After investigation, the City of Whitewater is confirmed to have no detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) is conducting a statewide investigation into the occurrence of PFAS in drinking water at select municipal drinking water suppliers in WI during 2022. The City of Whitewater Water Utility voluntarily took part in this investigation by sampling its drinking water for PFAS. The City of Whitewater Water Utility decided to sample for PFAS to proactively assess the potential impacts of PFAS in the drinking water and to quickly take steps to protect the health of our customers if needed.

PFAS have been found in some drinking water supplies where PFAS releases have occurred in the environment. These substances can be found in fire-fighting foams, stain repellents, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food wrappers, and are used in many industrial processes. They do not break down in the environment and move easily into water. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS) has made health based advisory level recommendations for 12 individual PFAS compounds and a combined value for 6 additional compounds.

The City of Whitewater Water Utility’s drinking water was tested as a part of this sampling project. The test results, which can be found on the WI DNR PFAS Sampling Project Page located at https://dnr.wi.gov/dwsviewer/, show that PFAS compounds were NOT detected.

The City of Whitewater Water Utility is committed to providing our customers with quality drinking water. As your water supplier, we will continue to work closely with WI DNR to maintain the quality of your water.

Specific health information regarding PFAS compounds with health advisory recommendations in WI can be found here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/water/gws-cycle11.htm.

Additional health information regarding PFAS can be found here: DHS PFAS https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/pfas.htm.

Article Submitted by Brad Marquardt
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov