PFAS: the dangerous forever chemicals threatening our health

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of toxic, human-made chemicals that resist heat, water, and oil. They’ve been used for decades in industrial applications, firefighting foam, and everyday consumer products. Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS don’t break down naturally and have been linked to serious health risks.

Gov. Tony Evers set aside $125 million in the 2023-25 state budget to help communities clean up PFAS contamination. But more than a year later, that money is still tied up due to legislative inaction.

In his proposed biennial budget for 2025-27, Gov. Tony Evers included $145 million to address PFAS contamination. The proposal outlines funding for surface water, drinking water, and groundwater remediation, as well as a community grant program to help local municipalities upgrade their water systems.

At the same time, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working to set groundwater standards for six PFAS chemicals, in line with federal recommendations. But without enforceable limits, progress on cleanup efforts remains slow.

People across Wisconsin are dealing with contaminated drinking water right now. These funds need to be released so communities can act. Lawmakers must stop the delays and approve this critical funding.

For years, conservation voters have been advocating for action on PFAS as more and more communities have discovered these chemicals in their drinking water. We have advocated for PFAS remediation funding in the state budget for the last three years and have built public pressure to demand clean water standards.

With Gov. Evers' leadership, Wisconsin passed the first-ever statewide PFAS water standards in 2022. The PFAS administrative rules are a significant step toward making sure all Wisconsinites have access to clean, safe drinking water. With historic levels of federal funding from Pres. Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, communities that test and find high levels of PFAS in their water now have some resources to make their water safer to drink.

We will continue to fight alongside Wisconsinites who are dealing with contaminated water to ensure the PFAS money in the state budget gets distributed fairly and equitably.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) built an interactive tool with information about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) throughout Wisconsin. The PFAS Interactive Data Viewer combines publicly available information from multiple sources across the DNR’s website into one tool to allow users to more easily explore what is known about PFAS in Wisconsin.

Available information in the PFAS Interactive Data Viewer includes locations with known contamination, PFAS-related fish and game consumption advisories and waterbodies throughout Wisconsin sampled during targeted or routine monitoring.

Data from the DNR’s recent voluntary municipal drinking water system sampling program is also included. Through this program, almost 150 municipal water systems worked with the DNR to determine if PFAS is present in their drinking water. These systems provide water to more than 1.7 million people.

How do I know whether there are PFAS in my water?

Ask your local officials if your community tests for PFAS. If your community does not, use this guide to encourage them to test.

If you’re looking to test your own water (e.g., if your community hasn’t tested or you get your drinking water from a private well):

1. Look at the DNR's list of certified labs to choose a testing lab that has been granted PFAS certification in the state of Wisconsin.
2. Ask about the price, testing costs can vary. Note: Your health department may offer payment options and/or financial assistance.
3. See if you qualify for the well compensation grant program.

I tested my water for PFAS. What do the results mean?

Once you have the results of your test, you can use The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant’s online PFAS Assessment Tool to help determine whether you should take action. Alternatively, the Department of Health Services has 18 advisory standards for PFAS. If any PFAS levels exceed those advisory standards, consider taking action.

My drinking water is contaminated. What immediate steps should I take?

Check out this resource on reducing PFAS in your drinking water . It includes guidance on the best filtration systems. The resource is available in Spanish and Hmong here.

What can I do to support local, long-term action to address PFAS?

1. Share your results with your neighbors and encourage them to test their water.

2. Write a letter to the editor or op-ed to your local paper. Tell your story and urge your elected officials to support clean water. Here are some tips on how.

What can I do to support statewide, long-term action to address PFAS?

1. Send your results to your legislator or post them on social media and tag your legislators.

2. Organize an in-district meeting with your legislator to tell your story. Invite your neighbors. Here are some tips on organizing a great meeting with your legislator.

3. Keep your eye on our vote tracker to learn about legislation that would help us address PFAS.

How can I get more involved with Wisconsin Conservation Voters?

1. Contact your local WCV organizer who can help you find ways to get involved.

2. Join our team of activists organizing around the state by showing your interest in volunteering.

3. Donate to support our work. Our organization relies on members like you so we can advocate for policies that keep our drinking water safe.