Wisconsin Conservation Voters applauds introduction of bipartisan legislation to establish private well owners right to know

MADISON – Today, lawmakers introduced much-needed bipartisan legislation, LRB 4367, to establish private well owners’ right to know if their drinking water is contaminated. One-in-three Wisconsin families rely on private wells for drinking water, yet many still don’t know when their water is at risk.

“Wisconsinites have a right to know about pollution that may be impacting the health of their families,” said Government Affairs Manager Peter Burress. “This legislation is a common sense solution that will protect Wisconsin families. It’s unacceptable that so many Wisconsin families could be drinking water contaminated with PFAS, lead, and nitrates – chemicals tied to cancer and birth defects – without ever being told.”

“Thank you to Reps. Billings and Novak and Sen. James for introducing this bill and stepping up to protect our communities. Wisconsin Conservation Voters urges other legislators to co-sponsor this bill. The health of Wisconsinites simply can’t wait.”

The bill would require the DNR to notify county health departments, county land and water conservation departments, and Tribal health departments if they have identified nearby contamination. This would give them the tools they need to notify impacted people. This would allow those people to be able to take proactive steps to protect their families from drinking contaminated drinking water.

WCV will continue to prioritize this issue and ensure vulnerable populations have the tools and information they need to protect themselves. Our organizers will be going door-to-door to talk about the importance of this legislation while handing out water testing kits and encouraging private well owners to test their water. We will also continue to tell the stories of the people suffering from polluted water. See those stories here.

To speak with our experts on staff or get in touch with one of the storytellers impacted by this issue, contact Communications Director Ryan Billingham.

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.