The Douglas County Land and Water Resource Management Plan was developed to meet requirements in Chapter 92 of the Wisconsin Statutes.  The intent of the plan is to foster local water quality planning and increase public participation in natural resource management.  The plans are intended to provide counties, through their Land Conservation Committees, the tools, flexibility, and funding to be able to address both statewide goals as well as priorities identified at the local level.  The goals, objectives, and actions contained in the Douglas County plan were established in 2009 by a workgroup of volunteer citizens from throughout the county and will guide the work of the Land Conservation Committee and their staff through 2020. The Land and Water Resource Management Plan contains four goals; one of these goals addresses groundwater.   

Goal

Protect and understand groundwater quality to supply clean water for drinking and recharging surface waters and wetlands.

Objectives

1. A baseline inventory of drinking water quality is available in Douglas County.
2. Potential impacts to groundwater are minimized (road salt, herbicides, etc.).
3. Private wells are properly sealed and closed when not in use.
4. Manure storage systems follow standards to protect groundwater.

Activities

1. Develop and implement a home well sampling program – at a minimum test for nitrates and bacteria. Record the results in a data base and map in a Geographic Information System (GIS).
2. Provide cost sharing and technical assistance for well closures.
3. Provide technical assistance in the planning, design, and construction or closure of manure storage facilities.

Helpful Links

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Drinking Water
• UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education
• Douglas County Environmental Health