Understanding Chemical And Non-Chemical Vulnerability Of Private Well Owners: Results From The Survey Of The Health Of Wisconsin

Background: Groundwater contamination of private wells is widespread. Despite this, regulators in Wisconsin and across the United States estimate only 10% of private well owners regularly test their wells. Consequently, they are particularly vulnerable to exposure and human health risks from groundwater contamination, but little empirical evidence exists to understand risks. Methods: Using baseline and follow-up data from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin, a population based household examination survey, we examined barriers to private well testing behaviors and patterns as markers of population vulnerability. We also examined variation in testing and treatment behaviors amongst individuals in high vs. low groundwater susceptibility areas in the state. Results: From 2008-2013, SHOW identified 726 households using private wells. Approximately 45% of had at least 1 child less than 20 years living in the home. Prevalence of private well testing was low (about 10%). Barriers to testing include costs, perc...