KAUKAUNA — Kaukauna’s oft-criticized water supply had some good news recently following tests for a group of dangerous chemicals causing growing concern across the state.
As required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Kaukauna Utilities submitted drinking water samples Jan. 18 for laboratory analysis for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, according to the utility.
Levels of Perfluorooctanoic Acid, PFOA, and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid, PFOS, were below the laboratory detection limit in all drinking water samples collected, according to the utility.
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals” because the break down extremely slowly, have garnered attention from lawmakers over the past few years because of their dangerous prevalence in water supplies throughout the state.
These human-made chemicals have been used for decades in numerous products, including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam, according to the DNR.
They are known to accumulate in the human body, posing several risks to human health including certain cancers, liver damage and decreased fertility. Information about PFAS can also be found on the DNR’s PFAS webpage and on the Wisconsin DHS website.
DNR officials recently held a community meeting in Peshtigo, which has PFAS problems stemming from a local manufacturing facility that produces firefighting foam, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Over decades, a plume of PFAS spread through the community’s vast groundwater networks. Now, residents in this rural part of Wisconsin are forced to use bottled water to cook, clean, and drink until officials find ways to lower the chemicals’ concentrations.
Communities struggling with PFAS contamination could get some help from the state, depending on how the state budget process plays out.
During his recent State of the State address, Gov. Tony Evers announced his plan to address contamination caused by PFAS statewide.
As part of his proposal, the governor will be recommending more than $106 million in initiatives in his 2023-25 biennial budget proposal to support municipalities in responding to local PFAS contamination, bolster staff and resources at the DNR, and increase PFAS testing, sampling, and monitoring.
Kaukauna Utilities has an online FAQ which answers some common questions about the city’s water quality. READ MORE
Water quality results for Kaukauna are updated on the DNR WEBSITE HERE.
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