNitrate--NitrogenNitrogen

Health Effects:Health Effects:M th l bi i (blM th l bi i (blMethemoglobinemia (blue Methemoglobinemia (blue baby disease)baby disease)Possible links to birth defects Possible links to birth defects

d i i (h dd i i (h dand miscarriages (humans and and miscarriages (humans and livestock)livestock)Indicator of other contaminantsIndicator of other contaminants

Sources:Sources:Agricultural fertilizerAgricultural fertilizerggLawn fertilizerLawn fertilizerSeptic systemsSeptic systemsAnimal wastesAnimal wastesAnimal wastesAnimal wastes

18 0

Nitrate Comparison

16.0

18.0

12.0

14.0

n (m

g/L)

8.0

10.0

N C

once

ntra

tion

1999 v. 20072004 v. 2007

4 0

6.0

2007

Nitr

ate-

2.0

4.0

0.00.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0

1999/2004 Nitrate-N Concentration (mg/L)

What can I do to reduce my What can I do to reduce my nitrate levels?nitrate levels?

Eliminate contamination source or reduce Eliminate contamination source or reduce nitrogen inputsnitrogen inputsnitrogen inputsnitrogen inputsChange well depth or relocate wellChange well depth or relocate wellCarry or buy waterCarry or buy waterCarry or buy waterCarry or buy waterWater treatment devicesWater treatment devices

Reverse osmosisReverse osmosisDi till tiDi till tiDistillationDistillationAnion exchangeAnion exchange

Tests for Aesthetic ProblemsTests for Aesthetic Problems

250 mg/lChlorideChloride

Greater than 250 mg/lGreater than 250 mg/l-- No direct effects on healthNo direct effects on health

250 mg/l

-- Salty tasteSalty taste-- Exceeds recommended levelExceeds recommended level

Greater than 10 mg/l may Greater than 10 mg/l may indicate human impactindicate human impactL th 10 /lL th 10 /lLess than 10 mg/lLess than 10 mg/l“Natural” in much of WI“Natural” in much of WI 10 mg/l

Tests for Aesthetic ProblemsTests for Aesthetic ProblemsTests for Aesthetic ProblemsTests for Aesthetic ProblemsIronIron

Natural (rocks and Natural (rocks and soils)soils)

IronIron

soils)soils)May benefit healthMay benefit healthRed and yellow stainsRed and yellow stainsyyon clothing, fixtureson clothing, fixtures

0 3 mg/LPotential for iron Potential for iron bacteriabacteria

Sli d il filSli d il fil

0.3 mg/L

0Slime, odor, oily filmSlime, odor, oily film 0

Test Important to HealthTest Important to HealthTest Important to HealthTest Important to HealthCopperCopper

Sources: Copper water pipesSources: Copper water pipesStandard: 1 3 mg/LStandard: 1 3 mg/L

pppp

Standard: 1.3 mg/LStandard: 1.3 mg/L

Health Effects:Health Effects:Some copper is needed for good Some copper is needed for good healthhealthToo much may cause problems:Too much may cause problems: 1.31.3

Unsafe

Too much may cause problems:Too much may cause problems:Stomach cramps, diarrhea,Stomach cramps, diarrhea,vomiting, nauseavomiting, nausea

00Formula intolerance in infantsFormula intolerance in infants 00

Test Important to HealthTest Important to HealthTest Important to HealthTest Important to HealthLeadLead

Sources: Lead solder joining Sources: Lead solder joining copper pipes (precopper pipes (pre--1985)1985) 0.0150.015

Unsafe

pp p p (ppp p p (p ))Standard: 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb)Standard: 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb)

H lth Eff tH lth Eff t 00Health Effects:Health Effects:Young children, infants and Young children, infants and unborn children are particularly unborn children are particularly

00

p yp yvulnerable.vulnerable.Lead may damage the brain, Lead may damage the brain, kidneys nervous system redkidneys nervous system redkidneys, nervous system, red kidneys, nervous system, red blood cells, reproductive system.blood cells, reproductive system.

