Country Living Articles:
4. "Buying or Living in the Country: Have You Thought About...the Water Supply?"
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4. "Buying or Living in the Country: Have You Thought About...the Water Supply?" |
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By Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development Council and David C. Such, University of Wisconsin - Extension |
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Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles focusing on country living and information that should be considered by those thinking about rural residency. Rural residents must get their own water supply. Fortunately, rural residents in Wisconsin can almost always find a groundwater source. Drilling and maintaining a well is an additional expense of rural living. The water obtained from wells comes from crevices within the bedrock or pores within the subsoil. An area of soil and rock which holds groundwater is called an ‘aquifer’ and the top of that saturated zone is known as the water table. Groundwater does not move in underground rivers; water taken from the typical rural well probably entered the ground within a few miles of the well. An average of 30 inches of precipitation falls in Wisconsin each year. In hilly or rocky areas, only a small portion infiltrates to the groundwater. In flat sand areas as much as 10 inches of precipitation may percolate to the water table. Houses on hills generally need deeper wells than those on flat terrain. A common assumption is that well water is free from contaminants. Rural landowners should not make that assumption as groundwater can become contaminated in many ways. If human or animal wastes contaminate an aquifer, well water can transmit diseases.. Contamination can occur if the wastes enter the groundwater or well without adequate filtration. Wells in fractured bedrock or shallow limestone are especially susceptible to contamination. Nitrate is another commonly occurring contaminant in Wisconsin groundwater. Nitrates are very soluble chemicals that originate from septic tanks, manure, or chemical fertilizers. At concentrations above ten parts per million, they are considered dangerous for infants under six months of age. Water drawn from aquifers associated with wetlands may contain hydrogen sulfide, which causes a rotten egg odor. Leakage from underground fuel tanks or barnyard pollution can result in water that smells bad and is unhealthy. Other common groundwater problems include iron and hardness. Iron is a naturally occurring mineral that stains fixtures and clothes if the groundwater is acidic or low in dissolved oxygen. Hardness, caused by calcium and magnesium carbonate minerals such as limestone, clogs pipes and reduces the efficiency of soap and detergent. In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources sets well construction standards. Well drillers are responsible for permits and compliance with the standards. There are some basic points which must be understood to ensure a safe water supply. Wells should be located as far as practical and up gradient from potential sources of contamination such as septic systems, barnyards, fuel storage tanks and fertilizer storage areas. The bottom of the well should penetrate at least 20 feet into the water table to minimize contamination by local sources. Shallow wells draw water from nearby areas while water from deep wells originates farther away. Therefore, if a contamination source is closer to the well, a deeper well generally yields better water. However, if it is suspected the contamination source is some distance up gradient, better water may be obtained from a shallow well. Most offers to purchase rural real estate with wells are made contingent on a safe well water test. However, it should not be the only time the well water is tested. Water should be tested whenever a well is newly constructed or repaired or a well that has not been used for a long time is activated. A well should be tested when there is a change in taste, odor or color; when a neighboring well is found to be unsafe; if there is a chemical spill or accident nearby; if flooding has covered the well head or there have been significant changes in nearby land uses. Also, test if family members or guests have recurrent stomach illnesses or disorders or if a new baby or expectant mother is present. Understanding the water supply associated with rural property is an important consideration for landowners. While there are undoubtedly many more questions about living or buying in the country, seeking answers and information on the topics already discussed should provide a foundation of information upon which intelligent decisions can be based. To assist in finding answers and/or for more information, contact Greg Hines, Coordinator, Glacierland RC&D, 3086 Voyager Drive, Suite 1, Green Bay, WI 54311. Telephone 920/465-3006. Fax 920/465-3010. Email: greg.hines@wi.usda.gov Revised 11.03 |
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