Groundwater Coordinating Council Releases 2025 Report to the Legislature

MADISON, Wis. – The Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC) recently shared its recommendations for protecting and preserving the state’s vital groundwater resources in its 2025 annual report to the Wisconsin State Legislature.

The recommendations address the most prevalent and pressing groundwater issues in Wisconsin, such as:

• The continuous presence of PFAS in both public and private wells that pose a threat to public health and the environment.
• Nitrate contamination in both private and public wells – a long-standing concern that has impacted the state for five decades.
• The presence of pesticides in over 40% of private potable wells.
• An uneven distribution of water supplies.

“Our groundwater is a critical priority. This resource is essential to the well-being of our communities and environment; it must not be taken for granted,” said Joe Van Rossum, GCC Chair and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) environmental management deputy administrator. “By advancing the primary recommendations put forth by the GCC, we have an opportunity to further protect groundwater and create a healthy future for Wisconsinites.”

The GCC’s 2025 primary recommendations include:

• Addressing PFAS contamination in groundwater via updated standards under NR 809 and NR 140 and continued efforts to identify, monitor and research PFAS.
• Addressing nitrate contamination in groundwater by expanding monitoring efforts, expanding eligibility to the NR 123 Well Compensation Program, working alongside our farmers to promote groundwater sustainable practices and more.
• Tackling pesticide contamination in groundwater by updating and setting new standards for several pesticides and supporting strategies that minimize pesticide leaching.
• Finding solutions for water-stressed areas by working with public and private partners to identify sustainable water sources, identify water conservation strategies and develop a regional framework to help manage water withdrawals.

The full report, which contains details on the GCC recommendations, can be found on the Groundwater Coordinating Council Report to the Legislature webpage.

About The Groundwater Coordinating Council

Representatives from various Wisconsin state agencies, academic institutions and other stakeholder organizations make up the GCC. The GCC serves to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of entities involved in groundwater management. It advises and supports collaboration among state agencies, academic institutions and other organizations in coordinating non-regulatory programs, fostering collaboration and information sharing related to groundwater.

The GCC’s work ranges from agency budgeting for groundwater programs, groundwater monitoring and data management to public education, lab analysis and the appropriation and allocation of state funds for research.

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.