Wisconsin Well Compensation Grant Program

DNR grant to replace, reconstruct or treat a contaminated private well that serves a residence or provides water to livestock. Family income may not exceed $65,000 for the prior calendar year. Nitrate contamination (at or above 40 ppm nitrate-nitrogen) qualifies only when the well supplies both livestock and the residence. Livestock fecal bacteria contamination also qualifies.

• The landowner (or spouse, dependent, heir, or assignee or legal representative), a renter, or a shared well owner may apply. Local governments, school districts and state or federal agencies cannot.

• Family income may not exceed $65,000 for the prior calendar year.

• The well must meet a contamination criterion: chemical contamination; arsenic at or above 50 ug/l; nitrate at or above 40 ppm nitrate-N where the supply serves both livestock and the residence; livestock fecal bacteria; or other contaminants with an advisory letter.

Pays 75% of eligible costs up to $16,000, so the maximum grant is $12,000. Financial hardship funding may be available when family income is well below $45,000. The award check usually goes to the licensed well professional.

Published amounts: The grant program will pay 75% of eligible costs up to $16,000. The maximum grant possible is $12,000.

Get a proposal and cost estimate from a licensed well driller or pump installer. Complete the Well Compensation Program Claim (Form 8700-174) and email it with attachments to DNRCFAWellGrantsIntake@wisconsin.gov, or mail it to Well Grants Intake, WI DNR, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg WI 53711. Do not start work before the approval letter.

Deadline text on the page: No application deadline is published. The page warns: 'Do not do any work until you receive a well compensation grant award approval letter from the DNR.'