PFAS Contamination in Private Wells
About one-quarter of Wisconsin's population drinks water drawn from over 800,000 private wells. Wells are safe, dependable sources of water if sited wisely and built correctly.
DNR Authority and Enforceable Standards
Unlike public water systems, the protection and maintenance of a private well is largely the responsibility of the well owner. Private well owners are not required to sample their water for PFAS or take corrective actions if PFAS are found in their well water.
The DNR recommends private well owners follow the Department of Health Services' (DHS) health-based recommendations.
Drinking Water Sampling
Currently, there is no general funding available through the DNR to assist private well owners with sampling their wells for PFAS. The DNR recommends that private well owners who choose to sample their well water should use a certified lab.
Private well owners who sample their wells may share the information with the DNR or request assistance with interpreting data.
Alternative Drinking Water
The DHS, DNR or a local health department can issue well-specific drinking water advisories for private wells that have levels of PFAS above DHS' recommended enforcement standards or the cumulative risk hazard index. Residences that have received a well-specific drinking water advisory from the DHS, the DNR or a local health department can receive temporary emergency water from the DNR.
Financial Resources for Impacted Private Well Owners
The well compensation grant program provides funding to eligible landowners or renters to replace, reconstruct or treat contaminated private water supplies that serve a residence or provide water to livestock. To be eligible, family income may not exceed $65,000 for the prior calendar year. The grant program will pay 75% of eligible costs up to $16,000. The maximum grant possible is $12,000.
Health Information Related to Private Wells
The DHS supports the DNR in assessing human health risks associated with PFAS contamination, including providing recommendations to reduce those risks.
For health-related questions, please email DHS at DHSEnvHealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Learn more and access resources about the health effects from PFAS on the following websites:
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR): PFAS and their health effects