Lead and CopperLead and CopperLead and CopperLead and Copper

Solutions:Solutions:Solutions:Solutions:Run water until cold before drinking.Run water until cold before drinking.Use a treatment deviceUse a treatment deviceUse a treatment device. Use a treatment device.

Test Important to HealthTest Important to HealthTest Important to HealthTest Important to HealthArsenicArsenic

Sources: Naturally occurring in Sources: Naturally occurring in mineral depositsmineral depositsStandard: 0 010 mg/L (10 ppb)Standard: 0 010 mg/L (10 ppb)Standard: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)Standard: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)

Health Effects:Health Effects:ffIncreased risk of skin cancers Increased risk of skin cancers

as well as lung, liver, bladder, as well as lung, liver, bladder, kidney, and colon cancers.kidney, and colon cancers.Ci l t di dCi l t di dCirculatory disordersCirculatory disordersStomach pain, nausea, diarrheaStomach pain, nausea, diarrheaUnusual skin pigmentation Unusual skin pigmentation p gp g

Tests Important to HealthTests Important to HealthTests Important to HealthTests Important to HealthTriazine ScreenTriazine Screen

Measures the levels of Measures the levels of triazine pesticides (atrazine, triazine pesticides (atrazine, simazine, propazine, simazine, propazine, cyanazine, etc)cyanazine, etc)Sources: Triazine pesticidesSources: Triazine pesticidesSources: Triazine pesticides Sources: Triazine pesticides (mainly atrazine used on (mainly atrazine used on corn crops)corn crops)Drinking water limit: Drinking water limit: 3 ppb3 ppb

A word about water treatment…A word about water treatment…

Test water at a certified labTest water at a certified lab

A word about water treatment…A word about water treatment…

Test water at a certified labTest water at a certified lab

Know the types and amounts of contaminants you Know the types and amounts of contaminants you need to removeneed to removeneed to removeneed to remove

Choose a device approvedChoose a device approvedby the Wisconsin Department by the Wisconsin Department f C ff C fof Commerce for the problems of Commerce for the problems

found in your waterfound in your water

Maintenance is necessary toMaintenance is necessary toMaintenance is necessary to Maintenance is necessary to ensure proper treatment.ensure proper treatment.

Next StepsNext StepsNext StepsNext Steps

Test well annually for bacteria or if waterTest well annually for bacteria or if waterTest well annually for bacteria, or if water Test well annually for bacteria, or if water changes color or clarity.changes color or clarity.If levels are elevated test again in 15If levels are elevated test again in 15If levels are elevated, test again in 15 If levels are elevated, test again in 15 months for nitrate.months for nitrate.

Next StepsNext StepsNext StepsNext Steps

Test for known or potential contaminantsTest for known or potential contaminantsTest for known or potential contaminants Test for known or potential contaminants in your neighborhoodin your neighborhood

Gasoline?Gasoline?Gasoline?Gasoline?Pesticides?Pesticides?Solvents?Solvents?Solvents?Solvents?

Check for known contamination sites in St.Croix County at:Check for known contamination sites in St.Croix County at:http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/gis/index.htmhttp://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/gis/index.htm

For more information:For more information:St C i C t h lSt C i C t h lSt. Croix County has long St. Croix County has long history of groundwater history of groundwater education.education.Past results are Past results are summarized in summarized in groundwater guidegroundwater guidegroundwater guide.groundwater guide.Maps display nearly Maps display nearly 2,100 results.2,100 results.

Can be found online at: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/stcroix/cnred/index.htmlCan be found online at: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/stcroix/cnred/index.html

Through the University of WisconsinThrough the University of Wisconsin Extension all Wisconsin people canExtension all Wisconsin people canThrough the University of WisconsinThrough the University of Wisconsin--Extension, all Wisconsin people can Extension, all Wisconsin people can access University resources and engage in lifelong learning, wherever they live access University resources and engage in lifelong learning, wherever they live

and work. and work.