Well Compensation Grant Program
Well Compensation Grant Program supports landowners and renters with contaminated private water supplies, funding well replacement, reconstruction or treatment to address unsafe water for homes or livestock.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Within one year of award (complete work and request payment)
Funding Amounts: 75% of eligible costs up to $16,000; maximum grant $12,000, subject to income reductions
Summary: Supports replacement, reconstruction or treatment of contaminated private water supplies serving residences or livestock.
Key Information: Work completed before submitting a claim and receiving DNR award approval is not reimbursable.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers this reimbursement program for eligible landowners and renters with contaminated private water supplies serving residences or livestock. It addresses qualifying chemical, arsenic, nitrate, livestock fecal bacterial and other contamination that can make water unsafe to use.
Supported work includes contamination testing, well reconstruction or replacement, connection to another private or public water supply, replacement-well pumps and piping, proper well abandonment, and temporary bottled or trucked water. Treatment equipment is eligible only when no other option is feasible. Legislation enacted through 2025 Acts 200 and 201 created new financial assistance opportunities for PFAS-contaminated wells; DNR is developing application materials and directs interested applicants to Katherine Burk for assistance.
