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. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
More about the PFAS Problem
- The State of Politics: Voters Worried About PFAS in Water - Steven Walters - Apr 22nd, 2024
- EPA Slaps Two PFAS Chemicals With Superfund Law Designation - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 19th, 2024
- DNR Responds To EPA’s Designation Of PFOA And PFOS As Hazardous Substances - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Apr 19th, 2024
- Evers Won’t Rule Out Court Challenge to Force Release of PFAS Funds - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 16th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Vetoes PFAS Bill, Calls Special Meeting of Budget Committee - Baylor Spears - Apr 10th, 2024
- DNR, DHS Respond To EPA’s Announcement Of Maximum Contaminant Levels For PFAS In Drinking Water - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Apr 10th, 2024
- GOP Leaders Urge Gov. Evers to Sign Divisive PFAS Bill - Baylor Spears - Apr 2nd, 2024
- UW-Madison to Open PFAS Center - Robert D'Andrea - Apr 1st, 2024
- Gov. Evers Slams Republicans for Continued Delays Releasing Critical Funds to Fight PFAS Statewide, Stabilize Healthcare Industry in Western Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - Mar 11th, 2024
- Wisconsin DNR Update On WMC And Leather Rich, Inc V. DNR - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Mar 8th, 2024
Read more about PFAS Problem here