New Tool Shows PFAS Levels In Wright County's Drinking Water

St. Michael MN

10 June, 2022

3:31 PM

Description

WRIGHT COUNTY, MN — Wright County residents can now check on the levels of "forever chemicals" in their drinking water, thanks to a new online data dashboard launched Tuesday by state officials. The Minnesota Department of Health's new dashboard displays the results of tests for PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — in public water systems across the state. PFAS, also known as perfluorochemicals, are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. Rep. Emmer Votes Against Gun Control Bill After Recent Massacres Prolonged exposure to PFAS can lead to negative health effects, including higher cholesterol, thyroid disease, reduced immune response, changes to liver function and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, according to the Department of Health. Tests have been conducted at more than 400 community water systems, which serve about 75 percent of all Minnesotans who use those systems, officials said. Those tests revealed PFAS in about two-thirds of Minnesota's community water systems, though the "vast majority" had PFAS levels below current guidelines, according to the Department of Health. "Some PFAS are commonly found at low levels in drinking water, but it's rare to find elevated PFAS in drinking water outside of communities with known contamination sites," MDH environmental research scientist Jane de Lambert said in a news release. 1st COVID 'Test-To-Treat' Site In Minnesota Opens In Brooklyn Park A community water system in St. Paul Park was the only system to have PFAS levels over the guidelines, but officials said the city does "not typically" use the well that exceeded the limits. More than 560 other community water systems in Minnesota have not been tested, as of Thursday, according to the dashboard. Officials said they expect 1 percent of those wells — about five — to have PFAS levels above the current guidelines. Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said the state's testing program and new dashboard are "just two examples of how Minnesota continues to be a national leader in providing safe drinking water." "With this new tool, Minnesotans will be able to see for themselves whether PFAS is a concern for the health of their communities and their families," Malcolm said in the release. Rep. Emmer Seeks $3M For I-94 Expansion Project In Wright County The new dashboard shows four community water systems in Wright County were tested. All four had at least one PFAS, but each was within the safety thresholds set by the Minnesota Department of Health. Community water systems in Annandale and Rockford — and one run by the Clearwater Harbor Property, Inc., in South Haven — each had traces of one PFAS, while the system in Monticello had traces of two PFAS, according to the new dashboard. Contaminated groundwater in the Twin Cities east metro has been traced back to waste containing PFAS disposed of by 3M at several disposal sites in Washington County. Minnesota reached an $850 million settlement agreement with 3M in 2018, with about $700 million to be directed to mitigate PFAS in drinking water in the Twin Cities' east metro. REGIONAL NEWS: Albertville's Friendly City Days To Feature Carnival, Music June 8-121st Taco Bell Defy Location Opens In Brooklyn ParkElection 2022: See Who Filed To Run For St. Michael-Area OfficesSt. Michael Senior Earns College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship