A Homeowner’s Guide

Better Homes

and Groundwater

Groundwater Friendly Techniques for Use at Home and Work

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in itsemployment, programs, services, and functions under an Affirmative Action Plan.If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department ofInterior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

This publication is available in alternative format (large print, Braille, audiotape etc.)upon request. Please call 608/266-0821 for more information.

and Groundwater

Better Homes

IndexWhy Read this Booklet? .......................................................... 3

What Can I Do? ........................................................................ 4

Protect Water Quality - Stop pollution before it startsIn the Home ........................................................................... 5

In the Yard and Garden .......................................................... 10

Replenish Water Supplies - Slow it down and soak it up .......... 14

Conserve Water - Use water wisely and efficiently ..................... 16

Care for Your Well and Septic System ................................. 18

Originally published by the Stevens Point-Whiting-Plover Wellhead Protection Project.Edited and reproduced with permission by the Wisconsin Department of NaturalResources. Revised and expanded in 2004 with assistance from the EducationSubcommittee of the Groundwater Coordinating Council.

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1,4

00ga

llons of water to produce!

About 1.2 quadrillion gallonsof water lie underground inWisconsin, enough water tocover the state to a depth of90-100 feet.

Every day, Wisconsiniteswithdraw about 800 milliongallons of groundwater fromprivate and municipal wells.

The average person uses 63gallons of water a day.

Industries and commercialbusinesses draw over 106million gallons ofgroundwater each day fromtheir own wells and use

Wisconsin Groundwater Factsabout 150 million gallonsmore provided by municipalwater systems.

A dairy cow producing 100pounds of milk each dayslurps 45 gallons of water towet her whistle; there aremore than 1.2 million dairycows in Wisconsin.

A meal of a quarter-poundhamburger, fries and a sodatakes 1,400 gallons of waterto produce; a gallon of gasfor your car requires sixgallons of water.

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Why Read this Booklet?

Wells in some parts of thestate are plagued by naturallyoccurring arsenic, madeworse in part by decliningwater tables.

Over a third of private wellsare estimated to have detect-able levels of pesticides or apesticide breakdown product.

A recent survey of 350Wisconsin domestic wellsfound that 14% exceeded thenitrate drinking water standardof 10 parts per million.

Viruses, antibiotics, andpersonal care products arebeing detected in watersupplies, often with littleinformation about thepotential health effects.

Some communities are facingwater shortages due to declin-ing water tables, increaseddemand, or poor water quality.

Stagnant waters, dried upsprings, and reduced flows introut streams have resultedfrom declining groundwaterinputs and levels in some areas.

Dealing with these problems “afterthe fact” can be expensive ortechnically difficult. Treatment ofdrinking water adds considerablecosts to a local water utility, asdoes adding more infrastructure tomeet rising demands. Someimpacts are irreversible. Forexample, restoring a spring maybe impossible after all of thegroundwater recharge areas havebeen paved over or altered byhuman development.

The best way to prevent these problems is to protect groundwaterfrom being contaminated or used up in the first place! This bookletgives you practical ideas for actions that you can take to protectand conserve groundwater where you live and work.

Wisconsin is a water rich state, with high quality lakes, streams, andabundant groundwater. However, many people in Wisconsin areconcerned about the quality and source of their drinking water, as well asthe status of their favorite stream, spring, or lake. It’s no wonder why:

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What Can I Do?Groundwater protection is not just a concern for farmers, water systemoperators, or private well owners. We all have a stake in protecting theamount and quality of our water. Many people are already trying to be“groundwater smart” - this booklet offers ideas to help you do the bestjob possible.

Most ideas described here fallunder one of three categories:

Protect water quality bypreventing harmful sub-stances from enteringgroundwater or surface water

Replenish water suppliesby keeping water local -letting it soak in where it falls

Conserve water by usingwater wisely - consciouslyand efficiently

As a homeowner, you will find thatgroundwater protection is not onlythe right thing to do – it’s alsoeasy and economical. In addition,you’ll protect your family fromaccidental poisoning and exposureto hazardous chemicals; you’llimprove habitat for birds and otherwildlife; and your home will bemore attractive, safer and easier totake care of.

Interested?Read this booklet and keep it as a handy reference. Try some of the ideasand call some of the phone numbers or look up the websites for moreinformation. Then have a glass of cool, fresh water and take pride in thefact that you’re helping to make better homes and groundwater.

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Protect Water Quality in the Home

Stop Pollution Before It StartsSome household products, like drain cleaners, are very poisonous. Many,like laundry stain removers and floor cleaners contain substances classifiedas priority pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Septic systems and wastewater treatment plants can’t detoxify all of thechemical compounds found in these products and, consequently, someend up in groundwater and surface waters. Here are some ideas tohelp you reduce chemical use and protect water quality.

Storage: Store chemicalsover a concrete floor awayfrom your well and furnaceand out of the reach ofchildren. If you have abasement well, don’t storechemicals in the basement.

Disposal: Many counties andmunicipalities hold cleansweep programs to collectunused chemicals and otherhazardous products. Neverpour gasoline, oil, paint, orother chemicals onto theground or into stormsewers. See the “Garbageand Waste Disposal”section on the next pagefor more details.

Shopping:Protect

ConserveReplenish

Buy only what you plan to use within one year. This reduces fire hazards and groundwater contamination risk. It also assures that you will have fresh products to use. Some products (like pesticides) deteriorate with age. Others (like brake fluid) absorb moisture from the air. Still others (like latex paint) should not be allowed to freeze.

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- Recycle

- Flush with lots of water in sanitarysewer (not septic system or storm drain)

C - Save for household hazwastecollection

- Dispose of dried solids in the trash

X - Exchange for reuse (if your commu-nity has a waste exchange program)

Household ItemsArtist and hobby paint ................... CCleaner w/ammonia* ...................Cleaner w/ bleach* ......................Disinfectants** .............................Drain & toilet cleaners** ...............Floor/wax stripper*** .................... CHousehold batteries** .............. CMetal cleaners .............................. CMothballs ..................................... COven cleaners** ...................... C Polish & spot remover** .......... C Polish w/solvents*** ...................... CThermometers (mercury) ............... C

Home ImprovementAdhesives, glues w/solvents*** ....... CConcrete cleaner (acid) .............. C XFurniture stripper .......................... CGlaze, spackle ........................... Glue (water based) ..................... Latex paint ............................ XOil-based paint ......................... C XPaint remover ............................... CPaint thinner ............................ C XPutty, grout, caulk ..................... Stain, varnish, lacquer ................... CTurpentine ............................... C XWood preservatives ....................... C

Yard & GardenDriveway sealer ........................ C XEmpty containers ....................... Fertilizer w/weed killer .................. CFertilizer (no weed killer) ................ XInsect or bug killer ........................ CLighter fluid .................................. C

More Yard & GardenPool chemicals ............................. CRat/rodent poison ........................ CWeed killer ................................... C

AutomotiveAntifreeze .............................. CAuto batteries .............................Brake fluid .................................... CCarburetor cleaner ........................ CDegreasers ................................... CGasoline, fuels .............................. CTransmission fluid ......................... CUsed motor oil ...........................Windshield ..................................

* Never mix products containingammonia with those containingbleach.

** Some, but not all, of these productsneed to be saved for collection. Readlabels and call your local official fordisposal advise.

*** Solvent-containing products have thewords “Flammable”, “Combustible” or“contains petroleum distillates” on thelabels. Also, products with acetone,xylene, and methylene chloride shouldbe saved for collection.

Adapted from Waukesha County’s HHWDisposal Guide by the Wisconsin WasteReduction Coalition and DNR PUB-SW-738 95.

RECYCLE

Garbage and Waste Disposal

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Groundwater-Smart Household ProductsFollowing is a list of alternatives to chemical-based household productsand common cleaning problems that are effective and safe:

Abrasive cleanser: Mix salt,baking soda and water into a paste.

Bleach: Substitute borax.

Brass cleaner: Mix equal partsflour and salt into a little vinegar.

Carpets: Sprinkle borax andvacuum. For stains, rub borax intodampened area, let dry, vacuum.

Deodorizers: Buyhouseplants, usepotpourri, candles,cedar shavings(available in pet shops).

Disinfectants: Mix 1/2 cup boraxplus 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol in 1gallon hot water. Do not mixbleach and ammonia.

Drains: Pour 1/4 cup baking sodadown drain, follow with 1/2 cupvinegar. When fizzing stops, flushwith boiling water.

Fabric softener: Add 1/2 cupbaking soda to final rinse.

Flea collar: Substitute brewer’syeast in pet’s diet.

Floors and tile: Mix2 tablespoons borax plus2 tablespoons dish detergent in1 gallon hot water.

Furniture polish: Mix1 ounce lemon juice plus twoounces mineral oil. Toothpasteremoves water stains.

Hand cleanser: To clean paintand grease off ofhands, rub themwith baby oil or

margarine. Wipedry on paper towel,

then wash with soap and water.

Insects on house plants: Pick offand use mild, diluted dish soap orinsecticidal soap available fromgarden supply stores.

Laundry pre-soak: Soak spot with1/4 cup borax in two cups coldwater before washing. For greasystains, rub with corn meal andwater or baby oil, rinse with lemonjuice, then wash. Soak perspirationstains with one cup of whitevinegar in one gallon of water.

Laundry stains: Use club soda toremove fresh blood stains andchocolate stains. Rub buttermilkinto grass stains – wash as normal.

Moth repellant: Use cedarshavings, lavender.

Oven cleaners: Dampen grimyspots and sprinkle with salt whileoven is still warm. Scrape afteroven cools. Greasy spots can bescrubbed with straight vinegar or apaste of baking soda and water.

Pet stain remover: Rub with1/4 cup dish detergent in 1/4 cup

vinegar. Blotdry, rinsewith water.

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Absorbant: Always keepabsorbant on hand to clean upspills and drips. “Store bought”absorbant works fine, or use catlitter, sawdust or Portland ce-ment. Dispose of used absorbantin a plastic bag in the trash.

Antifreeze: Can be re-usedindefinitely! If dirty, strainthrough a piece of nylon mesh ina funnel and put back in radiator.

Dirty or old gasoline:Filter through a paper coffeefilter and mix with fresh gas(5 parts fresh: 1 part old).If old gas contains water,add 3 tablespoons “dry gas”per gallon gas.

Oil filters: Drainthoroughly, wrap innewspaper, placein plastic bag anddispose in garbage. Somemunicipalities have waste oilsand filter disposal stations.

Oil: A gallon of used oil cancontaminate up to one milliongallons of drinking water. Whenchanging the oil or other fluids ,collect the fluids in leak-proofcontainers and take them to aservice station orrecycling center.

Paint: Use lead-free paint thatdoesn’t contain mercury ormercuric compounds. Latex orwater-based paints are saferthan oil-based. If you have extrapaint after a project, share witha neighbor, church orcommunity group.

Paint stripper: Use a heat gunrather than chemical strippers.Always follow the instructionswhen using any paint strippingmethod.

Sidewalk de-icer: Use sand orcat litter to provide traction onan otherwise icy sidewalk.

Tips for the Workshop or Garage:

Silver polish: Soak in baking sodaand buttermilk, brush withtoothpaste or boil for 3 minutes inone cup water, one teaspoonbaking soda, one teaspoon saltand a piece of aluminum foil.Rinse well in water and dry with asoft cloth.

Toilets: Use borax and atoilet brush.

Windows: Mixtwo tablespoonssudsy ammoniaplus 3 drops dishdetergent in1 quart water.Or use dilutedwhite vinegar ina spray bottle.

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Fuel Storage Tanks

Leaking fuel storage tanks can be asource of groundwater problemsfor you and your neighbors.Petroleum-based fuels contain toxiccompounds that are thought tocause cancer and pose other healthrisks. Very small amounts of thesecompounds in drinking water maynot produce noticeable tastes orsmells, but can have serious effectsif ingested over many years. Largespills and overfills can alsocontaminate nearby surface waters.Proper installation, maintenance,and use of fuel storage tanks canminimize problems.

