Savannah Bergman speaks on well water testing service for rural residents at Feb. 6 Wilson town board meeting

The Town of Wilson’s monthly board meeting began Monday night, February 6th, to an empty town hall. The falling rain may have chased away the regular crowd but when Chairman Daniel Meyer called the meeting to order at 7pm, it was business as usual. Savannah Bergman from the Eau Claire County Health Department was in attendance to discuss a well water testing drop off service for rural residents. The county received a grant to handle the transportation for a courier pickup service. From March 1st through April 30th, the Eau Claire Health Department is offering a free drop off service for well water test samples. The testing samples would be supplied along with ice packs at no cost. While the test samples are free, water testing fees still apply and will depend on the type of test requested for the sample. The basic test, including testing for bacteria and nitrates, is $46, while more extensive testing would price higher. Once the samples are tested, the Health Department will mail a bill for the testing fees and the results can be emailed or mailed as well. If results are determined to be unsafe, the Health Department can recommend treatment and other options. The Wisconsin DNR does offer potential financial assistance for treatment for those with unsafe levels. Private wells are not regulated so they are not required to be tested but it is recommended that private well owners test their water annually for bacteria and nitrates. Robin Richardson, treasurer, voiced her concerns over the public nature of the test results. Bergman explained, “It is public record because it is through the health department, but it is not something that is requested by the DNR.” Richardson also wondered how testing would affect future home sales for residents who tested their water prior to selling their home. Bergman clarified that the results of the water testing are only shared with whomever sent it in but that the results are public record to anyone who enquires. “Because it’s private water, it’s not regulated by any entity any requirements. It’s only homeowner’s knowledge and there is no enforcement to call to us,” Bergman went on. Residents can pick up the samples on April 4th and then return them to Wilson Town Hall. The drop off date is still being determined. Residents can drop the samples off at any of the other partnering locations if they choose. The other drop off locations are: Augusta Library (Tuesdays, 9am-7pm), Beaver Creek Reserve (Sundays, 12pm-4pm), Fairchild Library (Tuesdays, 10:30am-5pm), and Fall Creek Library (Tuesdays, 10am-6pm.)

Moving on, Ed Shilts expressed, “No complaints,” when asked about the issue of roads in the township but the matter of the bridges inspections was brought up as the deterioration of the bridges are at the threshold for federal funding. A new program for garbage collection is set to be discussed in the future as an extra dumpster is going to be needed soon. The meeting adjourned with next month’s meeting set to March 14th and back to its regular Tuesday night.