PFAS contamination could cost Wisconsin billions in water infrastructure repairs, state says

Wisconsin officials say the cost of addressing widespread PFAS contamination could reach billions of dollars, highlighting a massive upcoming burden on the state’s water and wastewater infrastructure. According to Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued the estimate while reviewing a Republican-backed bill that would exempt certain parties—including fire departments, airports, municipalities and sludge haulers—from PFAS cleanup liability if they used the chemicals legally under state permits.

If those exemptions are approved, the DNR says the state—and ultimately taxpayers—would assume the cost of remediating contaminated drinking water supplies, groundwater and soil. The agency estimates that public water systems alone may need more than $12 million a year to meet federal PFAS drinking water standards, while testing Wisconsin’s 800,000 private wells could cost roughly $400 million. Replacing an estimated 5,000 contaminated wells may add another $125 million, with additional expenses expected for wastewater sampling and site investigations, WPR reported.

Experts warn that the total cost is difficult to calculate without statewide groundwater and cleanup standards. Utility groups and water advocates say PFAS remediation will require long-term investment, while legislators argue that innocent landowners should not be held financially responsible. Lawmakers expect additional funding proposals in coming years as PFAS rules continue to evolve.

Despite differing views on liability, both regulators and legislators agree: Wisconsin’s water infrastructure faces a multi-billion-dollar PFAS challenge, and utilities may need significant state support to manage testing, treatment, and long-term upgrades.

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