Lack of political will keeping Wisconsin from tackling PFAS problem

It is frustrating when government identifies a problem, and a way to solve it, but doesn’t have the political will to get it done. Such is the case in Wisconsin with so-called “forever chemicals.” PFAS, which have been linked to illness and death, have been found in many private wells on French Island and elsewhere in Wisconsin. Governor Evers has proposed that the DNR establish limits on how much of the chemicals can be allowed in our groundwater. The DNR Policy Board approved PFAS limits for establishing limits for our surface and drinking water. But they rejected the Governor’s call for action, saying the cost of digging new wells and installing filtration systems would be too expensive. As a result, the chemicals in the well water in the Town of Campbell remain unregulated, and people living there continue to rely on bottled water. Now Evers is again asking the DNR to consider establishing groundwater limits. It is time for the DNR to act on the Governor’s request and set these limits. The money is there to keep us safe thanks to a huge budget surplus. All that seems to be lacking is the political will.