State DNR Adds New PFAS Rules
Regulating 'forever chemicals' in drinking water, surface water and fire fighting foam.

Foam present in Starkweather Creek in October 2019 shows elevated levels of PFOS and PFOA (PFAS chemicals). Photo from courtesy of the DNR.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new administrative rules for perfluroalkyl and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS). Called “forever chemicals,” PFAS and similar chemicals were used in man-made products from non-stick fast food wrappers to firefighting foam for decades. The bio-resistant chemicals don’t break down in nature nor within our bodies, and have been linked to numerous chronic diseases including cancers.
Establishing rules for PFAS in drinking water has been a difficult journey for the state. In February, the Natural Resources Board rejected the advice of scientists who recommended limits for PFAS in drinking water be set at 20 parts per million. The recommendation was also backed by the Department of Health Services. In a 6-1 vote, however, the board set a limit of 70 parts per million.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit against three Wisconsin manufacturers and 15 other defendants accused of contaminating the state with PFAS and its relatives. Environmental groups have also pushed the DNR to institute PFAS standards for groundwater. Implementing the most recent trio of administrative rules were identified as priorities by the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC) in the state’s PFAS action plan. WisPAC consists of representatives from close to 20 state agencies.
DNR sets PFAS rules for drinking water, surface water, firefighting foam was originally published by the Wisconsin Examiner.
More about the PFAS Problem
- PFAS Cleanup of State Drinking Water Would Cost $208 Million - Henry Redman - Dec 4th, 2023
- Senate Republicans fail Wisconsinites on safe drinking water - Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Nov 14th, 2023
- Senator Agard Statement: Senate Republicans Prioritize Polluters over People - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - Nov 14th, 2023
- One Year In: Gov. Evers Highlights Expanded Well Grant Programs Aimed at Improving Clean Drinking Water Access Statewide - Gov. Tony Evers - Nov 13th, 2023
- Toxic Forever Chemicals Detected In 71% Of State’s Shallow Wells - Danielle Kaeding - Nov 6th, 2023
- Results Of Statewide PFAS Sampling In Private Wells Now Available - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Nov 3rd, 2023
- Evers, DNR Announce $402 Million Funding to Improve Local Drinking Water - Henry Redman - Oct 24th, 2023
- DNR Secretary Payne Resigns After Just 10 Months - Isiah Holmes and Henry Redman - Oct 24th, 2023
- EPA Finalizes Rule to Require Enhanced PFAS Reporting to the Toxics Release Inventory - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Oct 20th, 2023
- DNR Says Bottled Water Companies Aren’t Required to Test For PFAS - Danielle Kaeding - Oct 17th, 2023
Read more about PFAS Problem here