DNR Releases Annual Drinking Water Report
Agency, Partners Tackle Safe Drinking Water Challenges
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently published its 2021 Annual Drinking Water Report. The report features statewide efforts that help public water systems provide safe and adequate drinking water supplies despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
Once again, Wisconsin gets high marks, with 98% of the state’s public water systems providing water that meets safe drinking water standards.
“This annual report illustrates the commitment of the DNR and its partners to continue to provide safe drinking water for consumers while facing many challenges. Through collaboration, we treated nitrate contamination, replaced lead service lines and provided new water systems funding for small, underserved and disadvantaged communities,” said Steve Elmore, DNR Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater Program Director. “These significant accomplishments happened despite continued COVID-19 challenges.”
While DNR inspections and regular water monitoring are key to top-notch compliance results, dollars are important too. In late 2021, the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL) was passed and will help fund Wisconsin’s Safe Drinking Water Loan Program, lead service line replacement and efforts to address emerging contaminants, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.
In the meantime, Wisconsin moved ahead with innovative approaches to funding lead service line replacement – one of the most effective methods for preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Notably, in 2021, 60 communities benefited from $33.3 million in principal forgiveness funding for private lead service line replacement.
The Annual Drinking Water Reports are available on the DNR website or by calling 608-266-1054 to request a copy.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Lead Crisis
- Baldwin Delivers Over $83 Million to Replace Lead Pipes, Expand Access to Safe Drinking Water - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - May 2nd, 2024
- Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Milwaukee Designation as Workforce Hub - U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore - Apr 26th, 2024
- Biden Announces Milwaukee As New “Workforce Hub” For Lead Pipe Removal - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 25th, 2024
- Senator Baldwin Delivers Nearly $2 Million to Keep Wausau Families Safe from Lead Contamination - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Apr 12th, 2024
- IRS Rules that Homeowners Won’t Have to Pay Additional Taxes for Subsidized Replacement of Lead Pipes - Milwaukee Water Works - Feb 29th, 2024
- Milwaukee Makes It Far Easier To Replace Your Lead Service Line - Jeramey Jannene - Dec 18th, 2023
- Congresswoman Gwen Moore Praises Biden Administration Effort to Remove Lead Pipes in 10 Years - U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore - Nov 30th, 2023
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces Partnership with 10 Wisconsin Communities to Accelerate Lead Service Line Replacement as Part of Investing in America Agenda - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Nov 2nd, 2023
- Evers, DNR Announce $402 Million Funding to Improve Local Drinking Water - Henry Redman - Oct 24th, 2023
- How EPA’s Proposed Lead Dust Rules Would Impact Wisconsin - Farrah Anderson - Aug 30th, 2023
Read more about Lead Crisis here
More about the PFAS Problem
- PFAS in Foam Far Worse Than Water in Wisconsin’s Rivers, Lakes - Danielle Kaeding - Jul 10th, 2024
- Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds - Erik Gunn - Jun 6th, 2024
- Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes - Baylor Spears - May 15th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Sues Republican Legislators for Continued Obstruction of Investments Intended to Address Pressing Challenges Facing Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 13th, 2024
- Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds - Erik Gunn - May 8th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Again Calls Republican Lawmakers into Special Meeting to Urge Immediate Release of $140 Million to Fight PFAS Statewide, Respond to Hospital Closures in Western Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 6th, 2024
- The State of Politics: Voters Worried About PFAS in Water - Steven Walters - Apr 22nd, 2024
- EPA Slaps Two PFAS Chemicals With Superfund Law Designation - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 19th, 2024
- DNR Responds To EPA’s Designation Of PFOA And PFOS As Hazardous Substances - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Apr 19th, 2024
- Evers Won’t Rule Out Court Challenge to Force Release of PFAS Funds - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 16th, 2024
Read more about PFAS Problem here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
DNR To Host Public Meeting On Habitat Improvements Planned For Havenwoods State Forest
Aug 2nd, 2024 by Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesThe public meeting will discuss planned habitat improvements for Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee.
A map showing areas of PFA contamination would have been helpful. “A picture is worth 1000 words!”