Wausau's fight against PFAS and lead in the water

PFAS contamination is a growing crisis for communities across Wisconsin, threatening drinking water and public health. In Wausau, officials installed a granular activated carbon filtration system to remove these harmful "forever chemicals," but maintaining clean water comes at a steep cost. Without state funding, communities – large and small – will struggle to afford long-term solutions. Additionally, Wausau is one of many cities across Wisconsin that have outdated and dangerous lead pipes within their water distribution systems.

In this video, John Robinson – Marathon County Board member, Wausau Water Works Commission citizen member, former mayor, and chair of Wisconsin’s Green Fire’s Contaminants of Emerging Concern working group – explains why Wisconsin must step up to address PFAS and lead contamination and protect safe drinking water for all.