LAKE GENEVA — The Walworth County Health department is cautioning nearby property owners to monitor their wells following a manure runoff incident earlier this month.
According to a news release, DNR staff March 6 observed manure running off farm fields near the intersection of S Lakeshore Drive and Linn Road in the Town of Linn following rainfall earlier that day.
The manure discharge was observed to have entered Geneva Lake via a tributary on the south end of Geneva Lake.
At this time, the manure runoff has been contained, and the water quality of the tributary has visibly improved, according to health officials.
Monitoring of the field and outlets, particularly during and after rain events, will continue.
It is unlikely that this manure runoff has impacted the water quality of nearby wells.
However, homeowners with private wells who notice changes to the smell, taste, color, or clarity of their drinking water should discontinue drinking the water and have it tested for bacterial contamination.
Water tests for bacteria are offered for $20 (paid by cash or check) at Walworth County Health and Human Services.
Questions about your well water quality?
Contact Walworth County Environmental Health staff at 262-741-3200 or walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us.