Eau Claire Private Well Owners Could Get Free PFAS Testing

Eau Claire residents who own private wells could qualify for free PFAS testing through the City-County Health Department and University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

According to a press release from the health department, a partnership with researchers from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire will offer a limited number of free tests for the harmful forever chemicals. Researchers plan to sample at least 70 private wells in the county, and will spread out their testing locations to ensure they’re covering as much ground as possible.

Private well owners who are interested in the program can fill out an online interest form or call the health department directly. If selected, researchers from the university or health department officials will collect samples to be analyzed at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene. Their main goal is to identify the extent of PFAS contamination in the area.

The City of Eau Claire has been working to address PFAS contamination since it was discovered in the drinking water in 2020. In early July, the Eau Claire Water Treatment Plant hosted Governor Tony Evers for a tour and presentation on their efforts. The presentation included information on the plant’s new $17 million PFAS removal facility.

Following the tour, Governor Evers once again called on the state legislature’s Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee to release $125 million in funding to help remove the harmful chemicals from the drinking water.

Sampling from the private wells is expected to begin this summer, and wrap up by the end of the year. Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.