Water near horse farm not contaminated, well testing encouraged

PLEASANT PRAIRIE (WITI) -- Wells are not contaminated from the horses buried on a Pleasant Prairie horse farm, according to the Department of Natural Resources and the Lake County and Kenosha County health departments.

Pleasant Prairie Public Works staff collected drinking water samples from two wells on the property, and DNR drinking water staff analyzed samples from a nearby stream. Both were found to be safe.

Although neighbors of the horse farm are not at risk, the Lake County and Kenosha County health departments, along with DNR drinking water staff, are encouraging residents to take this opportunity to test their wells for bacteria as part of their annual well testing regimen.

“Most private wells provide safe drinking water, but we do see an increase in well contamination problems after spring thaw, heavy rains, and in wells that are in poor condition,” said Zoe McManama, private water supply specialist for the DNR drinking water and groundwater program in southeast Wisconsin.

Private wells become contaminated with bacteria that are not filtered out as the water soaks into the ground. Surviving bacteria can find its way into the groundwater by moving through shallow fractured bedrock, quarries, sinkholes, inadequately grouted wells, or cracks in the well casing. Insects or small rodents can also carry bacteria into wells with inadequate caps or seals.

Residents can pick up water test kits at the Kenosha County Health Department located at 8600 Sheridan Road, or at the Lake County Health Department located at 1819 27th Street, Zion, Il. To learn more about what the DNR is doing to provide the public with safe drinking water go to: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/drinkingwater/

Related Stories: