LINCOLN COUNTY – Arsenic water testing will be available through the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) for a limited time.
In a release, LCHD said there are areas within Lincoln County that have elevated arsenic levels.
“Exposure to high levels of arsenic can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, damage the nervous system, cause diabetes and may impact learning and development in children,” LCHD said.
LCHD said one of the most important steps to ensuring a safe drinking water source is regular testing, noting that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends testing private wells for arsenic every five years.
“The only way to know what is in your water is to test,” said Erin Ray, LCHD Environmental Health Technician. “Spring is the perfect time to test your well water.”
Arsenic collection kits can be purchased for $40.00 at LCHD, 801 N. Sales St., Merrill, from Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
LCHD is requesting collections during the week of Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 15. Samples must be returned to LCHD within 24 hours of collection.
LCHD noted that it also has a certified water lab with capabilities of testing drinking water for bacteria and nitrate year-round.
For more information, contact LCHD at 715-536-0307.
Learn more about LCHD’s certified water lab at visit www.co.lincoln.wi.us/health/page/water-testing.
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