MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is highlighting the importance of clean drinking water and recognizing the dedicated professionals working to keep our water clean in celebration of National Drinking Water Week, May 4-10.
First established in 1988 by former President Ronald Reagan in partnership with the American Water Works Association, Drinking Water Week is an annual, week-long celebration of water professionals and a recognition of water’s vital role in our daily lives.
From the federal, state and municipal policymakers and water advocates to the scientists, system operators, well drillers, inspectors and researchers, water professionals dedicate their careers to protecting our water resources and ensuring access to safe, clean water every time we turn on the tap. These professions often go unnoticed. This week is about recognizing them and their efforts to provide the most basic of necessities.
In 2024, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of important federal legislation, the Safe Drinking Water Act, which helps states protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. The DNR’s Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine featured the 1974 Act in the article “Cheers to 50,” exploring how this legislation evolved to ensure safe, clean drinking water for everyone.
Wisconsin Prioritizes Drinking Water
Wisconsin has taken the lead in educating the public about protecting groundwater through research and the Groundwater Coordinating Council.
Starting in 2000, the City of Madison spearheaded lead service line replacement and then in 2023, Wisconsin was chosen as one of four states in the EPA Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerator program. Our state has made strides in learning more about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), advocating for Wisconsin to adopt federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and assisting water systems in PFAS testing and follow-up.
Wisconsin has made progress on the state’s most common groundwater contaminant, nitrate, through assisting farmers with the tools they need. In 2025, the DNR began accepting applications again for well grants to support the replacement, reconstruction, treatment or abandonment of private wells contaminated with PFAS, nitrate, manganese, arsenic and other contaminants.
Make A Ripple Effect
Wisconsin’s drinking water professionals are crucial to protecting the water we rely on, but Wisconsinites can also do their part by taking action in their own lives. Here are some ways that everyone can help protect and conserve our shared drinking water:
- If you’re on a private well, test your drinking water at least once a year and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Learn more by visiting our Test Your Private Well webpage.
- Share water conservation tips with your community to support Wisconsin’s mission to “sustainably manage the quantity and quality of water in the state to ensure that water is available to be used to protect and improve our health, economy and environment now and in the future.” View the water conservation and efficiency tips we’ve compiled.
- Advocate for infrastructure improvements and support the protection of our water sources, such as the removal of public and private lead water lines.
For more information about the ways water professionals help keep lead out of our drinking water, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Ground Water and Drinking Water webpage.
