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What does the layer represent
This layer identifies areas throughout the State of Wisconsin where nitrates in groundwater exceed an average of 5 mg/L and 10% or more of the wells exceed the enforcement standard for nitrate in agricultural areas. For a more detailed description of the methodology behind the creation of this layer, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s Watershed Management Program.
How accurate is the layer
Accuracy of this layer varies and is dependent on the groundwater data that was available at the time of analysis. Some townships analyzed had as little as 25 samples, minimum number of samples required, while other townships had a sample set in the thousands.
How old is the layer
This layer was developed in late 2020. Much of the groundwater data used for this analysis was collected over the past 15 years (2005-2020) however, some samples where collected as far back as 30 years ago.
Is the layer part of a larger project
This layer is included as a sensitive area identified by the NR 151 Nitrate Targeted Performance standard that is still under rule development as of February 4, 2021. Once the rule is finalized and adopted, additional standards and prohibitions will apply to this area that target nitrate leaching to groundwater from agricultural sources.
What SHOULDN’T the layer be used for
This layer was developed to compliment other sensitive areas identified by the NR 151 Targeted Performance standard (under development) to ensure major areas of the State of Wisconsin that have groundwater impacted by nitrates are captured by the rule. It is not recommended this layer be used to determine groundwater quality information such as nitrate concentrations nor should the layer be used for well installation or any other construction or siting practice.
Credit for layer goes to
The development and analysis of the existing groundwater quality data to create the nitrate restricted areas was completed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s Watershed Management Program.
The groundwater quality dataset used for the analysis was downloaded from the UW Stevens Point WI Well Water Quality Viewer (downloaded in August 2020) and consisted of data from the UW-Stevens Point Groundwater Center, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Agricultural, Trade, and Consumer Protection, Eau Claire County and La Crosse County.