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Aaron D Firnstahl

Aaron is a Physical Scientist at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center.

Education and Certifications

  • B.S. 2009, Geology and Geophysics; B.S. History; Certificate, European Studies; Certificate, Classical Studies; University of Wisconsin-Madison

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 19

Quantitative microbial risk assessment with microbial source tracking for mixed fecal sources contaminating recreational river waters, Iowa, USA

Fecal contamination of surface water can cause acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) among recreators. AGI risk varies among human, livestock, and wildlife fecal sources, but the prevalence of individual sources is unknown for most recreational sites. We estimated AGI risk for six sites near Des Moines, Iowa, using quantitative microbial risk assessment combined with microbial source-tracking (MST)
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Aaron Firnstahl, Sarah Opelt, Rachel Cook, Joe Heffron, Amanda Brown, Claire E. Hruby, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Two risk assessments: Evaluating the use of indicator HF183 Bacteroides versus pathogen measurements for modelling recreational illness risks in an urban watershed

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of HF183 Bacteroides for estimating pathogen exposures during recreational water activities. We compared the use of Bacteroides-based exposure assessment to exposure assessment that relied on pathogen measurements. We considered two types of recreational water sites: those impacted by combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and those not impacted b
Authors
K Skiendzielewski, Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Shannon McGinnis, S McLoughlin, Aaron Firnstahl, Sandy Spencer, Mark A. Borchardt, Heather Murphy
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Des Moines water trails: Health risk from waterborne pathogens during recreational water use

No abstract available.
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Aaron Firnstahl, Sarah Opelt, Rachel Cook, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Microbial source tracking and land use associations for antibiotic resistance genes in private wells influenced by human and livestock fecal sources

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health problem that requires an integrated approach among human, agricultural, and environmental sectors. However, few studies address all three components simultaneously. We investigated the occurrence of five antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the class 1 integron gene (intI1) in private wells drawing water from a vulnerable aquifer influenced by
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Aaron Firnstahl, Burney Kieke Jr, Rachel Cook, Sarah Opelt, Sue Spencer, Lisa Durso, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Assessing private well contamination in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties, Wisconsin: The southwest Wisconsin groundwater and geology study

Rural residents of Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties in Wisconsin rely on private wells for their water. Contaminants like nitrate and bacteria from septic systems, fertilizer, and manure can contaminate the groundwater that residents use. Groundwater is vulnerable to contamination where the soil layer is thin and the bedrock is fractured, which is the case for much of the study region. This stu
Authors
Joel P. Stokdyk, Mark A. Borchardt, Aaron Firnstahl, Ken Bradbury, Moe Muldoon, Burney A Kieke
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Statewide quantitative microbial risk assessment for waterborne viruses, bacteria, and protozoa in public water supply wells in Minnesota

Infection risk from waterborne pathogens can be estimated via quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and forms an important consideration in the management of public groundwater systems. However, few groundwater QMRAs use site-specific hazard identification and exposure assessment, so prevailing risks in these systems remain poorly defined. We estimated the infection risk for 9 waterborne p
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Nancy Rice, Anita C. Anderson, James F. Walsh, Sue Spencer, Aaron Firnstahl, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Fate and seasonality of antimicrobial resistance genes during full-scale anaerobic digestion of cattle manure across seven livestock production facilities

Anaerobic digestion has been suggested as an intervention to attenuate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock manure but supporting data have typically been collected at laboratory scale. Few studies have quantified ARG fate during full-scale digestion of livestock manure. We sampled untreated manure and digestate from seven full-scale mesophilic dairy manure digesters to assess ARG fate
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Aaron Firnstahl, Susan K. Spencer, Rebecca A. Larson, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Quantitative microbial risk assessment for contaminated private wells in the fractured dolomite aquifer of Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Background:Private wells are an important source of drinking water in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Due to the region’s fractured dolomite aquifer, these wells are vulnerable to contamination by human and zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogens originating from land-applied cattle manure and private septic systems.Objective:We determined the magnitude of the health burden associated with contamination o
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Susan K. Spencer, Burney A Kieke, Aaron Firnstahl, Maureen A. Muldoon, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Sources and risk factors for nitrate and microbial contamination of private household wells in the fractured dolomite aquifer of northeastern Wisconsin

