Wausau Has Elevated Levels of PFAS Chemical in Municipal Wells

Thursday, February 10th, 2022 -- 9:01 AM

(Bob Hague, WRN) Wausau is the latest community where elevated levels of PFAS, or forever chemicals, have been detected in municipal water wells.

Mayor Katie Rosenberg says PFAS levels aren't high enough to recommend against using tap water for drinking or cooking, but she does want immediate action. Rosenberg is hoping that special meetings of the water utility and city council will happen within the next week.

The results came after voluntary testing of all city wells earlier this year, and all were found to have elevated PFAS levels. Public Works Director Eric Lindman says they are still investigating the issue to see if any drastic steps need to be taken.

The state Department of Health Services is making resources available to residents on the city's website, including what filtration systems work best at combating PFAS. Wausau is the latest Wisconsin city where PFAS have been detected in wells.

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