Wells in the Town of Dodgeville are among the deepest in the area, with a median of 292 feet and water about 176 feet down. A study of Iowa, Grant and Lafayette counties (SWIGG) found 42% of randomly sampled wells failed at least one test in November 2018. Test yearly, and use a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump work.
Updated October 2026
Typical wells here
- Town of Dodgeville: 436 wells in DNR records. Median 292 ft (middle half 219–330).
- Median casing 140 ft. Median water level about 176 ft down.
- 44% of wells here go deeper than 300 ft. The Iowa County median is 227 ft.
Ridge-top wells sit in dolomite over sandstone, with deep water levels. A deeper pump setting means more drop pipe, more wire and usually more horsepower.
Water quality notes
- The Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology Study (SWIGG) covered Iowa, Grant and Lafayette counties. In November 2018, 42% of 301 randomly sampled wells failed at least one test: 34% had coliform bacteria, 4% E. coli and 16% nitrate over 10 mg/L.
- Across both rounds, 32% of 816 wells failed at least once.
- Summer storms and lightning can damage pumps, and buried lines can freeze in deep cold.
Testing near Dodgeville
- Iowa County Health Department, Dodgeville: bacteria, nitrate, arsenic or lead, $35 each. Return samples on ice within 24 hours, Monday to Thursday. 608-930-9870.
- Bacteria are tested in-house, with results in 24 to 48 hours.
- WellTAP offers free tests for eligible households. Apply through the Iowa County Health Department.
Permits and rules
- New well: Iowa County is not a DNR-delegated county, so the DNR notification ($50.50) applies. Confirm local rules with Iowa County zoning.
- DNR’s driller list shows no drillers with Iowa County mailing addresses. The list sorts by address, not service area.
- A well unused for more than 90 days must be filled and sealed by a licensed driller or pump installer. The DNR Well Abandonment Grant can pay 75% for eligible households, with approval before work starts.
When you need a licensed professional
Wisconsin rules require a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump and pressure-tank work on a drinking-water well; check with DNR if you’re unsure. You can check a contractor’s license in the DNR directories.
- Pump replacement on a well over 300 feet
- Lightning damage to a pump or control box
- Coliform or E. coli that returns
- Sealing an unused well
Related
- Wells around Mineral Point
- Wells around Barneveld and Ridgeway
- Typical well depths by town
- Common well problems
- Where to test your well water
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