Wausau water plant
The Wausau Water Works Commission will review the Environmental Protection Agency’s revised advisory levels for PFAS in drinking water, along with possible action on funding strategies for managing permanent chemicals found in drinking water. drinking water from Wausau.
The Water Works committee will meet in a special meeting Monday at 1:30 p.m. to take stock of the new data, while taking “possible action” on the funding strategies that are being put forward.
Mayor Katie Rosenberg previously told the WSAU that the city is taking a cautious approach to the issue to increase the possibility that she will be reimbursed for anything that needs to be put in place, either by ARPA or the draft. federal infrastructure law.
It also remains possible that the solution will come with a small increase for taxpayers, which Rosenberg says could be as high as $10 per quarter.
Wausau of course announced the presence of the chemicals in the six municipal wells earlier this year. City leaders, including Rosenberg and Director of Public Works Eric Lindman, have made it clear that they expect the issue to be resolved by the time the new water treatment plant is commissioned. city drinking later this summer.
PFAS are known to cause health problems such as cancer and high cholesterol when they build up in the body over time. Health experts have recommended limiting the consumption of PFAS, which is found in many everyday items. However, they are most often absorbed into the body through drinking water.
The city has spent more than $200,000 distributing bottled water and pitchers of water with filters designed to remove contaminants to residents. The finance committee recently rejected a proposal to purchase additional filters for residents who want them, saying they have enough stock at the moment and if they need more before the factory opens they can always call a special meeting.
Also on Monday, a hearing will be held for Richard Mason, who is accused of shooting another man in Wausau in early spring. He faces charges of attempted first-degree homicide and possession of a concealed weapon.
The victim in the case survived.
Should anything develop from Monday’s hearing, we’ll let you know.
