WCVStories
Nelsonville's fight against water contamination
The village of Nelsonville is home to a close-knit community and bountiful access to nature. But beneath its quiet streets and grassy fields, a health crisis is steadily simmering. Tarion O'Carroll is one of many residents whose private well is contaminated with nitrate, Wisconsin’s most widespread groundwater pollutant.
Nelsonville, Wisconsin
Clean Water For All
July 24, 2025
In 2013, Tarion O'Carroll moved to Nelsonville, drawn to the natural beauty and opportunities for biking, boating, hunting, and fishing. But in 2018, after attending a local event offering free well water testing, he discovered that his private well water was dangerously contaminated with nitrate, Wisconsin’s most widespread groundwater pollutant.
Linked to serious health risks including cancer, birth defects, and infant death, nitrate contamination is a silent crisis threatening communities across the state. This is the story of one community's struggle to protect its drinking water, health, and future.
Watch Part II, featuring Nelsonville local Lisa Anderson
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