PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

You’ve likely heard about PFAS in the news as a “forever chemical.” PFAS are chemicals that are in everyday items including pizza boxes, dental floss, fast food hamburger wrappers, nonstick kitchen cookware, carpeting, and more. They are found in our waterways, in the air, and in the soil.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), “perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s.”

In Wisconsin, the drinking water and surface water rules for Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) became effective August 1, 2022. Requirements for PFOS and PFOA monitoring and a pollution minimization program will likely be included in NEW Water’s next WPDES permit renewal (current permit expires March 31, 2027).

As a regulator of area industries through its Pretreatment Program, NEW Water values partnerships with area industries to implement cost-effective pollution prevention strategies. Currently, NEW Water is pursuing pollution minimization initiatives to reduce this “forever chemical” at its sources. NEW Water has conducted surveys with area businesses and industries to assess where PFAS is used in Northeast Wisconsin.

Participation in pollution minimization initiatives is greatly appreciated. For any questions, please contact us here or call our Pretreatment Coordinator at (920) 438-1079.

Keep up to date with what’s happening with PFAS on the Wisconsin DNR webpage here.