Q&A

Here are answers to a few basic questions the public often asks about PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — and water testing in Wisconsin. To learn more, scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/topic/PFAS.

Q: Why don’t all lakes and rivers in Wisconsin get sampled for PFAS?

A: Wisconsin has roughly 15,000 lakes and 12,600 rivers, and testing all of them would be resource-intensive in terms of money and staff. Since 2019, the DNR has sampled representative lakes and rivers statewide. Most had very low PFAS concentrations.

When high PFAS concentrations are found, follow-up sampling is done to help define areas of contamination and gather information to allow people to make informed decisions to reduce their potential exposure. Sampling of additional lakes and rivers is ongoing, with waterbodies selected based on nearby results or information about possible PFAS contamination.

Q: Why does one body of water have high levels of PFAS, but another one near it has low or no PFAS detected?

A: For a waterbody to have high PFAS concentrations, it needs to be directly connected to a PFAS source by either surface water or groundwater and be downstream of the source. The size of the waterbody and the speed at which water moves through it may also be more important than its location near a PFAS-contaminated waterbody.

Q: Should I be concerned about my private well if I'm a waterfront property owner and PFAS is detected in the waterbody?

A: Testing your well if you know of nearby PFAS impacts is recommended. Shallow wells near waterbodies impacted by PFAS could also be affected if the PFAS contaminating the waterbody reaches the aquifer used by the well.

Well owners can contact the DNR or a drinking water professional for additional site-specific guidance or information about how to sample for PFAS. If PFAS are detected in your well, you may be eligible to receive a grant through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Well Compensation Grant Program to address the contamination.

Q: How should I dispose of household items, such as nonstick pans, containing PFAS?

A: Generally, you can dispose of these items in your household trash, as you would with things that do not contain PFAS. Some waste management facilities have programs to take household waste known or suspected to contain PFAS. Check with your local waste management facility to see whether such a program is available near you.

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