CRAWFORD, VERNON, RICHLAND COUNTIES - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the May 4 test of water quality in wells in Crawford, Richland and Vernon counties has been postponed until the fall. The new test date will be October 26. Specifics for each of the three counties can be found below:

Crawford County

The Crawford County Land Conservation Department reports that they are calling everyone who had signed up for the May 4 testing to let them know that the new date is October 26 County Conservationist Dave Troester reports they still need to add 20-25 random people over the summer to get to their 100 samples.

Richland County

Richland County had held off sending out their well testing invitations when they saw the COVID-19 pandemic situation shaping up. Richland County Conservationist Cathy Cooper reports that her department is waiting for the fall testing, but will use the same list of well owners identified for the first mailing that didn't happen.

Vernon County

Due to the current COVID-19 concerns, and the State of Wisconsin ‘Safer at Home’ order, our May 4 water testing program will now be delayed. Now, the date to take and drop off the sample is scheduled  for October 26, 2020.  

“We are hopeful that the fall October 26 will be able to proceed.” Vernon County Conservationist Ben Wojahn said.  “We will also be shifting our sampling schedule in order to offer another water testing opportunity in the Spring of 2021.”

Wojahn said that Vernon County Land & Water realizes that this shift in water sampling dates may have changed some citizen’s level of interest in the program.

Please contact Sarah McDowell at Vernon County Land Conservation Department (e-mail greatly preferred) in order to notify us if you are still interested in the water testing program  for October 26t.  Please notify us also if you are no longer interested.  Things to include in your response: name, township, if you are still interested or not interested, if you aren’t selected for Fall would you like to be added you to a list for Spring? 

Interested participants and those currently signed up are asked to notify the Vernon County LCD of any changes no later than June 1, 2020.

“Our program's funding allows us to cover half of the water testing cost for approximately 10 private wells per town throughout Vernon County,” LCD employee Sarah McDowell said. “In some Towns, we have far more than 10, and in others, we are still short of the 10 needed.  Please encourage others in your community to contact us with interested in being added to the Water Testing.”