The Wood County UW-Extension and health departments have teamed up with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to offer Saratoga drinking water testing to Saratoga residents. Residents can choose between three different water testing packages.
The Homeowners Package ($49) tests bacteria, nitrate, chloride, hardness, alkalinity, pH, and corrosivity. This is a basic package that all homeowners should consider. Bacteria and nitrate are the two most important tests to perform regularly on your well. This package gives a good indication of overall water quality and sometimes indicates other potential water quality concerns.
The DACT Screen Package ($27) tests for components of atrazine type pesticides. Homeowners should consider this package if they are near agricultural fields where corn has been grown or if previous tests indicate high nitrate levels.
The Metals Package ($42) tests for arsenic, lead, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, potassium and sulfate. Homeowners should consider this package if they have never tested for arsenic or have plumbing with copper and/or lead pipes.
Homeowners can purchase all three packages for $110, a discount of $8.
For more information on testing your water through this educational program please contact Peter Manley, Wood County Extension Resource Agent at (715) 421-8440.
Protect Wood County & Its Neighbors 