Understanding chemical and non-chemical vulnerability of private well owners: Results from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin

Background: Groundwater contamination of private wells is widespread. Despite this, regulators in Wisconsin and across the United States estimate only 10% of private well owners regularly test their wells. Consequently, they are particularly vulnerable to exposure and human health risks from groundwater contamination, but little empirical evidence exists to understand risks.

 

Methods: Using baseline and follow-up data from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin, a population based household examination survey, we examined barriers to private well testing behaviors and patterns as markers of population vulnerability. We also examined variation in testing and treatment behaviors amongst individuals in high vs. low groundwater susceptibility areas in the state.

 

Results: From 2008-2013, SHOW identified 726 households using private wells. Approximately 45% of had at least 1 child less than 20 years living in the home. Prevalence of private well testing was low (about 10%). Barriers to testing include costs, perceived safety and limited understanding of where and how to get testing done. Approximately 40% of participants (37.8%) do not know their well depth. An estimated 57% of the participants indicate they do not use any type of water treatment. Among individuals who do treat, use of a water softener was most prominent and only about 3% report using a whole house reverse osmosis system.

 

Discussion: Results show important opportunities for increasing awareness and reducing vulnerability of private well owners. Regular testing of private well water is a known and effective method for detecting contaminants and identifying strategies for reducing exposures. Increased targeted outreach to vulnerable sub-populations could greatly aid efforts to prevent potential health risks from groundwater contamination among private well owners across the state and nation.