Important Information about Your Drinking Water
Levels of Radium, (226 + 228) in Oconto Waterworks water exceed standard
The City of Oconto’s Utility Commission has been informed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that Well #7 located on VanHecke Ave has exceeded the Radium, (226 + 228) maximum contaminant level (MCL) based on four quarterly samples taken. The average of these samples is 5.345 PCI/L, which exceeds the 5 PCL/L for Radium, (226 + 228) as specified in ch.NR 809, Wis. Adm. Code.
Well 7 can be used in an emergency but will be shut down until a solution is found to keep the levels under the MCL. The City of Oconto has two other wells that will supply our residents with safe drinking water.
What precautions should be taken at this time?
You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult with your doctor.
What does this mean?
This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. For example if you drank 2 liters of water every day over a seventy year period with the above MCL’s you would have a one in 10,000 chance of getting cancer.
The number one priority of the City is to supply safe drinking water to its customers and will work with the DNR and its staff as well as other water specialists to resolve the problem as soon as possible. We will notify you when the problem is resolved
If you have any questions regarding the safety of our drinking water, please contact:
Jeremy Wusterbarth-Superintendent of Public Works & Utilities at 920-834-7725 jeremy@cityofoconto.com
1210 Main Street, Oconto, WI 54153
