Wells in the Town of Mineral Point typically run about 226 feet deep, with water about 121 feet down. The SWIGG study found bacteria and nitrate problems in many wells across Iowa, Grant and Lafayette counties. Test yearly, and use a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump work.
Updated October 2026
Typical wells here
- Town of Mineral Point: 212 wells in DNR records. Median depth 226 ft (middle half 200–260).
- Median casing 124 ft. About 10% of wells go deeper than 300 ft.
- The Iowa County median is 227 ft.
This is Driftless country, with thin soils over fractured rock. Surface water can reach groundwater quickly after heavy rain.
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.
- In April 2019, 27% of 539 wells failed. Across both rounds, 32% of 816 wells failed at least once.
- If nitrate is over 10 mg/L, infants and pregnant people should switch water sources.
Testing near Mineral Point
- 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.
- WellTAP offers free tests for eligible households. Apply through the Iowa County Health Department.
- WSLH and UW-Stevens Point also mail kits statewide.
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.
- A well inspection is not required by state law to sell a home. A paid inspection must be done by a licensed driller or pump installer.
- 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.
- Positive coliform or E. coli test
- No water or low pressure
- Pump replacement on an older well
- Sealing an unused well
Related
- Wells around Dodgeville
- Wells around Barneveld and Ridgeway
- Typical well depths by town
- Common well problems
- Where to test your well water
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