Drinking Water

For information about testing your private well, visit the Water Testing page.

What You Need to Know about Blue-Green Algae

With over 15,000 lakes, Wisconsin is a prime destination for summer fun. Learn what you can do to keep your lake visit safe and healthy by protecting yourself and your family from the harmful effects of blue-green algae. 

• Staying Safe and Healthy in Wisconsin's Lakes Fact Sheet (PDF)
• What are blue-green algae and what should I do if I see one? Photos of Algal Blooms
• Keeping Your Pet Safe from Harmful Algal Blooms, P-00089 (PDF)

The Marathon County Health Department can advise and provide education to assist homeowners, tenants and landlords with housing issues such as mold, indoor air quality and lead paint. Enforcement may be through Marathon County Health Department or a referral may be made to another agency. Some cities, villages, or towns have building inspectors that can assist with housing concerns. Check with your local municipal office.

If you are a tenant, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities and to read your lease agreement carefully!

• Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities
• Guide for Landlords and Tenants

If you have a specific legal question, you should consult an attorney. Income eligible households can contact Judicare at 715-842-1681 with legal questions.

It should be noted that mobile home park operator-tenant relations are further regulated by Chapter ATCP 125.

Marathon County Health Department work with families whose children have had evidence of exposure to lead. Lead exposure is responsible for serious health issues in children. Lead exposure in young children can cause reduced IQ and attention span, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and a range of other health and behavioral effects.

Most exposures involve homes or daycares built before 1978 where lead-based paint has deteriorated. Prevention of lead poisoning can be accomplished by eliminating lead-based paint hazards before children are exposed. Wisconsin's goal is to eliminate this disease by making housing lead-safe, and by improving the detection and treatment of lead poisoning in children.

Lead in Consumer Products:

•   www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead/emerging-sources.htm

Suggested Websites for Homeowners and Renters:

• Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting (English  |  Spanish)
• Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools
• Rental Property Owners: Look Out for Lead

Suggested Websites for Parents:

• Look Out for Lead
• Learn About Lead
• Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home (.pdf)

Mercury is a heavy, silvery-white metal element. It can exist as a liquid at room temperature or as a solid crystal salt. The liquid metal form gives off invisible, odorless, toxic vapors. Mercury can also be found in organic compounds. Commonly, metallic mercury can be found in thermometers, barometers, electrical switches, thermostats and in dental fillings.  Mercury has also been found in some skin products sold abroad.  For more information, please see our Mercury Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

Mercury Reduction Program Newsletter (.pdf)

Mercury Management, Disposal, Spill, and Cleanup Guidance (.pdf)

• Mosquito Bite Prevention - Steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• Mosquito Breeding Habitat Source Reduction - Take action to limit the number of mosquitos hatching.
• Mosquito Control - Tick and Insect Repellents - Guidance for safely using repellants

The Marathon County Health Department serves as the Radon Information Center (RIC) for 11 Wisconsin Counties. The RIC assists with providing guidance on testing and fixing radon issues within homes and is staffed by two individuals who have been certified in radon measurement and mitigation.

Two out of every 3 tests conducted in Marathon County are high. Test your home today!

Radon Information (.pdf)

There are two types of test kits:

• Short term – put in place for 48-96 hours and should always be conducted first. Cost $9 each
• Long term – put in place for 3-12 months and is a follow-up test for short term results between 4 – 8 pCi/L. Cost $23 each

Order a Radon Test Kit

Mold

Mold affects everyone differently. For some people, being around mold causes nothing more than itchy eyes, a cough, or sneezing. For other people, it can have more serious effects like an asthma attack or respiratory problems. Health effects of mold can be a concern where exposures are very high, such as in sawmills, grain elevators, and agricultural settings. Mold in a building does not in itself constitute a health threat.

Mold growth on indoor surfaces is a sign of moisture presence, the cause of which should be identified and corrected such as roofing or plumbing leaks, humidity, or condensation. Indoor mold growth should be removed regardless of mold type, using appropriate cleaning methods for small spots and careful attention to dust control, seeking professional assistance for larger amounts. Children and adults with asthma, respiratory conditions, or weakened immune systems should stay away from areas with mold and should avoid mold cleanup areas.

• Cleaning Mold In Your Home
• Visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Mold website for Mold Control and Cleaning, Tenant and Landlord Information, Health Information, Contractors, and additional Mold Resources