Contaminated well water leads to a child's hospitalization

Seven years ago, Katy and Dennis Matzek’s three-year-old son was hospitalized with a life-threatening E. coli infection. Only afterward did they learn that a manure spill had occurred in Martell Township, where they reside. Testing of their well confirmed that their drinking water had been contaminated.

Because the DNR doesn’t always notify local health authorities when groundwater is unsafe, families often have no way of knowing their well water has been contaminated. The Matzeks’ story is an important reminder that every family deserves the right to know what’s in their drinking water, before the consequences become serious.