Results Of Statewide PFAS Sampling In Private Wells Now Available
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the results of a study conducted to understand the extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in shallow groundwater throughout Wisconsin.
PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products, including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam. These contaminants have made their way into the environment in a variety of ways, including spills of PFAS-containing materials, discharges of wastewater that contain PFAS from treatment plants and use of certain types of firefighting foams.
In total, 450 samples were collected voluntarily from private wells distributed throughout Wisconsin. Most private wells that were sampled had PFAS concentrations below current Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services’ (DHS) health recommendations, and overall, the number of areas in Wisconsin with significant PFAS contamination were limited.
The DNR’s groundwater study shows roughly 7 in 10 private wells contain one or more PFAS, but only 1 in 100 contain PFAS above DHS’ current health guidelines.
“The information gained through this groundwater study, combined with compliance sampling in public water systems and surface water monitoring efforts, will help us in developing an understanding of where PFAS are found in Wisconsin’s water,” said Steve Elmore, DNR Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater Director. “This knowledge will allow us to use our limited resources to address PFAS most efficiently.”
New drinking water regulations that went into effect in Wisconsin in 2022 require ongoing sampling of public drinking water systems. By the end of 2023, Wisconsin will have PFAS data for nearly all public water systems in the state due to these regulations.
The DNR is currently working to enact standards for four PFAS compounds (i.e., PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, and HFPO-DA (GenX)) in groundwater. If enacted, standards would help to limit the amount of these compounds that could reach groundwater. This would protect private well owners from PFAS exposure and reduce treatment needs for impacted public water systems that source water from groundwater.
The public is encouraged to participate in the groundwater standards rulemaking process. More information about this proposed rule and opportunities to participate are available on the DNR’s website and by subscribing to receive email updates.
Visit the Wisconsin DNR website to learn more about efforts undertaken to mitigate PFAS contamination in Wisconsin, including the PFAS Action Plan.
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.
More about the PFAS Problem
- State Supreme Court Agrees to Take WMC Toxic Pollution Case - Midwest Environmental Advocates - Sep 11th, 2024
- 2017 Law Resulting in Long List of Outdated DNR Water Standards - Danielle Kaeding - Sep 5th, 2024
- Murphy’s Law: Is Milorganite Making People Sick? - Bruce Murphy - Sep 4th, 2024
- Wisconsin Seeks To Match PFAS Rules To Federal Regulations - Danielle Kaeding - Aug 27th, 2024
- PFAS in Foam Far Worse Than Water in Wisconsin’s Rivers, Lakes - Danielle Kaeding - Jul 10th, 2024
- Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds - Erik Gunn - Jun 6th, 2024
- Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes - Baylor Spears - May 15th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Sues Republican Legislators for Continued Obstruction of Investments Intended to Address Pressing Challenges Facing Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 13th, 2024
- Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds - Erik Gunn - May 8th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Again Calls Republican Lawmakers into Special Meeting to Urge Immediate Release of $140 Million to Fight PFAS Statewide, Respond to Hospital Closures in Western Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 6th, 2024
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