. Take action! Tell your elected representatives to protect our drinking water. Hi John,
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in the final stages of passing three new administrative rules to protect Wisconsinites from PFAS contamination. We need your voice in support of this critical step to protecting our water.
The first two rules, focused on drinking water and surface water, have already had public hearings, but a hearing for the third rule on groundwater is coming up on Thursday, Jan. 6. This hearing is an opportunity to show your support and help get these protections across the finish line.
Will you help show support for this rule? There are two ways you can take action:
This rule is focused on establishing groundwater standards for PFAS. Approximately 70 percent of Wisconsinites get their drinking water from groundwater, and there are currently no standards for keeping these dangerous chemicals out of the water you drink. This is already happening in Wisconsin communities like Marinette, Peshtigo, Rhinelander, Eau Claire, Campbell, La Crosse, and Madison.
A little background: PFAS are a group of highly toxic, human-made chemicals resistant to heat, water, and oil. For decades, PFAS have been used for industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, waterproof clothing, upholstery, food packaging, firefighting foam, and various paper products.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down in the environment. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has advised that exposure to certain PFAS like PFOS and PFOA may contribute to a number of negative health effects including increased cholesterol levels, increased risk of thyroid disease, high blood pressure in pregnant women, lower infant birth weights, and decreased fertility in women.
This administrative rule is one of the best chances we have to protect Wisconsinites from these dangerous forever chemicals. Thank you for showing your support, Peter Burress Government Affairs Manager Wisconsin Conservation Voters |