Background:Groundwater quality in the Silurian dolomite aquifer in northeastern Wisconsin, USA, has become contentious as dairy farms and exurban development expand.Objectives:We investigated private household wells in the region, determining the extent, sources, and risk factors of nitrate and microbial contamination.Methods:Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and nitrate were evaluated by synopti
Authors
Mark A. Borchardt, Joel P. Stokdyk, Burney A Kieke, Maureen A. Muldoon, Susan K. Spencer, Aaron Firnstahl, Davina Bonness, Randall J. Hunt, Tucker R. Burch
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Microbial pathogens and contaminants of emerging concern in groundwater at an urban subsurface stormwater infiltration site

Urban stormwater may contain a variety of pollutants, including viruses and other pathogens, and contaminants of emerging concern (pharmaceuticals, artificial sweeteners, and personal care products). In vulnerable geologic settings, the potential exists for these contaminants to reach underlying aquifers and contaminate drinking water wells. Viruses and other pathogens, as well as other contaminan
Authors
Jane R. de Lambert, James F. Walsh, Deanna P. Scher, Aaron Firnstahl, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers in wells supplying groundwater to public water systems in Minnesota, USA

Drinking water supply wells can be contaminated by a broad range of waterborne pathogens. However, groundwater assessments frequently measure microbial indicators or a single pathogen type, which provides a limited characterization of potential health risk. This study assessed contamination of wells by testing for viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers. Wells supplying groundw
Authors
Joel P. Stokdyk, Aaron Firnstahl, James F. Walsh, Susan K. Spencer, Jane R. de Lambert, Anita C. Anderson, Lih-in W. Rezania, Burney A Kieke, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Septic systems and rainfall influence human fecal markers and indicator organisms occurrence in private wells in southeastern Pennsylvania

In the United States approximately 48 million people are served by private wells. Unlike public water systems, private well water quality is not monitored and there are few studies on the extent and sources of contamination of private wells. We extensively investigated five private wells to understand the variability in microbial contamination, the role of septic systems as sources of contaminatio
Authors
Heather Murphy, Shannon McGinnis, Ryan Blunt, Joel P. Stokdyk, Jingwei Wu, Alexander Cagle, Donna Denno, Susan K. Spencer, Aaron Firnstahl, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
link
Three scientists collecting residential water well samples on sunny snowy day

Well Water Advisory Forecasts for northeast Wisconsin

The fractured bedrock of northeast Wisconsin is vulnerable to groundwater contamination because water and contaminants can move quickly. LIDE is launching a study to predict contamination of private wells in northeast WI using Runoff Risk Advisory Forecasts (RRAF). RRAF is an online tool that forecasts conditions conducive to surface runoff, and the long-term vision is to leverage its forecasts to...
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
link

Well Water Advisory Forecasts for northeast Wisconsin

The fractured bedrock of northeast Wisconsin is vulnerable to groundwater contamination because water and contaminants can move quickly. LIDE is launching a study to predict contamination of private wells in northeast WI using Runoff Risk Advisory Forecasts (RRAF). RRAF is an online tool that forecasts conditions conducive to surface runoff, and the long-term vision is to leverage its forecasts to...
Learn More

Microbial source tracking for streams in Scott County, Iowa, 2023

Surface water samples (n = 33) were collected in fall of 2023 at stream sites in Scott County Iowa, USA and were analyzed for microbial source tracking markers by quantitative polymerase chain reaction at the Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE). Microbial source tracking markers identify fecal sources of contamination by detecting microbes that are specific to certain anim
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

SARS-CoV-2 Data from National Wastewater Surveillance System Surge Capacity Sampling, September 2021

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is used to determine the consumption of, or exposure to, chemicals or pathogens in human populations, and is conducted by collecting representative samples of untreated wastewater (influent) to quantify pathogens shed in the population served by the sampled wastewater system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Health an
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
A wintery landscape
A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
A wintery landscape

A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A wintery landscape of snow-covered grass and trees on a late morning in November in Kewaunee County in northeast Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
A wintery landscape

A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A wintery landscape of snow-covered grass and trees on a late morning in November in Kewaunee County in northeast Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Paper flyer hanging from door handle for a wall water advisory forecast study
Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger
Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger
Paper flyer hanging from door handle for a wall water advisory forecast study

Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger

Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger

Kewaunee Wisconsin well water advisory forecast study door hanger left after sample collection.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Paper flyer hanging from door handle for a wall water advisory forecast study

Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger

Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger

Kewaunee Wisconsin well water advisory forecast study door hanger left after sample collection.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Scientist in yellow jacket and green hat turning tap on side of house.
Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Scientist in yellow jacket and green hat turning tap on side of house.

Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment team member Joel Stokdyk collects residential private well water sample for the well water advisory forecast study in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Scientist in yellow jacket and green hat turning tap on side of house.

Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment team member Joel Stokdyk collects residential private well water sample for the well water advisory forecast study in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Three scientists collecting residential water well samples on sunny snowy day
LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Three scientists collecting residential water well samples on sunny snowy day

LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Team members from the USGS Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) collecting private well water samples on a chilly November day in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Pictured from left to right Joel Stokdyk (USGS), Rachel Cook (USDA), Aaron Firnstahl (USGS). 

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Three scientists collecting residential water well samples on sunny snowy day

LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Team members from the USGS Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) collecting private well water samples on a chilly November day in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Pictured from left to right Joel Stokdyk (USGS), Rachel Cook (USDA), Aaron Firnstahl (USGS). 

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Two scientists standing in front of white van in front of residential garage
LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples
LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples
Two scientists standing in front of white van in front of residential garage

LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples

LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples

Joel Stokdyk (USGS) and Rachel Cook (USDA) from the USGS Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) standing in front of field vehicle en route to collecting private well water samples on a chilly November day in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Two scientists standing in front of white van in front of residential garage

LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples

LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples

Joel Stokdyk (USGS) and Rachel Cook (USDA) from the USGS Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) standing in front of field vehicle en route to collecting private well water samples on a chilly November day in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Collaborative USGS study informs the development of water recreation sites by providing water quality data and health risk research - Iowa Public Radio feature

Collaborative USGS study informs the development of water recreation sites by providing water quality data and health risk research - Iowa Public Radio feature

Scientists at Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment are collaborating with Polk County Conservation in central Iowa to estimate the...

Read Article
Launch of Northeast Wisconsin Well Water Advisory Forecast Study

Launch of Northeast Wisconsin Well Water Advisory Forecast Study

The Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (usgs.gov/LIDE) recently launched the Well Water Advisory Forecast study in Northeast...

Read Article

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 19

Quantitative microbial risk assessment with microbial source tracking for mixed fecal sources contaminating recreational river waters, Iowa, USA

Fecal contamination of surface water can cause acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) among recreators. AGI risk varies among human, livestock, and wildlife fecal sources, but the prevalence of individual sources is unknown for most recreational sites. We estimated AGI risk for six sites near Des Moines, Iowa, using quantitative microbial risk assessment combined with microbial source-tracking (MST)
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Aaron Firnstahl, Sarah Opelt, Rachel Cook, Joe Heffron, Amanda Brown, Claire E. Hruby, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Two risk assessments: Evaluating the use of indicator HF183 Bacteroides versus pathogen measurements for modelling recreational illness risks in an urban watershed

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of HF183 Bacteroides for estimating pathogen exposures during recreational water activities. We compared the use of Bacteroides-based exposure assessment to exposure assessment that relied on pathogen measurements. We considered two types of recreational water sites: those impacted by combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and those not impacted b
Authors
K Skiendzielewski, Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Shannon McGinnis, S McLoughlin, Aaron Firnstahl, Sandy Spencer, Mark A. Borchardt, Heather Murphy
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Des Moines water trails: Health risk from waterborne pathogens during recreational water use

No abstract available.
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Aaron Firnstahl, Sarah Opelt, Rachel Cook, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Microbial source tracking and land use associations for antibiotic resistance genes in private wells influenced by human and livestock fecal sources

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health problem that requires an integrated approach among human, agricultural, and environmental sectors. However, few studies address all three components simultaneously. We investigated the occurrence of five antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the class 1 integron gene (intI1) in private wells drawing water from a vulnerable aquifer influenced by
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Aaron Firnstahl, Burney Kieke Jr, Rachel Cook, Sarah Opelt, Sue Spencer, Lisa Durso, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Assessing private well contamination in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties, Wisconsin: The southwest Wisconsin groundwater and geology study

