2022 PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels

Resources

Resources

Wisconsin Department of Health Services - PFAS Chemical Information

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1950s; PFOA and PFOS are the most widely produced and studied of these chemicals. These compounds may still be found in everyday consumer products, such as some grease-resistant paper, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products and other personal care products, like shampoo and nail polish.

EPA - PFAS Explained

PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment.

They can be present in our water, soil, air and food as well as in materials found in our homes or workplaces, including:

• Drinking water – in public drinking water systems and private drinking water wells.
• Soil and water at or near waste sites – at landfills, disposal sites and hazardous waste sites such as those that fall under the federal Superfund and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act programs.
• Fire extinguishing foam – in aqueous film-forming foams used to extinguish flammable liquid-based fires. Such foams are used in training and emergency response events at airports, shipyards, military bases, firefighting training facilities, chemical plants and refineries.
• Manufacturing or chemical production facilities that produce or use PFAS – for example, at chrome plating, electronics and certain textile and paper manufacturers.
• Food – for example, fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS and dairy products from livestock exposed to PFAS.
• Food packaging – for example, in grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and candy wrappers.
• Household products and dust – for example, in stain and water-repellent used on carpets, upholstery, clothing and other fabrics; cleaning products; non-stick cookware; paints, varnishes and sealants.
• Personal care products – for example, in certain shampoo, dental floss and cosmetics.
• Biosolids – for example, fertilizer from wastewater treatment plants used on agricultural lands can affect ground and surface water and animals that graze on the land.

EPA - Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS

Wisconsin Certified PFAS Labs

The following list of labs is certified by the State of Wisconsin to analyze PFAS compounds for the requirements of this new regulation: Labs approved for testing.

EPA Approved PFAS Labs

The following list of labs is approved by the EPA to analyze PFAS compounds using the EPA's testing methods. These labs are acceptable to use for the requirements of this new regulation: Labs approved for testing.

Rulemaking timeline

PFAS MCL Rulemaking Timeline

Rulemaking procedures

Rule change process, public input and timeline

The DNR creates and revises administrative rules to implement statutes enacted by the Wisconsin State Legislature [exit DNR]. Administrative rules have the full force and effect of law.

Rulemaking is an extensive process and there are many internal steps [PDF] that the DNR and the NRB must follow during a rulemaking effort. Public participation is a critical component of agency rulemaking. There are numerous opportunities to participate in the DNR rulemaking process. For permanent rules, the entire process generally takes about 31 months from initiation to effective date of rule revisions.

Stakeholder meetings

Stakeholder meetings

Given the amount of public interest in this effort and its potential economic impacts, the DNR convened a series of stakeholder meetings to provide guidance on the rule changes.

Meetings were held in winter 2020 through spring 2021. Meeting dates, times and locations are listed in the table below. The meetings were public noticed, and prior to each meeting, the department provided an agenda and any materials for review.

The stakeholder meetings were open to the public. When the meetings were completed, there was additional opportunities for public input and comments throughout the remainder of the rulemaking process.