All tanks: Installation, removal orupgrading of any tank must be doneby a state-certified contractor.

Buried tanks: If the tank is notessential, hire a state certifiedcontractor to remove it. If youneed to keep the tank, register itwith the state of Wisconsin andcheck it regularly for leaks.

Above ground tanks: These tanksdon’t need to be registered. Con-sider installing a diked concrete pador less expensive plastic contain-ment system under your tank tocatch spills and overfills.

Basement tanks: Seal all holes inthe basement floor to preventgroundwater contamination incase of leak or accidental overfill.

Leaking tanks: All spills shouldbe immediatelyreported using the24-hour toll freehotline(1-800-943-0003).However, if you

discover a discharge throughanalysis of soil or water, use theHazardous Substance Release FaxNotification Form available fromyour DNR regional office or theDNR website.

Department of Commercewebsite: commerce.wi.gov(click on Petroleumand Tanks) or call608-266-7874.

See UW Extensionpublication GWQ030, Farmand Residential PetroleumStorage Tanks, availablethrough your countyUW-Extension office.

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FertilizersFertilizer usually contains nitrogen,phosphorus (as P2O5) andpotassium (as K2O). The numberson a fertilizer bag indicate thepercentages of these three plantnutrients. For example, a fertilizerlabeled 10-1-4 contains 10%nitrogen, 1% P2O5 and 4% K2O.Nitrogen is the most importantlawn nutrient but it cancontaminate groundwater withnitrate. Phosphorus cancontaminate rivers, lakes andponds, causing excessive weed andalgae growth. In many casesphosphorus levels in soils are morethan sufficient to sustain a healthylawn, and additional phosphorus isnot needed. Chloride, which isoften used in fertilizer formulations,can also contaminate groundwater.

If you think that your yard is indire need of fertilizer, followthese steps:

Have your soil tested bybringing it to your CountyExtension Office.

Choose a fertilizer high inWater Insoluble Nitrogen(WIN). WIN is released slowlyand helps prevent “lawn burn”and groundwater contamina-tion. WIN fertilizers cost more,but they’re worth it.

If your soil test calls forpotassium, apply it with yourfall fertilization. Fall fertilizingpromotes deep & healthyroots. Use a fertilizer withhigh potassium content.

Unless your soil is deficientin phosphorus, ask for afertilizer with zero for themiddle number.

Watering: If you mustwater your lawn:

Water once a week,but skip a wateringif it rains.

Do not applymore than 1 inch of water at atime (use a rain gauge or panto measure).

Water early in the morning orat night to minimize evapora-tion and help reduce highdemand for water duringdaytime.

New lawns need lighter, morefrequent watering, Also besure to maintain a mulch layerof marsh hay or some othermaterial to minimize erosion,and to hold in soil moisture.

Plumbing code allowsrecycling of graywater andstorage and use of rainwaterfor irrigation. Some usefulnutrients are available in

Protect Water Qualityin the Yard and Garden

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treated graywater. Talk toyour licensed plumber formore information.

Mowing: Mowing too shortstresses the lawn and promotesweed growth by allowing sunlightto reach weed seedlings.

Set your mower blades at 3inches above the ground tosupport longer root growthand protect against drought orblade damage.

Mow your lawn before thegrass gets 4 inches tall.

Leave your clippings on thelawn. They fertilize the soil.

Use a mulching mower whichproduces clippings thatdecompose faster and helpfertilize the lawn.

Sharpen your mower bladeswhen dull, at least onceeach year.

Weed control:Control weeds byfollowing goodmowing, wateringand fertilizingpractices. If youmust use chemicals, sprayindividual weeds rather thanapplying a fertilizer/herbicideblend to the entire lawn.

Dandelions: Dig them out.Digging 4 – 5 inches ofthe root will kill mostdandelions. You mayhave to dig some asecond or third time.

Crabgrass: Keep your lawn tall -at least 3 inches - to shade outcrabgrass. Apply crabgrass killeronly if you have a noticeablecrabgrass problem. Also, don’tapply fertilizer in July and August– this tends to grow crabgrassbetter than it does lawn.

