Small Wisconsin Communities May Soon Access Funds to Combat PFAS

Monday, February 20th, 2023 -- 9:01 AM

(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) Small and disadvantaged communities in Wisconsin may soon access around $25 million in federal grants to address PFAS contamination in drinking water.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the funding this week as part of $5 billion being provided through the bipartisan infrastructure law over five years to reduce pollution from the so-called forever chemicals.

The money will target relief for communities of fewer than 10,000 residents that can’t afford to finance projects to reduce PFAS or other contaminants like methylmercury and manganese.

Communities can use the grants to address PFAS in drinking water, household water-quality testing, technical assistance and contractor training. Small town leaders of communities grappling with PFAS pollution in private wells say the funding is sorely needed.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, represent a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals widely used by industry since the 1940s. They’ve been used in everyday products like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, food wrappers and firefighting foam.

PFAS don’t break down easily in the environment. Research shows high exposure to the chemicals can cause kidney and testicular cancers, fertility issues, thyroid disease and reduced response to vaccines over time.

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