Rural residents of Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties in Wisconsin rely on private wells for their water. Contaminants like nitrate and bacteria from septic systems, fertilizer, and manure can contaminate the groundwater that residents use. Groundwater is vulnerable to contamination where the soil layer is thin and the bedrock is fractured, which is the case for much of the study region. This stu
Authors
Joel P. Stokdyk, Mark A. Borchardt, Aaron Firnstahl, Ken Bradbury, Moe Muldoon, Burney A Kieke
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Statewide quantitative microbial risk assessment for waterborne viruses, bacteria, and protozoa in public water supply wells in Minnesota

Infection risk from waterborne pathogens can be estimated via quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and forms an important consideration in the management of public groundwater systems. However, few groundwater QMRAs use site-specific hazard identification and exposure assessment, so prevailing risks in these systems remain poorly defined. We estimated the infection risk for 9 waterborne p
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Nancy Rice, Anita C. Anderson, James F. Walsh, Sue Spencer, Aaron Firnstahl, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Fate and seasonality of antimicrobial resistance genes during full-scale anaerobic digestion of cattle manure across seven livestock production facilities

Anaerobic digestion has been suggested as an intervention to attenuate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock manure but supporting data have typically been collected at laboratory scale. Few studies have quantified ARG fate during full-scale digestion of livestock manure. We sampled untreated manure and digestate from seven full-scale mesophilic dairy manure digesters to assess ARG fate
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Aaron Firnstahl, Susan K. Spencer, Rebecca A. Larson, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Quantitative microbial risk assessment for contaminated private wells in the fractured dolomite aquifer of Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Background:Private wells are an important source of drinking water in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Due to the region’s fractured dolomite aquifer, these wells are vulnerable to contamination by human and zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogens originating from land-applied cattle manure and private septic systems.Objective:We determined the magnitude of the health burden associated with contamination o
Authors
Tucker R. Burch, Joel P. Stokdyk, Susan K. Spencer, Burney A Kieke, Aaron Firnstahl, Maureen A. Muldoon, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Sources and risk factors for nitrate and microbial contamination of private household wells in the fractured dolomite aquifer of northeastern Wisconsin

Background:Groundwater quality in the Silurian dolomite aquifer in northeastern Wisconsin, USA, has become contentious as dairy farms and exurban development expand.Objectives:We investigated private household wells in the region, determining the extent, sources, and risk factors of nitrate and microbial contamination.Methods:Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and nitrate were evaluated by synopti
Authors
Mark A. Borchardt, Joel P. Stokdyk, Burney A Kieke, Maureen A. Muldoon, Susan K. Spencer, Aaron Firnstahl, Davina Bonness, Randall J. Hunt, Tucker R. Burch
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Microbial pathogens and contaminants of emerging concern in groundwater at an urban subsurface stormwater infiltration site

Urban stormwater may contain a variety of pollutants, including viruses and other pathogens, and contaminants of emerging concern (pharmaceuticals, artificial sweeteners, and personal care products). In vulnerable geologic settings, the potential exists for these contaminants to reach underlying aquifers and contaminate drinking water wells. Viruses and other pathogens, as well as other contaminan
Authors
Jane R. de Lambert, James F. Walsh, Deanna P. Scher, Aaron Firnstahl, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers in wells supplying groundwater to public water systems in Minnesota, USA

Drinking water supply wells can be contaminated by a broad range of waterborne pathogens. However, groundwater assessments frequently measure microbial indicators or a single pathogen type, which provides a limited characterization of potential health risk. This study assessed contamination of wells by testing for viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers. Wells supplying groundw
Authors
Joel P. Stokdyk, Aaron Firnstahl, James F. Walsh, Susan K. Spencer, Jane R. de Lambert, Anita C. Anderson, Lih-in W. Rezania, Burney A Kieke, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Septic systems and rainfall influence human fecal markers and indicator organisms occurrence in private wells in southeastern Pennsylvania

In the United States approximately 48 million people are served by private wells. Unlike public water systems, private well water quality is not monitored and there are few studies on the extent and sources of contamination of private wells. We extensively investigated five private wells to understand the variability in microbial contamination, the role of septic systems as sources of contaminatio
Authors
Heather Murphy, Shannon McGinnis, Ryan Blunt, Joel P. Stokdyk, Jingwei Wu, Alexander Cagle, Donna Denno, Susan K. Spencer, Aaron Firnstahl, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
link
Three scientists collecting residential water well samples on sunny snowy day