Natural weed killerTry this safe, easy and effective way to get rid of your weeds.

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon baby shampoo

1tablespoon of gin

1 quart of warm water.

Combine all of these ingredients into a bucket andthen pour into a hand held sprayer. Drench the weeds tothe point of run-off.

Source:Green Grass Magic, Jerry Baker.

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Dormant lawns: Another optionis to give your lawn a rest thissummer. Don’t fertilize your lawnat all, let the grass grow 3-4 inchestall and don’t water. You lawn willturn brown temporarily, but it willgreen up again in Septemberwhen the rains come again.CAUTION: for sensitive grassvarieties or lawns with weak rootsystems, this can be fatal. Try thison a small area first to see how itworks for your lawn. Also you maywant to over-seed with a lesssensitive grass variety.

Gardens:Have your soiltested atyour CountyExtensionOffice.

Use compost, well-rottedmanure or peat moss toincrease organic matter inyour soil. Locate your compostpile away from your well.

Use mulch to reduce waterneeds and weed growth.

Plant cereal rye or annualryegrass in the fall and roto-tillit into the soil in the spring.This adds organic matter toyour soil and the grass rootsabsorb nitrate in late fall andearly spring, keeping it fromcontaminating groundwater.

Don’t spray justbecause you seeinsects eatingyour plants.Insecticides kill goodbugs as well as pests.Identify the problem insect.Wait and see if it gets worse –good insects like ladybirdbeetles might keep theproblem under control. First,pick them off by hand; if youdecide you must spray, use aproduct that says on the labelthat it is approved for yourcrop and will kill the insect inquestion. Consider usinginsecticidal soaps andmicrobial sprays.

If you decide to spray,read and follow all labeldirections exactly.

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Groundcovers Shrubs Flowers

ShadeFerns ❊ Gray Dogwood ❊ Columbine ❊Mayapple ❊ American Cranberrybush ❊ Bluebells ❊Wild Geranium ❊ Blackhaw Viburnum ❊ Trillium ❊Virginia Creeper ❊ Hazelnut ❊ Wild Geranium ❊Violets ❊ Winterberry ❊ Wood Lily ❊Hostas Skyblue Aster ❊Lamium Shooting Star ❊▼Sweet Woodruff Anemone

SunBochre Fern ❊ Potentilla ❊ New England Aster ❊Bearberry ❊▼ Virginia Rose ❊ Coreopsis ❊Wineleaf Cinquefoil ❊ Nine Basket Cone flowersCreeping Juniper ❊ Red Twig Dogwood ❊ PenstemonSweet Woodruff Grey Dogwood Mountain mint

Butterfly Weed ❊▼Lupine ❊▼Pasque Flower ❊▼IrisLiliesAnemone

❊ Wisconsin native

▼ hard to establish

1) Your CountyExtension Office

2) Your LocalGardening Center

3) Order “Yard Careand the Environment”series from your CountyExtension office.

Lawn alternatives: Manyhomeowners are finding that abeautiful yard is not necessarilydominated by a carpet of grass. Tryreplacing parts of your lawn withlow maintenance groundcovers,shrubs and perennial flowers thatrequire little or no fertilizer andwater. Most native plants donot need fertilizer.

Natural plantings and gardenscan often be less work and providea more beautiful setting to look atand enjoy.

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Replenish Water SuppliesSlow It Down and Soak It UpDuring a moderate rainfall, hundreds of gallons of water run off a typicalresidential roof and into the gutters, often discharging to the driveway,and eventually the street. Other impervious surfaces, such as sidewalks,patios, and hard packed lawns also prevent water from soaking into theground. As it flows along the ground, storm water picks up contaminantssuch as fertilizers, pesticides, automotive fluids, pet waste, grass clippings,dirt and debris. Most people don’t realize that in most parts of the state,stormwater is not treated - it carries pollutants straight into the nearestwaterway. Some simple practices can help capture and filter rain waterback into the ground, thus stopping the water’s rush to the storm sewersand on to contaminate our lakes and streams.

