'Forever chemicals' prompt shut down of drinking water well in the Town of Rib Mountain

Another Wisconsin town is now waging a battle against "forever chemicals" after finding the toxic compounds during voluntary testing. 

The Town of Rib Mountain discovered PFAS in municipal drinking water wells during testing in November and December, according to a press release. The compounds were found in four wells, with levels about the recommended standard in only one. 

The other three wells tested had low levels of PFAS. 

Well #1, which had the elevated level of the compounds, has been shut off — meaning residents and businesses are getting their water from other wells within the system. 

"It is important to know Rib Mountain residents and businesses can safely continue to use and drink from the water supply as normal," said Michael Heyroth, director of the Rib Mountain Sanitary District, in the release.

The district is now working with the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health Services to keep the water supply safe and determine the source of the contaminants, according to the release. Testing will continue to ensure the other wells are not affected presently or in the future. 

Heyroth did not respond to a request for more information about the discovery. 

MORE: A Manitowoc manufacturer announces the discovery of 'forever chemicals' likely linked to former cookware manufacturer

Rib Mountain is one of more than 50 sites in Wisconsin struggling with an identified PFAS contamination. Among the other cities battling the chemical are Eau Claire, the Town of Campbell on French Island, Marinette, Peshtigo, Madison, Milwaukee and Manitowoc. Some cities, like Rib Mountain Eau Claire, were able to shut down drinking wells to prevent residents from drinking the compounds. In other places, like the Town of Campbell and Peshtigo, residents are now reliant on bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing their teeth. 

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of man-made chemicals used for their water- and stain-resistant qualities in products like clothing and carpet, nonstick cookware, packaging and firefighting foam. The family includes 5,000 compounds, which are persistent, remaining both in the environment and human body over time.  

The chemicals have been linked to types of kidney and testicular cancers, lower birth weights, harm to immune and reproductive systems, altered hormone regulation and altered thyroid hormones. The chemicals enter the human body largely through drinking water.

MORE: Water utility groups ask DNR to halt standards for 'forever chemicals' in drinking water, wait for regulations from federal government

The chemicals aren't regulated by the federal government and the state only has recommended standards, though formal standards are in the works, particularly for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most well-researched compounds in the PFAS family. The proposed rules would establish a standard of 20 parts per trillion in drinking water, and create rules regarding testing at water utilities across the state. 

Rules for the two compounds could go into effect this year, pending approval from the Natural Resources Board and the Legislature. 

For more information about the discovery of PFAS, visit ribmountainwi.gov. 

Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on Twitter at @SchulteLaura.