You’ve likely heard or read something about PFAS recently. The term is used for a large group of chemicals that are widely used in many products including nonstick cookware, waterproof coating, stain-resistant textiles, firefighting foam and food packaging. The problem is they last a long time in the environment and have been accumulating in fish, wildlife and waters of Wisconsin and elsewhere. Eventually they show up in our bodies…the EPA says 98% of us have measurable amounts in our blood…and they can contribute to serious health issues including developmental problems in fetuses and infants, certain types of cancer, kidney disease, reduced anti- body response, and decreased immune response to vaccinations.
Wisconsin has been developing plans to manage PFAS and an action plan was delivered to Governor Evers last December. It includes establishing standards, gathering data and sampling for PFAS including in municipal water systems. Sheboygan is already testing its water even before those final standards are fixed by the DNR.
At the Board of Water Commissioners Meeting this past Monday, Superintendent Joe Trueblood reported that the Sheboygan Water Utility recently completed sampling of both raw and finished water for PFAS and related compounds, and the results here are encouraging. Trueblood said that of 20 compounds they looked for, only one was detected, and that was just barely above the sensitivity of the test at 2 parts per trillion. Currently it’s expected that a standard of 20 ppt combined PFAS will be enforced, making the level in Sheboygan’s drinking water ten times below the limit. So for now, drink up!
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