Marathon County reviews groundwater quality issues and testing strategies for residents

The Marathon County Executive Committee convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss critical updates to the county's water resources management plan, emphasizing the importance of water quality and safety for residents. A significant focus was placed on the findings from recent groundwater sampling, which revealed lead contamination in 15% of tested wells. However, follow-up investigations indicated that this contamination was primarily linked to household plumbing rather than widespread groundwater issues.

The committee highlighted the need for ongoing education about well testing, as many residents were unaware of the importance of regular water quality assessments. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and ensure safer drinking water. Additionally, the committee acknowledged the rising concern over nitrate contamination, with expectations that further sampling may reveal higher prevalence rates than initially reported.

Another pressing topic was the emerging issue of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which poses potential health risks. Committee members discussed the necessity of including PFAS monitoring in the water resources chapter and the challenges faced by private well owners in accessing affordable testing. Suggestions were made to explore funding options to assist residents in testing their wells for PFAS.

The overarching goal of the updated water resources plan is to protect and enhance the quality and quantity of both groundwater and surface water supplies. The committee outlined several objectives, including reducing agricultural runoff and managing lake resources to balance the needs of residents and local businesses.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the importance of a collaborative regional approach to water quality management, urging all stakeholders to work together to address these critical issues. The discussions from this meeting will play a vital role in shaping future policies aimed at safeguarding Marathon County's water resources for the health and safety of its residents.