Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules

(UI) — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have submitted a new proposal to update the state’s drinking water standards to match the latest federal guidelines for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

This initiative comes during Water Quality Month, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat PFAS contamination in the state’s water supply.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently established new federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS, requiring states to adopt these standards to maintain regulatory control over their water systems. The proposed changes would incorporate these MCLs into Wisconsin's drinking water regulations, including standards for three PFAS compounds currently unregulated at the state level.

Governor Evers emphasized the urgent need for updated standards to protect public health, stating, “Every Wisconsinite deserves access to clean, safe water that is free of lead, PFAS, and other harmful contaminants… With each day of delay in setting basic standards and getting meaningful investments out the door to protect our natural resources and get contaminants out of our water, the more costly these efforts will become.”

Despite progress on setting water quality standards, political gridlock has stalled further regulatory measures, particularly for groundwater protection. Evers and clean water advocates have called on the state’s Natural Resources Board (NRB) to act swiftly to implement the new standards.

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