CONTACT: Ryan Billingham, Communications Director, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, 608-208-1129 (office), 608-213-6972 (mobile/text), or ryan@conservationvoters.org

WATERTOWN – Gov. Tony Evers today directed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to address nitrates in ground and surface water, his second action this week aimed at fixing the state’s water quality crisis.

Nitrates in groundwater are due largely to agricultural activity and are linked to negative health effects including cancer, birth defects, even infant death. It is estimated nearly 100,000 homes in Wisconsin have wells contaminated with nitrates.

Executive Director Kerry Schumann said this of today’s announcement:

“Nitrate pollution is contaminating drinking water supplies across Wisconsin. Long-term exposure to nitrates can lead to higher rates of colon cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, diabetes, and thyroid conditions and can even be fatal to infants. We applaud Gov. Evers for taking the next step to reduce this dangerous pollution that makes its way into our groundwater and drinking water. This directive is a commitment to our health and the health of future generations. Thank you, Gov. Evers.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email