Wisconsin’s drinking water systems continue to offer safe and affordable drinking water with more than 96 percent of the systems meeting all health-based standards. That’s according to an annual report by the DNR.
Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater Director Steve Ales says communities around the state invested in system upgrades making for more affordable and safe drinking water. He says Wisconsin residents pay $5.50 for 1,000 gallons of tap water used.
“…It is quite a bargain if you look at it, but those communities do face infrastructure issues and as part of that a community will look at, do they have old water mains, do they have lead laterals that they would like to replace, do they have other expansion in the community…so the rates for the public water system are regulated through the Public Service Commission.”
According to the report Wisconsin has the most water systems in the country with nearly 11,500 systems.
Ales says the geology and rural nature of the state means more water systems, but says they’re fundamental for economic development.
For more information visit the DNR’s website, keyword drinking water.