Updated Groundwater Standard Recommendations for Six Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
This message is being sent to local health officers, Tribal health directors, and key DHS staff.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has provided the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) updated public health groundwater standard recommendations for HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS.* DHS developed these recommendations in response to a request that it received from DNR in May 2024.
Developing the recommendations is one step in the process of establishing groundwater standards (see flowchart below). The next step is for DNR to start the rulemaking process to adopt these standards in administrative code. During this multi-step process, DHS will support DNR by responding to health-related questions and addressing public comments.
IMAGE: The groundwater standard setting process.
DHS uses these recommendations to provide public health advice to those who use groundwater as their drinking water source. This can be individual private well users or public water systems through collaboration with DNR. When the level of a substance is found in drinking water above its recommended groundwater standard, DHS may recommend individuals take action to reduce their exposure.
Communications resources for local health departments
DHS is committed to assisting local health departments in responding to and addressing PFAS contamination issues in their communities. Several DHS resources are available to help respond to inquiries related to these recommendations:
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Groundwater Standards website: Updated to include a table summarizing updated recommended enforcement standard and preventive action limit for six PFAS, updated standard summary for each of the six PFAS, and link to full scientific support document.
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PFAS website: Updated drinking water health advisory values for the six PFAS and included notes about the relationship between DHS health advisories and recommended groundwater standards.
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Cycle 12 FAQs: List of potential questions and answers related to the groundwater standards process, Cycle 12, and hazard index. *Note, these are shared for your situational awareness. Questions on Cycle 12 should be directed to DNR (process, status, rule-making) or DHS (health basis, threshold, risk).
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PFAS Hazard Index Video: Describes the approach that we use to address risk from exposure to mixtures of PFAS. The video is also available in Spanish and Hmong.
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PFAS in Private Well Water Fact Sheet: Describes when a private well user should consider testing for PFAS, how to interpret test results, and steps to take to reduce exposure if levels are high. This fact sheet is also available in Spanish and Hmong.
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Gov. Evers news release: Includes information about Gov. Tony Evers plans to combat PFAS, protect kids and families from harmful contaminants, and expand access to clean, safe drinking water.
In addition to these resources, DHS is available to help address any questions related to these recommendations or PFAS in general. Inquiries on these topics can be sent to DHSEnvHealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
*Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS), Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid (HFPO-DA). HPFO-DA is also known by the trademark, GenX.
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