Pierce County Launches Community Well Water Quality Monitoring Network

September 15, 2025

Our Land Conservation and Public Health Departments, in partnership with the UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab, are launching the Community Well Water Quality Monitoring Network.

This 5-year program will test 350 wells around Pierce County for nitrate-nitrogen, chloride, pH, hardness, conductivity and alkalinity at no cost to participants. This program was granted funding by the Pierce County Board of Supervisors in response to the recommendations of the Groundwater Ad Hoc Committee to better the community's understanding of how local groundwater quality changes over time.

The County is currently reaching out to the first wave of eligible wells via mail and are asking for a response with the included postcard. By agreeing to participate, well owners will sample their well each year in the fall and ship their sample to the lab with a prepaid mailer. No personal information is collected or shared.

Please note, only 350 wells in Pierce County will be enrolled in the program and they are contacting preselected wells with appropriate location and geology that is representative of the greater county. The Town of Martell encourages any residents chosen for well-water testing to participate. Regardless of opting in or out, a postcard response is greatly appreciated.

As always, more information about Pierce County’s groundwater can be found on their website, including a list of certified drinking water labs for those that are not selected but still interested in a water test:

https://www.co.pierce.wi.us/departments/land_conservation/groundwater.php

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. The County is looking forward to learning more about our local groundwater and appreciate your help in this endeavor!