Governor Evers announces funding for municipalities to voluntarily test PFAS in drinking water

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Governor Tony Evers announced Monday that the state will use more than $600,000 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help local communities interested in sampling municipal water supplies for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS sampling is voluntary, but communities that choose to sample their municipal waters will have data to know that they are providing safe water to residents.

If a community finds that their drinking water is affected by PFAS, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health Services will help community leaders leverage all available resources to protect community health and address contamination. by PFAS.

“We have a shared mission and obligation as local, state and national leaders to ensure that every family has access to clean, safe drinking water now and for generations to come,” Governor Evers said. “These funds are a great opportunity for municipalities to review their water supply, find out if their water is affected by PFAS, and work with DNR and DHS to move forward on remedial health measures. and everyone’s safety.”

PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used for decades in many products, including nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain sprays, and some types of fire-fighting foam.

PFAS do not break down in the environment and have been found at levels of concern in groundwater, surface water, and drinking water across Wisconsin.

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