Redirect storm water: Channelwater flow to areas where waterwill remain long enough to filterinto the soil. Move downspouts sothey discharge away from pavedareas and foundations, towardrelatively flat, grassy or well-vegetated areas.

Collect and re-use rainwater:Another way to reduce runoff andease the strain on groundwatersupplies is to use rain water forwashing cars or watering lawnsand gardens. Alternatives rangefrom simple rain barrels to moresophisticated water recyclingsystems that allow you to re-userainwater inside the house for non-potable uses.

Keep paved areas to aminimum: Consider using porousmaterials that let water movethrough cracks into the soil insteadof concrete or asphalt for patios,paths, driveways, etc. Someexamples are bricks or latticeblocks loosely set in sand, steppingstones, gravel or wood chips.

Construct a“Rain Garden”:Designed tocapture and filterrainwater backinto the ground,rain gardens areshallow depres-sions located neardownspouts thatcontain plantssuitable for saturated conditionsand root systems that aid in waterinfiltration. There are severalexcellent publications and websitesavailable with much detail. Hereare a few tips to get you started:

Test your soil. Different soiltypes help dictate the size ofthe rain garden you need andwhether the soil is permeableenough to allow rainwater toinfiltrate.

The size of your roof or otherimpervious surface, such as adriveway, sidewalk, or patio,matters when deciding the

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size of the rain garden. Yourrain garden should equal 25-30 percent of the area of theimpervious surface, dependingupon the soil type. Sizes varyfrom 100 square feet to 300square feet and range from 3to 8 inches deep. A raingarden of 200 square feet and3 inches deep is capable ofholding 400 gallons of waterat a time.

Make sure the rain gardenoverflow is channeled to youryard’s existing drainage andaway from your home. A raingarden should be at least 10feet away from the foundationof your home with your downspout aimed to the garden.

Call Digger’s Hotline beforedigging (1-800-242-8511).Also check for privatelyinstalled wiring for lights,signs, etc.

Use native plants. Check withnurseries to find nativewildflowers, grasses orgroundcovers, and shrubs thatare suitable for rain gardens.Once established, native plantsneed no watering or fertilizerand are already acclimated tothe extremes of local weather.Then do a yearly clean-up ofyour rain garden, removeweeds as needed, and keep theground covered with mulch.

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If your yard slopes, you willneed to create a berm toretain the water. These can beenhanced with stone for adecorative effect.

Be aware that not all yards aresuited for rain gardens, and thathomeowners need to check forordinances that may dictate theheight of grasses, what is consid-ered a weed, and even whether ornot rainwater can be captured.

DNR Publications:

Rain Gardens: Ahousehold way to improvewater quality in yourcommunity, DNR PUB-WT-731-2002

Rain Gardens:A how-to manual forhomeowners, DNR PUB-WT-776-2003

UW Extension website:clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/raingarden

DNR website:dnr.wi.gov(Search “Rain Gardens”)

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Look for leaks: A dripping faucetcan waste 10-20gallons of water aday. A leaky toiletis usually silent, soit’s harder todetect, but it canwaste tens of

thousands of gallons every year. Aninexpensive washer from thehardware store is usually all youneed to fix a leaky faucet, and toiletleaks can often be stopped byadjusting the float arm orplungerball. To find toilet leaks,drop a little food coloring in thetoilet tank. If, without flushing,color appears in the bowl, youhave a leak that should be repaired.

Toilet dams and water use:Toilet dams or inserts placed in atoilet tank retain water duringflushing and can save up to threegallons per flush. (Check with themanufacturer to see what effectreducing the water consumptionmight have on your toilet’s flush.)New toilets have a smallerreservoir than the conventional

toilet and use only 1.6 gallons perflush compared to 5-7 gallons forolder models. When you need toreplace a toilet, make sure toinstall an up-to-date “water-conserving” model.

Showering and bathing: With aconventionalshowerhead, about4 gallons of water areused for every minutespent showering.A water-conserving

showerhead uses only 2.5 gallonsper minute without sacrificing thespray from the old water-wastingshowerhead. Shorten your showeror turn off the water while soapingup to save even more water. For atub bath, put the stopper in thedrain before running the water,then mix cold and hot for the righttemperature. Do not fill the tubtoo full.

