Wisconsin communities and private well owners can now apply for testing for PFAS, a group of chemicals often called forever chemicals, through a newly opened state program.
State lawmakers approved $1 million this spring to sample potential PFAS contamination in Wisconsin water sources. Municipalities can seek testing through the Community Grants Sampling program.
Private well owners can also apply for testing of their own property at no cost to them, if their community is not planning to apply.
Jim Ritchie of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said a well owner or user fills out a short application and DNR staff then check whether the well is eligible. If it is eligible through the private well program, the State Laboratory of Hygiene will ship a collection kit to the home.
Municipal leaders have until April 2027 to apply. The DNR said it expects to open more application windows for the grants in the future.
