Notes from the Grove: Well Testing

Welcome to the Notes from the Grove, providing Liberty Grove residents and visitors tid bits of information about goings on in town government.

• The Town Board has reserved time in the summer of 2011 for a Community Well Testing Program that will be co-coordinated with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. We are seeking between 75-150 participants to have their well water sampled and sent to UWSP for in-depth analysis. The testing will cover three major categories: metals, pesticides and bacteria. Each test will require a separate water sample. Bottle distribution and pick-up will be at the Town Offices. We are hoping to have volunteers from all areas of the town that will provide extensive data on the condition of wells within Liberty Grove. The intent of the program is to improve the drinking water quality within the town and educate the public on the importance of periodic testing of their well water, provide a better understanding of potential health-related and aesthetic problems and solution, education about groundwater as a resource affected by human activities and groundwater protection practices. A summary of the results will be provided to the town and individual results will be provided only to the well owners. The cost for the three tests is $103. Additional information is available on the town website and at the Town Offices. Parties that are interested in volunteering are asked to contact the Town Offices. We will be conducting a public awareness program beginning this fall.

• The Community Well Testing Program is a continuation on the part of the town government to provide for the health and safety of its residents. Currently an inspection of individual waste systems is being conducted by the Town and the County Sanitarians Office. Systems found to be failing are required to be replaced. If you are uncertain whether your system has been designated for inspection please contact the Town Offices. In addition the Health Safety and Welfare Committee is continuing its work on the development of a wellhead protection ordinance. The ordinance will focus on areas in the town near the municipal wells that provide water to Sister Bay and areas within the town.

• Two informational meetings have been set on the possible purchase of Gills Rock shore properties. The Town Board has been working with the property owners on the details of the possible purchases. The first meeting will be August 17 at 7 pm in the Town Hall. A second meeting is scheduled for August 31 at 7 pm. The Town’s financial consultant from Robert A Baird will be present to explain funding options and the town’s attorney will be present to explain the legal details of the agreements. Both will be available to answer questions. A Town Meeting of Electors has been set for September 8 at 7 pm. It is at this meeting that the electors will decide whether to authorize the Town Board to proceed with the purchases. The board will also be taking comments and input from attendees. A mailing has been sent to all property owners informing them of the meetings and eligibility to vote as a Town Elector.

To contact John Lowry regarding the Town of Liberty Grove or information found within this column, email [email protected] or call the Town of Liberty Grove at 920.854.2934.