University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI) is conducting a study of fluoride and metals in groundwater, and Iron County residents who participate can receive a free water sample kit, test results, and resources for interpreting the results. Residents interested in participating can pick up a sample kit from the library during our normal hours. There are a limited number of kits available on a first-come, first-served basis.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 20, 2019
Contact: Sarah Libbon, Associate University Relations Specialist, (715) 394-8516, Email: slibbon@uwsuper.edu
Project Contact: Kelsey Prihoda, LSRI Researcher, (715) 394-8422
Mercer Public Library distributing well water sample kits for UW-Superior groundwater research project
Mercer, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Extension Iron County and the Mercer Public Library are partnering with the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI) to distribute free well water testing kits to residents in Iron county as part of a new study to document levels of naturally-occurring fluoride and metals in groundwater.
The project, which was made possible by a $55,626 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through the Groundwater Coordinating Council aims to test 700 water samples from privately-owned wells for fluoride concentration and 111 additional, randomly-selected samples for the metals arsenic, iron, manganese, aluminum, and lead. This study is taking place within 11 counties in northwest Wisconsin, including, Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, Price, Rusk, Barron, and Polk.
Citizen scientists and interested residents who volunteer to participate in the study will be given a free sample kit and will receive test results and resources for interpreting them. The results of the study will be integrated into the Wisconsin Well Water Quality Viewer (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point), which is available online, and will be shared at public presentations through the 11-county study area.
Residents interested in participating in the study should pick up their free sample kit from the Mercer Public Library (2648W Margaret Street; Mercer, WI 54547) anytime during their normal operational hours. Winter hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; and Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
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The Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI) is one of four research institutes at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, conducting environmental research, education and outreach for the Great Lakes region and beyond. LSRI provides non-traditional learning and applied research opportunities for undergraduate students, and fosters environmental education and outreach in the Twin Ports and surrounding communities.
The University of Wisconsin-Superior is a nationally recognized public liberal arts institution of more than 2,400 students in the Superior-Duluth, Minn., metropolitan area. UW-Superior has more than 50 program offerings, select online and graduate programs, competitive Division III athletics programs, continuing education, research and scholarship programs that support the community and region.