PFAS, which stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, is a group of thousands of chemicals used in many different products, including food packaging, cookware, upholstery, clothing, and firefighting foam.

PFAS chemicals don’t break down in our environment. Because they have been used in many different products since the 1950s, they can be found in dust, soil, and water.

Yes. Since January 2021, more than 315 rural wells in Eau Claire County have been tested for PFAS. Of those wells, more than 50 wells contained PFAS higher than what is recommended for drinking water in Wisconsin.

The source of PFAS that has been detected in private wells in Eau Claire County is not yet known.

Read more about human exposure to PFAS (Wisconsin DHS)

We’re still learning how PFAS might affect our health. Long-term exposure to high levels of PFAS may increase cholesterol levels, decrease how well the body responds to vaccines, and reduce women’s fertility. Research also suggests high levels of certain PFAS chemicals may:

• Increase the risk of thyroid disease
• Increase the risk of serious conditions like high blood pressure, or pre-eclampsia in pregnant people
• Lower infant birth weights (the decrease in birth weight is small and may not affect the infant’s health).

More research is happening so we can better understand the health effects of being exposed to PFAS in dust, soil, or water.

Anyone who is concerned about PFAS in their water can use a water filter or bottled water to reduce their exposure. You can find information about using a filter for a pitcher, sink, or your whole house by checking out Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water (Wisconsin DHS). 

However, remember that almost everyone has been exposed to PFAS chemicals through other sources – like stain repellants, nonstick pots and pans, waterproof clothing and shoes, fast food wrappers, personal care products, and other goods.

Eau Claire, Altoona, Augusta, Fairchild, and Fall Creek have tested the public drinking water for PFAS.

Results of these tests are available at Wisconsin DNR's PFAS Interactive Data Viewer. The viewer is a mapping tool that shows locations in Wisconsin that have been impacted by PFAS:

• Locations with known PFAS contamination and whether cleanup has been completed
• PFAS test results for municipal drinking water
• Locations with PFAS-related fish and game consumption advisories
• Water bodies in Wisconsin that have been tested for PFAS

More information about the City of Eau Claire PFAS testing and treatment is also available at the Eau Claire Water Utility PFAS Information page.

Wisconsin DNR's PFAS Interactive Data Viewer is a mapping tool that shows locations in Wisconsin that have been impacted by PFAS.

The data viewer shows us:

• Locations with known PFAS contamination and whether cleanup has been completed
• PFAS test results for municipal drinking water
• Locations with PFAS-related fish and game consumption advisories
• Water bodies in Wisconsin that have been tested for PFAS

The Wisconsin DHS has created recommended groundwater standards for 18 different PFAS chemicals. These standards are set to protect the most vulnerable groups of people. Since many PFAS cause similar health effects, DHS also uses a hazard index to evaluate health risks when multiple PFAS are present.

DNR regulates how much of certain types of PFAS can be released into the surface water (lakes, rivers, and streams) and how much can be in water served by public water systems. 

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released final maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS. Wisconsin is taking steps to adopt new drinking water standards for the six PFAS. Visit the DNR's website for the status and proposed timeline of the rulemaking process.

If you live in an area with PFAS contamination, read these facts and tips for home gardeners.

 Based on current science, the benefits of breastfeeding appear to outweigh the risks for children exposed to PFAS in breast milk. If your drinking water comes from the City of Eau Claire, the health risk is believed to be low.  

If you have a private well that hasn’t been tested for PFAS, we recommend talking to a private well specialist about whether or not you should test based on where you live. To weigh the risks and benefits of breastfeeding, mothers should talk with their doctors.

 If your drinking water comes from a municipal drinking water source, the risk to human health is believed to be low.  If you have a private well in Eau Claire County that hasn’t been tested for PFAS, consider getting your water tested (see information above).

You can also talk to a private well specialist about whether or not you should test based on where you live. Any community member who’s concerned about their PFAS exposure can reduce their potential exposure by using an alternative water source, following fish consumption advice, and rinsing off after touching water that contains PFAS (such as a stream, river, or lake). 

Alternative water sources are:

• Bottled water that’s been purified or filtered
• Water from a treatment system certified to remove PFAS.

Alternative water sources can be used for drinking, making beverages, making infant formula, or making foods that use a lot of water, like flavored gelatin or rice. 

Research suggests that high levels of some PFAS may increase the risk of serious conditions like high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.  It might also lower infant birth weights, though the decrease in weight is small and may not affect health.

WI Department of Health Services PFAS page

WI Department of Natural Resources PFAS page

Information about the Hazard Index tool used to evaluate mixtures of chemicals in water (Wisconsin DHS)

PFAS and Your Health (CDC - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)

Filter systems that can remove PFAS in drinking water (Wisconsin DHS)

Bottled water & PFAS (International Bottled Water Association)

PFAS and Backyard Gardening (Wisconsin DHS)