DNR officially launches the state’s first PFAS Awareness Week

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have officially launched the state’s first PFAS Awareness Week, joining neighboring states Minnesota and Michigan in a coordinated regional effort to highlight the dangers of forever chemicals and celebrate ongoing mitigation efforts across Wisconsin.

The weeklong observance comes on the heels of major legislative and legal milestones in the state's multi-year battle against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Earlier this year, Governor Evers signed bipartisan legislation releasing $125 million from the state’s PFAS Trust Fund. The funding, which had been stalled for over two years, will support statewide contamination testing, help clean up public and private water supplies, and assist impacted communities. The DNR plans to launch its first grant opportunities next month, focusing on private wells, schools, and childcare centers.

In addition to the trust fund release, the state budget committee recently approved $10 million from a settlement with Tyco Fire Products LP. The funds, resulting from a lawsuit over contamination surrounding Tyco's Fire Technology Center in Marinette, will directly fund clean drinking water initiatives, well replacement, and treatment systems in affected areas.

Throughout the awareness week, state officials are encouraging residents to utilize the DNR’s online resources and interactive data tools to better understand local contamination risks. As Wisconsin continues to tighten its standards for drinking water quality down to 4.0 parts per trillion, state leaders reaffirm their commitment to protecting public health and ensuring access to clean water for generations to come.