Janesville Water Utility Testing for PFAS

According to an update from the City of Janesville, Janesville Water Utility has decided to sample for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to proactively assess the potential impacts of PFAS in the drinking water, and to quickly take steps to protect the health of residents if needed. Past sampling of the Janesville Water Utility’s system has shown no detection of PFAS contamination. A large number of studies in people have examined possible relationships between levels of PFAS in blood and harmful health effects in people. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be working closely with the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene throughout the process to ensure the Janesville Water Utility is provided with results promptly. WDNR will be posting sample results as they become available at https://dnr.wi.gov/dwsviewer/. The agency will also be actively working with any public water systems that identify levels of PFAS in drinking water to ensure the validity of data and identify appropriate response measures, including outreach and communication with customers. If you have any questions about the sampling, contact Janesville Water Utility Superintendent, Craig Thiesenhusen, at (608) 373-3471.