Well Water Advisory Forecasts for northeast Wisconsin

The fractured bedrock of northeast Wisconsin is vulnerable to groundwater contamination because water and contaminants can move quickly. LIDE is launching a study to predict contamination of private wells in northeast WI using Runoff Risk Advisory Forecasts (RRAF). RRAF is an online tool that forecasts conditions conducive to surface runoff, and the long-term vision is to leverage its forecasts to...
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
link

Well Water Advisory Forecasts for northeast Wisconsin

The fractured bedrock of northeast Wisconsin is vulnerable to groundwater contamination because water and contaminants can move quickly. LIDE is launching a study to predict contamination of private wells in northeast WI using Runoff Risk Advisory Forecasts (RRAF). RRAF is an online tool that forecasts conditions conducive to surface runoff, and the long-term vision is to leverage its forecasts to...
Learn More

Microbial source tracking for streams in Scott County, Iowa, 2023

Surface water samples (n = 33) were collected in fall of 2023 at stream sites in Scott County Iowa, USA and were analyzed for microbial source tracking markers by quantitative polymerase chain reaction at the Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE). Microbial source tracking markers identify fecal sources of contamination by detecting microbes that are specific to certain anim
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

SARS-CoV-2 Data from National Wastewater Surveillance System Surge Capacity Sampling, September 2021

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is used to determine the consumption of, or exposure to, chemicals or pathogens in human populations, and is conducted by collecting representative samples of untreated wastewater (influent) to quantify pathogens shed in the population served by the sampled wastewater system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Health an
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
A wintery landscape
A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
A wintery landscape

A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A wintery landscape of snow-covered grass and trees on a late morning in November in Kewaunee County in northeast Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
A wintery landscape

A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A winter landscape in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A wintery landscape of snow-covered grass and trees on a late morning in November in Kewaunee County in northeast Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Paper flyer hanging from door handle for a wall water advisory forecast study
Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger
Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger
Paper flyer hanging from door handle for a wall water advisory forecast study

Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger

Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger

Kewaunee Wisconsin well water advisory forecast study door hanger left after sample collection.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Paper flyer hanging from door handle for a wall water advisory forecast study

Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger

Well water advisory forecast study sample collection door hanger

Kewaunee Wisconsin well water advisory forecast study door hanger left after sample collection.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Scientist in yellow jacket and green hat turning tap on side of house.
Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Scientist in yellow jacket and green hat turning tap on side of house.

Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment team member Joel Stokdyk collects residential private well water sample for the well water advisory forecast study in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Scientist in yellow jacket and green hat turning tap on side of house.

Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Collecting residential tap water sample in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment team member Joel Stokdyk collects residential private well water sample for the well water advisory forecast study in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Three scientists collecting residential water well samples on sunny snowy day
LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Three scientists collecting residential water well samples on sunny snowy day

LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Team members from the USGS Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) collecting private well water samples on a chilly November day in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Pictured from left to right Joel Stokdyk (USGS), Rachel Cook (USDA), Aaron Firnstahl (USGS). 

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Three scientists collecting residential water well samples on sunny snowy day

LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

LIDE team members collecting private water well samples in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Team members from the USGS Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) collecting private well water samples on a chilly November day in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Pictured from left to right Joel Stokdyk (USGS), Rachel Cook (USDA), Aaron Firnstahl (USGS). 

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Two scientists standing in front of white van in front of residential garage
LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples
LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples
Two scientists standing in front of white van in front of residential garage

LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples

LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples

Joel Stokdyk (USGS) and Rachel Cook (USDA) from the USGS Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) standing in front of field vehicle en route to collecting private well water samples on a chilly November day in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Two scientists standing in front of white van in front of residential garage

LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples

LIDE team members in front of field vehicle when traveling to collect private well water samples

Joel Stokdyk (USGS) and Rachel Cook (USDA) from the USGS Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) standing in front of field vehicle en route to collecting private well water samples on a chilly November day in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
Collaborative USGS study informs the development of water recreation sites by providing water quality data and health risk research - Iowa Public Radio feature

Collaborative USGS study informs the development of water recreation sites by providing water quality data and health risk research - Iowa Public Radio feature

Scientists at Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment are collaborating with Polk County Conservation in central Iowa to estimate the...

Read Article
Launch of Northeast Wisconsin Well Water Advisory Forecast Study

Launch of Northeast Wisconsin Well Water Advisory Forecast Study

The Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (usgs.gov/LIDE) recently launched the Well Water Advisory Forecast study in Northeast...

Read Article