Low-flow faucet aerators: Low-flow faucet aerators mix waterwith air, and reduce the amount ofwater flowing from your kitchenand bathroom sinks. These

Conserve WaterUse Water Wisely and EfficientlyConservation doesn’t mean doing without. It does mean using water wisely.Wasted water, especially heated water, is money down the drain! You andyour family are an important part of this effort to make every drop count.

You can use more water efficient plumbing fixtures, devices andappliances as an easy and effective way to conserve water at home. Witha flow-limited faucet, shower, or toilet you can be saving water withouteven thinking about it. Water efficient models are often available for aboutthe same cost as the conventional models. Here are some simple tips tofollow - you may be surprised at the results!

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aerators are designed for eitherinside or outside threaded faucets,and use about 40% less water thana standard aerator.

Teeth brushingand shaving: Forevery minute waterruns unused from yourtap, 1-3 gallons ofwater are wasted depending onyour faucet. That’s why you shouldnever leave the water running whileyou brush your teeth or shave. Wetyour toothbrush and fill a glass forrinsing. When shaving, fill thebottom of the sink with a fewinches of water to rinse your razor.

Automatic dishwasher:A dishwasher uses from 8-15gallons of water per load,depending on the fill and washcycles. The dishwasher should befull before each cycle.

Automatic clotheswasher: A typicalclothes washer usesfrom 15 to 50 gallonsper load, dependingon the washing cycle and type ofmachine. Front-loading models useabout half of the water as a top-loading model. The regular cycleuses less water than the perma-nent-press setting. Always set thefill level to match the size load youare washing. And remember thatfull loads save water because fewerloads are necessary.

Garbage disposal: Garbagedisposals use a significant amountof water and greatly increase thestrength and volume of wastewaterthat goes to the treatment plant or

septic tank. Composting foodscraps and disposing of otherwaste in garbage cans are goodalternatives.

Car washing: Wash your car insections, rinsing with short spurtsfrom a hose with a nozzle thatshuts off automatically. Wash yourcar over the lawn rather than onthe driveway or in the street. Thegrass helps decontaminate soapsand prevent runoff into the stormsewers, and will use thephosphorus in detergents asfertilizer. Or consider using aprofessional car wash facilitywhere the water is recycled anddoesn’t run into storm sewers.

Garden hoses: Sweep patio andwalks rather than hosing themdown. When a hose is used andleft connected to an outside faucet,don’t depend on the hose nozzleto shut the water off. Turn off thefaucet instead.

Toothpaste

The Department ofCommerce website atcommerce.wi.gov

American Water WorksAssociation WaterWiserwebsite:awwa.org/waterwiser/

H2OUSE Water SaverHome website: h2ouse.net

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Care for Your Well and Septic SystemResidents of rural areas rely on private wells to provide water for theirwater needs and septic systems to dispose and treat their wastewater. Inorder to ensure that water from private wells is providing safe drinkingwater, it is important that wells are properly constructed, maintained, andregularly tested. In addition, a properly constructed and maintained septicsystem will help to avoid costly repairs, as well as reduce the risk ofcontaminating groundwater and your well.

WellsWater tests:If you haveyour ownwell, youshouldhave yourwatertestedannually fornitrate and bacteria at acertified laboratory. If it testsunsafe for bacteria, find analternative drinking water supplyuntil the source of the bacteria isfound. If the nitrate-nitrogen levelis 10 parts per million (ppm) orhigher, it is unsafe for infants; usebottled water for making infantformula. Check the Tests forDrinking Water from PrivateWells brochure (DNR PUB-DG-023) to find out what additionaltests are recommended.

Water treatment: Before buyingany in-home treatment device fora health-related contaminant (likebacteria, nitrate or pesticides), findout if the device is appropriate forthe contaminant in question and isstate approved.

Well construction andmaintenance: Every private wellowner should know the depth oftheir well, depth of casing, depth towater, and Wisconsin Unique WellNumber if identified. Thisinformation can be important whentrying to identify sources of manywell problems. A free brochure(You and Your Well, DNR-PUB-DG-003) explains how to ensureyour well or water system isproviding safe drinking water.

