Wisconsin geology and hydrogeology
Map Status Portal: Find published geological maps for your area through the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS).
The WGNHS website: Find webpages with topic overviews, find experts.
Publications Catalogue: Find data sets and reports that often accompany maps published by the WGNHS.
Wisconsin Groundwater Quality
WI Well Water Viewer: See water chemistry data from private wells across the state through the UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education.
Bureau for remediation and redevelopment tracking system (BRRTS): Find public information about reports of potential contamination, property with contamination, cleanup activities and redevelopment activities in Wisconsin, hosted through WI DNR.
Drinking water databases: Explore WI DNR water quality databases for public and private water systems.
Emerging contaminants
WI State Lab of Hygiene: Learn more about available lab resources and support through the WI State Lab of Hygiene.
PFAS:
PFAS results data viewer: Explore PFAS data in Wisconsin, and get support for interpreting PFAS data, through WI DNR.
Emerging contaminants outreach: Find information as well as education and outreach support through UW-Madison Division of Extension, Natural Resources Institute. Check back for an upcoming PFAS outreach toolkit for local health and conservation departments in 2026!
Wisconsin Department of Health Services PFAS webpage: Find information on health risks associated with PFAS and Wisconsin’s health guidelines.
PFAS Assessment Tool : Use Wisconsin Sea Grant’s tool to calculate a private well’s hazard index after they have been tested for PFAS by plugging in the PFAS lab results to receive recommendations.
ATSDR PFAS and Your Health webpage: Learn more on this CDC webpage about PFAS and Health for physicians and public health.
Talking to your healthcare provider about PFAS: Find CDC information on discussing PFAS exposure with your physician, with a downloadable fact sheet available.
DNR labs certified to test for PFAS: labs in and around Wisconsin certified to test for PFAS at EPA standards.
Neonicotinoids:
DATCP Surface and Groundwater Monitoring: Explore the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection webpage for groundwater monitoring programs. They will occasionally test private wells for neonicotinoids if they relate to ongoing research projects.
DATCP Pesticide Reports from 2008-2016: See DATCP’s monitoring data for neonicotinoids from 2008-2016 (published 2019).
USGS Estimated Neonicotinoid Usage database: See maps of the estimated amounts of neonicotinoids being applied in the United States.
Risk communication
Drinking water Risk communication Toolkit: Explore and use this toolkit developed by the Minnesota Department of Health for small and large water systems to support risk communication efforts.
Message Mapping Guide: Use this tool developed by the CDC to develop audience-centered communications.
Groundwater model information and support
UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education: Learn more and find support on a range of water-related issues including water-testing resources and groundwater education.
Groundwater model supplies: See this website for ordering models, parts, and extra supplies as well as for troubleshooting support.
Groundwater model workshop webpage: Find information about caring for your groundwater model, teaching materials, and education materials from the workshop.
Well owner support
Be Well Informed: This website allows individuals to make sense of their private well water laboratory results and access recommendations for next steps based on current state water quality guidelines and standards. Emerging contaminants are NOT included, please see the PFAS Assessment Tool (above) for assistance in interpreting PFAS lab reports and next steps.
WI Water WELLness Guide: Use this free, self-paced guide specifically designed for private well owners in Wisconsin to become their own “Water Utility Manager”. It reviews topics ranging from Wisconsin geology and aquifers to the details of private well construction and water quality contaminants. Information on well water testing, such as where to test, what to test for, and how to interpret results is also included. Information on emerging contaminants is also included.
Well Records Search tool: Use this database to access well construction reports in your area.
WI DNR “What’s wrong with my water?” webpage: This webpage helps private well owners narrow down what may be wrong with their well water based on observable systems, however it is not a replacement for a water test!
WI DHS Drinking Water: Private Well Webpage: This webpage contains information about health and safety for private wells and fact sheets for contaminants.
WI DHS Private Well Filtration Fact Sheet: Use this fact sheet for a quick breakdown of what kind of treatment devices are effective for what contaminants in a private well.
Still have questions? Contact us!
Cayla Cavey, Center for Watershed Science and Education Outreach Specialist, cayla.cavey@uwsp.edu
AJ Jeninga-Nehls, Emerging Contaminants Outreach Specialist, anya.jeninga@wisc.edu
Jordan Murray, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Groundwater Toxicologist, jordan.murray@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Kaylie Mason, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Site Evaluation Program Public Health Educator, kaylie.mason@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Mel Reusche, WGNHS Outreach Specialist, mel.reusche@wisc.edu
See our WGNHS water experts!