Wausau is now conducting a pilot study to define a long-term solution for reducing concentrations of PFAS in the city’s drinking water. One entry point showed a combined level of 41.64 ppt while the other result was 41.5 ppt, city documents show. In January 2022, PFAS results for the two entry points into Wausau’s municipal distribution system also exceeded the health advisory for the combined total of PFOS, PFOA and their precursors.

of Health Services drinking water standard of 20 ppt, which prompted an advisory from the city and a scramble to add PFAS removal to Wausau’s new $120 million drinking water facility, currently under construction. The levels exceed the proposed Wisconsin Dept. The city in recent months conducted voluntary testing of all municipal drinking water supply wells for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and discovered the chemicals at levels ranging from 23 to 48 parts per trillion (ppt). “We do know that either appropriately filtering the municipal water or decreasing the amount of unfiltered municipal water individuals consume (and instead using an alternative source low in PFAS) should lower the levels of PFAS within their bodies, decreasing their risk of health impacts.” Memo from Eric Lindman dated Apsent to all department heads and City Council members.

“There are many factors that contribute to defining a ‘safe’ amount for an individual to drink, and many of those factors are unknowns, unfortunately,” Kloczko told Wausau Pilot & Review. Unlike Kloczko, Lindman is not a health scientist, but holds an advanced degree in engineering, according to his LinkedIn profile.Ī safe level of PFAS for human consumption is so far unclear as the science continues to emerge. Lindman in April also appeared on a local radio talk show to declare the city’s water safe, prompting the host to describe concern over Wausau’s water as “a farce” while calling Lindman “an expert” in the matter. “What needs to be avoided is spending money and making decisions based on fear, this is irresponsible and impacts rate payers negatively,” he wrote. Lindman, who has repeatedly downplayed residents’ concerns about the city’s water, sent a memo in April to all city department heads and members of the City Council directing them to provide a unified message to the public that Wausau’s water is safe to drink. “I asked both DHS and if they had made any determination that Wausau’s water is unsafe neither agency has made that statement or claim,” Lindman wrote, in an email to Wausau Pilot & Review. Kloczko holds a Master of Public Health from Yale and spent several years as an environmental scientist prior to his tenure at DHS.īut even after the May 27 review was issued, Wausau Public Works Director Eric Lindman said “Wausau’s drinking water has never been deemed unsafe, the water remains safe to drink and use.” 3 Alder Tom Kilian, shares a lengthy explanation of how the conclusion was reached and recommends that Wausau residents “use an alternative water source for drinking” and for preparing foods that take up significant amounts of water. The review, written by DHS Site Evaluation Program Coordinator Nathan Kloczko at the request of Dist. of Health Services unequivocally states that Wausau’s drinking water poses a health risk, but the city’s public works director continues to insist the water is safe. A new review of PFAS contamination by the Wisconsin Dept.

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