On May 1, 2023, the Black River Falls Municipal Utilities (BRFMU) collected water samples of our drinking water from three (3) of BRFMU’s four (4) wells and tested them for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The fourth well is down for maintenance and will be tested as soon as the well is operational.

 

The results of those samples were received on May 22, 2023. Test results showed “No Detect” of PFAS compounds in both Entry Point 4 (east side of river) and Entry Point 6 (west side of river). Test results for Entry Point 3 (east side of river) showed the presence of six (6) PFAS compounds, with all six (6) compounds being well below the health-based standards recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The DHS hazard index is based on the cumulative effects of multiple PFAS compounds. A hazard index greater than 1.0 is considered a cause for concern.

 

Entry Point 4 and Entry Point 6 – Hazard Index = 0

 

Entry Point 3

PFBS	0.41 ng/L
PFHPA	0.52 ng/L
PFHXA	0.51 ng/L
PFHXS	0.35 ng/L
PFOA	0.63 ng/L
PFOS	1.00 ng/L
HAZARD INDEX = 0.09

NOTE: 1 ng/L (nanogram per liter) = 1 ppt (part per trillion)

 

We at BRFMU are very pleased with these results. Moving forward, BRFMU will continue to monitor and test for PFAS compounds in accordance with WDNR directives. Please feel free to call BRFMU at 715-284-9463 with any questions.