Wisconsin
Wisconsin DNR to work on PFAS standards in water, as Campbell rep testifies about French Island trouble
The natural resources board in Wisconsin has voted to come up with standards for PFAS chemicals in the state’s groundwater.
Board members heard comments on Wednesday from state residents affected by PFAS pollution, including Lee Donahue from the Campbell Town Board on French Island. Donahue has been active in seeking relief for hundreds of island residents who have found PFAS in their well water.
“Living with toxic water affects the health and safety of every resident here,” said Donahue, testifying by Zoom, “from brushing their teeth to cooking, filling a coffee pot.”
“Now they can no longer even eat the food that they use to grow in their garden,” she said. “It’s a hardship, it’s a health crisis.”
Donahue says the concern over PFAS chemicals is being felt by children, as well as adults. She told the DNR board about a recent Campbell holiday event where Santa asked kids what they want for Christmas.
“The second child to sit on Santa’s lap in our community asked for safe water,” she said. “Think about that. Not a toy, not a bicycle. They asked for safe water.”
