Adams County Land and Water reports private‑well testing program results pending; Lake Alliance flags low water and local lake concerns

Adams County Land and Water staff reported that the department completed its 2025 private well testing program and sent samples to the UW‑Stevens Point water analysis laboratory. Staff said the program offered 50 well test kits per township (approximately 150 kits total for the three townships tested this year) and that results for nitrates, E. coli and chloroform are expected in about two to three weeks and will be sent directly to participating landowners; the department will publish an overview of results.

Colton, the department's presenter, said the free test kits come from the UWSP lab and cover the named suite of analytes; tests for other contaminants (for example, herbicides such as atrazine) are not part of the standard free kit. Committee members asked whether historical test results are maintained; staff and the director noted that Kevin Mazurek at the UWSP Water Lab maintains a database and maps and that the lab works with county departments to share aggregated results.

The Lake Alliance representative reported that most county lakes were below typical levels in May, that Eastern Lake is "not looking good," and that lake groups are addressing weed harvesting and harvester deployment. The alliance noted a presentation on biochar and pointed members to an information site; staff said they would follow up.

Lake groups discussed a proposal from an out‑of‑area vendor to place unattended kayak rental kiosks at public boat launches. Some local lake associations declined the idea over concerns about trash and lack of local management; other nearby lake districts reported the rental programs can work if locally managed.

Citizens raised concerns about the condition and maintenance of Patrick's Lake and asked whether stocking or additional water testing is planned. The committee noted Patrick's Lake is not part of the county Lake Association but recommended the county encourage outreach to districts and property owners to address maintenance concerns.

In discussion of soils and nutrient management, staff said farmers with nutrient management plans must submit soil samples at least once every four years and that thousands of acres in the county are subject to routine soil sampling and nutrient planning.

No vote or formal action was recorded on the testing program or lake items; staff will provide an overview of well‑testing results when lab reports return and said they will pass on suggestions about soil testing records and Patrick's Lake maintenance.