Conservation group estimates PFAS cleanup in state drinking water would cost $208 million

By Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner | December 4, 2023

Read the full article by Henry Redman (Wisconsin Examiner)

"Wisconsin Green Fire (WGF), a conservation group with a membership largely made up of former state Department of Natural Resources employees, released a report Friday that estimates the capital cost for PFAS treatment of public water systems and other sources of water would be $208 million. 

PFAS are a group of man-made chemical compounds known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment. They’ve been used for decades in a variety of products, including certain types of firefighting foam and a number of household goods including nonstick pans and fast food wrappers. PFAS contamination has been connected to health defects including cancer. 

Communities across the state have been found to have PFAS-contaminated water, including Marinette, Madison, Wausau, French Island outside of La Crosse and the town of Stella outside of Rhinelander."

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Products
• Environment
• Wildlife
• ImpactDrinking water
• ImpactDrinking waterPrivate wells
• Affected community
• Health