Wisconsin has implemented new, stringent standards for PFAS in drinking water, marking a significant step in the state's efforts to tackle these harmful chemicals. This move comes in the wake of growing national concern over PFAS contamination and recent federal regulations aimed at protecting public health.
PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body, have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and liver damage. PFAS chemicals are commonly found in products such as non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-repellent fabrics. Over the years, their persistence in the environment has led to widespread contamination of water sources, raising significant public health concerns.
In response, the U.S. EPA has been tightening regulations, with Wisconsin becoming one of the latest states to implement its own robust standards to meet that new regulatory threshold.
The federal standards for PFOA and PFOS are roughly 17 times more stringent than Wisconsin’s status-quo drinking water standard of 70 parts per trillion for the two chemicals. The state’s Natural Resources Board is expected to approve a preliminary public hearing when it meets in September.
These regulations are designed to prevent adverse health effects and ensure safer drinking water for residents. The standards align closely with recent federal efforts, indicating a unified approach to addressing PFAS pollution at both the state and national levels.
While federal regulations will require PFAS testing across the board by 2027 Wisconsin has gotten out in front of this emerging problem: The state has already sampled around 2,000 public water supplies; nearly all have recorded PFAS levels below federal limits.
The NRB will work closely with the 90 systems that have exceeded federal standards.
“Every Wisconsinite deserves access to clean, safe water that is free of lead, PFAS, and other harmful contaminants that are affecting our kids, families, and communities across our state,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. “With each day of delay in setting basic standards and getting meaningful investments out the door to protect our natural resources and get contaminants out of our water, the more costly these efforts will become.”
The adoption of these standards is expected to have wide-reaching effects across Wisconsin, particularly for water utilities that may need to upgrade treatment processes to comply with the new rules. The regulations also underscore the state’s commitment to environmental health and proactive management of emerging contaminants.
Wisconsin's move comes as part of a broader national push to regulate PFAS. The EPA has been leading efforts to standardize PFAS regulations across the U.S., with many states following suit by implementing their own guidelines. These coordinated efforts highlight the critical need for a comprehensive approach to managing PFAS risks.
As awareness of PFAS contamination grows, Wisconsin's new standards represent a critical step in ensuring safer drinking water for its residents. The alignment with federal regulations demonstrates a commitment to tackling this pressing environmental and public health challenge head-on.
