Forever Chemicals: 71% of Wisconsin Private Wells Contaminated With Low PFAS Levels

According to a survey, 71% of private wells in Wisconsin contain permanently harmful substances, even if some of them have relatively low PFAS concentrations.

Forever Chemicals PFAS in 71% of Wisconsin Private Wells

In a survey of 450 Wisconsin wells, 71% contained "forever chemicals," affecting both industrial and rural areas. A recent study by the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point identified 22 PFAS compounds in tested wells out of 44. However, most remained below state and federal standards. This groundbreaking study offers crucial insights into groundwater contamination, which serves as the primary water source for nearly 95% of Wisconsin's population.

Steve Elmore, the DNR's drinking water section chief, found the results in line with expectations, emphasizing their significance in understanding PFAS in Wisconsin's groundwater. The focus was on shallow wells (40 feet or less), with plans for continued testing to assess deeper wells in the coming months, providing a more comprehensive overview of the situation.

Very Low PFAS Levels at 1%

Although PFAS were prevalent in numerous wells, just 1% of detections met or exceeded state and federal standards. The most common compounds found were PFBA and PFOA, with PFOA being extensively researched, while PFBA's frequency of detection is increasing.

The DNR reported that 89% of PFAS detections occurred in developed areas, but PFAS were also found in 70% of forested, 69% of grassland, and 65% of agricultural areas tested. Surprisingly, the highest contaminations were all identified in rural locations, notably the Town of Stella.

Stella saw elevated PFAS levels, with well water testing as high as 36,000 parts per trillion, far surpassing the federal recommendation of 4 parts per trillion for drinking water and the state standard of 70 parts per trillion for public water system drinking water. These levels likely rank among the highest in the nation. The DNR extended testing across a two-mile radius from the initial well with elevated PFAS levels.

Free Bottled Water

To date, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has examined 114 private wells in Stella, situated approximately 10 miles east of Rhinelander. Of these, 49 exceeded state PFAS limits, 32 had detections below these limits, and 33 showed no PFAS detection. Health advisory letters have been dispatched to 47 homeowners, granting them eligibility for free bottled water.

Moreover, several bodies of water in the region, such as the Wisconsin River, Pelican River, and various lakes, have exhibited elevated PFAS levels. This study not only provides critical information to residents but also informs the ongoing development of PFAS groundwater standards by the DNR.

Steve Elmore, the DNR's drinking water section chief, emphasized that this study is instrumental in shaping the rulemaking process and conducting economic impact analysis. Furthermore, the data will serve as a valuable resource for future PFAS research, enabling scientists and researchers to explore new questions and potentially pinpoint the sources of PFAS contamination. Elmore envisions that this dataset will have enduring significance, aiding in the pursuit of a deeper understanding of PFAS sources in groundwater and facilitating ongoing research efforts in Wisconsin.

Forever Chemicals or PFAS

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals known for their water and stain resistance. They're used in various products, such as clothing, cookware, and firefighting foam. This chemical family has 5,000 compounds, that persist in the environment and the human body. They're associated with health issues like cancer, low birth weight, and immune system damage. PFAS contamination is widespread in Wisconsin via drinking water. PFAS is also commonly known as 'forever chemicals.'