Wells in 80 Washington Co. Homes Exceed Pollutant Levels

Eighty homes in southern Washington County will begin receiving bottled water because their well water exceeds a new federal health advisory level for man-made pollutants.

Residents can choose to receive bottled water until carbon filter systems can be installed in their homes.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sent letters to the 80 Washington County residents whose wells are known to have one or both of the man-made chemicals at levels above the new federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifetime health advisory level, according to a news release.

"While we believe the immediate health risks for most people exposed to PFCs are low, the latest information from EPA indicates a risk for developing fetuses and infants," said Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger in a statement.

"This additional information prompted us to take action now to reduce the risk of exposure from drinking water. People are exposed to PFCs, including PFOA and PFOS, from a wide variety of substances and consumer products in our everyday lives. Eliminating a significant source over which we have some control makes good public health sense."

The MDH expects to sample approximately 400 to 500 wells within the area of contamination in the coming months and will issue additional drinking water advisories as needed. Until their wells are tested, residents who have concerns about their health can take steps to reduce their potential exposure to PFCs.

Information on inexpensive, point-of-use filters and other steps people can take in their homes can be found on the MDH website.

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