Gov. Evers: One year in: Gov. Evers highlights expanded Well grant programs aimed at improving clean drinking water access statewide

Gov. Evers Highlights Expanded Well Grant Programs to Address PFAS Contamination

MADISON — Governor Tony Evers has emphasized the importance of his Well Compensation and Well Abandonment Grant Programs in addressing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in private wells. These programs, funded under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provide financial assistance to well owners for the replacement, reconstruction, treatment, or abandonment of impacted wells. The expanded eligibility criteria under these programs have allowed previously ineligible individuals, including small Wisconsin businesses and non-community well owners such as daycare centers, rural restaurants, and churches, to apply for funding.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
2. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

According to Gov. Evers, “In 2023, it is unconscionable that folks and families should still have to worry about having clean, safe drinking water in their homes and coming from their taps. Whether it’s nitrates, bacteria, PFAS, or any other emerging contaminants, these programs are paying off and helping folks get these contaminants out of their water supplies.” He further added, “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to address 370 contaminated wells across the state through the funding I directed, but we also know there is much more work to do. We want Wisconsinites to know that funding is still available to help get them the support and resources they need, and private well owners can apply today for this assistance to help keep their families healthy and safe.”

Well Compensation Grant Program

• The Well Compensation Grant Program, created and announced by Gov. Evers in 2022, provides $10 million in financial assistance to well owners.
• Eligible individuals can apply for the grant until funding runs out or December 6, 2024, whichever happens sooner.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible to ensure funding remains available.
• More information about the Well Compensation Grant Program can be found on the Well Compensation Grant webpage.

Well Abandonment Grant Program

• The Well Abandonment Grant Program, also created by Gov. Evers in 2022, provides financial assistance for the abandonment of impacted wells.
• Interested individuals can find more information about the Well Abandonment Grant Program on the Well Abandonment Grant webpage.

As of now, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded over 46 percent of the $10 million investment to 370 grantees statewide. This includes the replacement of 207 contaminated wells, the treatment of 43 contaminated wells, and the proper filling and sealing of 120 unused, abandoned wells. Out of the total number of contaminated wells, 189 were contaminated with nitrate, while the remaining 61 were contaminated with PFAS, arsenic, and fecal bacteria.

Furthermore, the DNR is in the process of developing a new grant program to assist public water systems contaminated with PFAS or other emerging contaminants. This program aims to support small and disadvantaged public water systems, including privately owned community water systems and nonprofit, non-community water systems. The grant program is expected to accept applications in early 2024. For inquiries about this program, please contact DNRECSDCGrants@wisconsin.gov.

An online version of this release is available here.