Wausau Water Works
Wausau’s Water Works Commission will provide a look at the revised Environmental Protection Agency advisory levels for PFAS in drinking water, along with possible action on funding strategies for managing the forever chemicals found in Wausau’s drinking water.
The Water Works Committee will meet in a special meeting Monday at 1:30 to go over the new data, while taking “possible action” on the funding strategies that are put forward.
Mayor Katie Rosenberg has previously told WSAU that the city is taking a careful approach to the issue to increase the possibility that they’ll get reimbursed for whatever needs to be put in place, either through ARPA dollars or the federal infrastructure bill.
It also remains possible that the solution will come with a small increase for ratepayers, which Rosenberg says could be up to $10 per quarter.
Wausau of course announced the presence of the chemicals in all six of its municipal wells earlier this year. City leaders, including Rosenberg and Public Works Director Eric Lindman, have made it clear that they expect the issue will be fixed by the time the city’s new drinking water treatment plant comes online later this summer.
PFAS have been known to cause health issues such as cancer and high cholesterol when they build up in the body over time. Health experts have recommended limiting the intake of PFAS, which are found in many everyday items. However, they are most commonly absorbed into the body through drinking water.
The city has spent over $200,000 distributing bottled water and water pitchers with filters designed to remove the contaminants to residents. The Finance Committee recently voted down a proposal to purchase extra filters for residents that want them, saying they have enough in storage for now and if they need more before the plant opens, they can always call a special meeting.
Also on Monday, a hearing will be held for Richard Mason, who’s accused of shooting another man in Wausau earlier this spring. He faces charges of attempted first-degree homicide and carrying a concealed weapon
The victim in the case did survive.
Should anything develop from Monday’s hearing, we’ll let you know.
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