Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council Share Recommendations for Protecting State's Groundwater

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 -- 11:01 AM

The Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council shared key recommendations for protecting and preserving vital groundwater resources in its 2024 annual report to the Wisconsin State Legislature.

Recommendations focused on public health and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remain a priority, while one focused on finding solutions for water-stressed areas joins the list this year.

The key recommendations in the report address some of the most prevalent and pressing issues in Wisconsin, including Setting new and revised health-based groundwater standards to protect public health and the environment from PFAS, nitrate and other contaminants.

DNR halted rulemaking to establish groundwater standards for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in December 2023 after determining that state law requires legislative action to adopt the standards as proposed. There are currently 46 unaddressed NR140 groundwater standards.

The Groundwater Coordinating Council recommends allowing the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Health Services to finish rule-making that protects groundwater. Without these standards, agencies remain unable to fully protect the public health of Wisconsin residents.

Implementing agricultural practices that protect groundwater from nitrate, pesticides and other agricultural contaminants. Areas of the state with a higher intensity of agriculture generally have higher nitrate levels in wells and a higher frequency of pesticide detections.

Women and children are especially at risk when exposed to these contaminants. While also acknowledging the crucial need for Wisconsin agriculture, the Groundwater Coordinating Council recommends continuous program implementation, funding, data assessment tools and education to reduce the risk of high nitrate, pesticides and other contaminants in groundwater.

Addressing public health and environmental concerns regarding PFAS, nitrate and other groundwater contaminants. Exposure to PFAS can have detrimental health effects, like developmental delays, and cause certain types of cancer.

PFAS has been detected in Wisconsin's municipal and private drinking water sources. In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency released its Maximum Contaminant Levels in Drinking Water for PFAS, spotlighting the significant impact of PFAS on public health.

The Groundwater Coordinating Council recommends implementing PFAS enforcement standards, identifying PFAS sources and supporting statewide PFAS initiatives. Finding solutions for water-stressed areas affecting communities, economic activity and water resources.

Wisconsin’s water supply is not evenly distributed across the state. Some areas have aquifers with low water availability, while in other parts, groundwater withdrawals and variable climate may result in environmental harm, such as residential wells or streams going dry.

The Groundwater Coordinating Council recommends statewide collaboration, identifying water conservation and efficiency measures and developing a regional framework to manage water withdrawals in some areas of the state to address the newest addition to its priority recommendations.

The full report and Groundwater Coordinating Council recommendations can be found on the Groundwater Coordinating Council website.

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