WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — City leaders in Wausau are scheduled to finalize plans for the purchase of bottled water and water filters for residents looking for alternatives to the city’s drinking water for the next few months.
The City Council will meet tonight to vote on spending $390,000 to purchase bottled water and water filters for those that are concerned about the levels of PFAS found in the city’s water. She says in addition to the water they also want to make a variety of filters available for those that need them.
“We want to make sure that it is an equitable decision no matter what,” said Rosenberg. “We are looking through the list [of PFAS removing filters] to see what we can get that would be convenient for all kinds of people. Likely you are going to see a variety of products.”
She doesn’t want to make just one option available to ensure that everyone can benefit. For example, some may want under-the-sink options, but renters may not have that choice. “If you live in an apartment and your landlord doesn’t want you messing with your plumbing that may be a problem.”
Rosenberg knows for many the process isn’t moving as fast as they would like it to, but because the city is using federal stimulus funds there are a few more boxes that need to be checked. Once Monday’s vote is approved she expects they’ll be able to order water and filters in the next seven days.
The water will continue to be stored and distributed by The Neighbor’s Place since they have the capacity and infrastructure to handle it, but Rosenberg notes that any customer of the Wausau water utility can take advantage of it. Additionally, they are working with other non-profits to make more distribution points available.
Tonight’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:15 at City Hall following the regularly scheduled Human Resources Committee meeting.
Other topics Rosenberg covered with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- PFAS discussion
9:00- Upcoming spring election
13:20- Snow removal update and streets teams on pothole duty
Comments