Basement and pit wells: Theseare subject to contamination andoften illegal. They should bereplaced with safe, modern wellsthat meet state and local codes.Call a licensed pump installer toinspect your well for proper codecompliance.

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Unused wells: Properly seal andabandon unused wells as soon aspossible. Consult Answers to YourQuestions on Well Abandonment(DNR-PUB-DG-016) for moreinformation.

Anti-backflow devices: Keepcontaminated water from enteringyour drinking water supply. Thesedevices are available in most localhardware stores and should beinstalled on outdoor faucets, lawnsprinkler systems and laundry tubs.

Septic SystemsPumping: Have your septicsystem inspected every 2 – 3years. Pump when needed (aboutone-third full of sludge and scum).A brochure (Care and mainte-nance of residential septicsystems, B3583) is available fromUW Extension or the UW Environ-mental Resources Center.

Cleansers: Strictly limit theamount of disinfectants, bleachand cleansers that end up in yourseptic system. Proper operation ofa septic system relies on an activebacterial community to breakdown wastes.

Toxic chemicals: Don’t pourpaint thinner, paint, degreasers,pesticides, spot removers, or oildown the drain -these may harmthe bacterial community andpollute the environment.

Failing septic systems: If septicliquids are rising to the surface orbacking up into the house, get helpimmediately from your local septicsystem contractor.

Your CountyExtension Office.

DNR publications areavailable from your localDNR office.

UW EnvironmentalResources Center,608-262-0020,uwex.edu/erc

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Notes

DNR has more information about drinking water and groundwaterprotection on its website at dnr.wi.gov. Choose “Drinking Water &Groundwater” from the drop-down program menu and select from avariety of listed topics. Also check the UW Extension website atcecommerce.uwex.edu. Click on “Water Quality” under the NaturalResources drop-down menu.

DNR Central Office101 S. Webster, P.O. Box 7921Madison, WI 53707-7921(608) 266-0821

Northern Region810 W. Maple StreetSpooner, WI 54801(715) 635-2101

OR

107 Sutliff AvenueRhinelander, WI 54501(715) 365-8900

Northeast Region1125 N. Military AvenueP.O. Box 10448Green Bay, WI 54307-0448(920) 492-5800

Southeast Region2300 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.Milwaukee, WI 53212(414) 263-8500

West Central Region1300 W. Clairemont P.O. Box 4001Eau Claire, WI 54702-4001(715) 839-3700

South Central Region3911 Fish Hatchery RoadFitchburg, WI 53711(608) 275-3266

DOUGLAS

BAYFIELD

ASHLANDIRON

BURNETT

VILASWASHBURN SAWYER

PRICE

ONEIDAFOREST

FLORENCE

BARRON

POLK

RUSK

TAYLOR

CHIPPEWA

DUNNST. CROIX

PIERCE

PEPIN

EAU CLAIRE

CLARK

LINCOLN

MARATHON

LANGLADE

MARINETTE

OCONTO

MENOMINEE

SHAWANODOOR

KEW

AUNE

E

BROWN

OUTAGAMIE

WAUPACAWOOD PORTAGE

MANITOWOCWINNEBAGOCA

LUM

ETWAUSHARA

JACKSON

JUNEAU ADAMS

MARQUETTE GREENLAKE

FOND DU LAC

SHEBOYGAN

MONROE

SAUK COLUMBIA DODGE

WASHING-TON

OZA

UKEE

MIL

WAU

KEE

WAUKESHAJEFFERSON

DANE

KENOSHA

RACINEWALWORTHROCKGREENLAFAYETTE

IOWA

GRANT

RICHLAND

CRAWFORD

VERNON

LA CROSSE

BUFFALO

TREM

PEAL

EAU

NORTHEASTWEST CENTRAL

SOUTH CENTRAL

SOUTHEAST

NORTHERN

Spooner

Rhinelander

Madison

GreenBay

Milwaukee

Eau Claire

REV 7/02

Regional BoundariesRegion Offices

State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

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