The Division of Environmental Health provides water testing services available free of charge. If you are concerned about your private drinking water, contact us to schedule a site visit.
Brock Burnstad
Sanitary Facilities Coordinator
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35063
Brock.Burnstad@ho-chunk.com
The Division of Environmental Health provides water testing services available free of charge. If you are concerned about your private drinking water, contact us to schedule a site visit.
Water and Sewer Emergencies
The Division of Environmental Health provides funding and expertise to resolve emergency situations related to your private well or septic system as quickly as possible. Some common emergency situations are:
Out of Water
Septic alarm sounding
Sewer backup into home
Water ponding near septic drain field
If you are having an emergency related to your water or wastewater, contact us to assist with resolving the situation.
New Well and Septic Construction
The Division of Environmental Health provides funding for new well and septic installations through our Indian Health Services 121 Project. Every tribal member qualifies for one well and one septic system installation for their PRIMARY RESIDENCE. Contact us to discuss your project and determine if funding is available.
Septic System Education
The Division of Environmental Health places a high priority on educating homeowners about their private septic system. Many homeowners are unaware of how these systems function and what they can do to prevent sewer emergencies from arising. Contact us to schedule a site visit to learn more about your septic system and how to care for it. Educational documents can also be found below.
Goal: The main goal of the Sanitary Facilities Coordinator is to provide assistance to Ho-Chunk Nation members in regards to water and wastewater issues.
Our office will evaluate each situation, with a site visit when necessary, to provide assistance and knowledge to alleviate the situation.
Funding may be available for unforeseen emergencies and will be evaluated on a case by case basis during the site visit.
Educating homeowners is a high priority to prevent self-inflicted harm to their water and wastewater systems.
Things to look for or do to prevent/lessen emergencies:
Wells and water pressure system:
• Low water pressure
• Rapid clicking sound near pressure tank
o This usually means the pressure tank has failed. If caught early the pressure tank can be replaced and prevent the well pump from failing.
• Sand in water
Sewer and Septic Systems:
• Drains/toilets flushing slowly or gurgling sounds when draining
• Water backing up from lowest drain in home
• Water ponding near septic drain-field
• Washouts on septic mound drain-fields
• Don’t ignore or unplug your septic alarm. This is in place to notify you of problems and allow time for the problem to be corrected before an emergency occurs.
• Have a licensed septic pumping service pump your tanks at least every 3 years. This can allow problems to be caught early and be resolved to prevent emergencies.
EASY TIPS TO PREVENT SEPTIC SYSTEM ISSUES AND COSTLY REPAIRS.
What should go down your drain?
• Human waste and toilet paper. If this simple rule is followed, it is more than likely that funding will be available to alleviate your emergency.
What ABSOLUTLEY should NOT go down your drain? These are the most common issues seen during septic system evaluations and should be avoided.
• “FLUSHABLE” wipes!!!!!! (Paper Towels)
o These are the worst thing you can flush down your toilet. These WILL cause a problem with your septic system and are very easy to identify when they cause issues. I don’t know why these are allowed to be marketed as “flushable”, because they absolutely are NOT!
• Feminine Hygiene Products
o These belong in the trash.
• Excessive Grease/Oil
o Never dump grease or oil down your drains. Empty pots/pans into containers and dispose of in the trash. Grease and oil float in your septic tank causing the filter to plug, or worse, get into the drain-field causing failure.
• Excessive bleach/chemicals
o Bacteria in your septic tank are the first step to wastewater treatment and need to be allowed to grow.
Sanitary Facilities Coordinator
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35063
Brock.Burnstad@ho-chunk.com
