Wausau's Finance Committee Not Ready to Purchase More Filters for Water Pitchers

Thursday, June 16th, 2022 -- 8:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) Wausau's Finance Committee is not going to open the check book just yet to purchase replacement filters for the ZeroWater pitchers that have already been distributed to residents concerned about PFAS levels in the city's drinking water.

According to Mike Leischner of WSAU, Committee Chair Lisa Rasmussen says they still have thousands of filters for those that have already gone through the two that were provided. Rasmussen says if they do run out the committee can always revisit the item.

Some of those filters were requested by residents who have not picked them up in months. Alder Becky McElhaney says she'd also like the water utility to reach out again to those that haven't gotten their filters and pitchers, as some of her residents are still waiting.

Rasmussen says with over 200 thousand already spent on filters, pitchers, and water she'd like to see the committee wait before spending any more. Rasmussen says at this time they don't know if there is an appetite for city-provided replacements.

City leaders add that if the requested pitchers remain unclaimed they will likely be distributed to those who replace their lead service lines, since that involves a wait period before drinking your water again.

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