More than 30 groups call on State Legislature to take action on safe drinking water for Safe Drinking Water Act 50th anniversary

WISCONSIN – More than 30 groups signed onto a letter calling on the State Legislature to protect public health by taking action on safe drinking water. Fifty years ago on Dec. 16, Republican Pres. Gerald Ford signed the Safe Drinking Water Act into law. Fast forward to today, and it is clear: Wisconsin has not used the Safe Drinking Water Act to fully protect our communities.

Too many Wisconsinites are still suffering from contaminated drinking water. PFAS are linked to increased cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, certain cancers, and pregnancy complications. Elevated blood lead levels in children are associated with hearing loss, lower IQs, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and emotional impacts like anxiety and depression. Contaminants from manure and fertilizers, such as nitrate, are linked to cancer, birth defects, and even infant death.

Across the state, communities are facing costly medical bills associated with exposure to these contaminants. Proactively tackling these issues with statewide investments would better protect public health. It could also save the state up to $2.04 billion annually by helping families avoid the healthcare expenses associated with these contaminants.

Our legislators must take substantive actions to protect Wisconsin communities by:

1. Supporting $953 million for our public water infrastructure;
2. Supporting policy changes that protect private well owners; and
3. Supporting preventative action.

“My son will live with the consequences of lead poisoning for the rest of his life,” said Shyquetta McElroy, Executive Director for the COLE Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Project. “Our state legislators can and must do more to prevent others from going through the same thing. It’s time to meaningfully invest in our water infrastructure and pass preventative policies that protect our families.”

“For more than seven years, my neighbors and I have been fighting for safe drinking water,” said Cindy Boyle, Secretary for SOH20 and a Peshtigo resident dealing with the everyday impacts of PFAS contamination. “Since the Safe Drinking Water Act provides no protections for our groundwater, we are counting on the Wisconsin legislature to deliver.”

“PFAS, lead, and nitrate continue to contaminate the drinking water of tens of thousands of people across our state,” said Peter Burress, Government Affairs Director for Wisconsin Conservation Voters. “We are proud to be working in coalition with environmental partners from across the state to ensure that our elected officials prioritize safe drinking water in the upcoming legislative session.”

See the full sign-on letter here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.