Wisconsin Town's Water Turned Toxic by Forever Chemicals

In Stella, Wisconsin, residents discovered their private drinking water wells were contaminated with PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals, at levels thousands of times higher than federal limits. This contamination, found in 2022, stemmed from industrial sludge spread on local farm fields for decades, which state officials believe leached into groundwater. Kristen Hanneman's well, tested by state scientists, revealed the widespread issue, impacting pristine lakes and local wildlife.

Unlike public water utilities, roughly 40 million Americans relying on private wells lack federal protections against PFAS. This leaves them vulnerable to discovering contamination only through random testing, as occurred in Stella. The chemicals are known to accumulate in the body and have been linked to increased cancer risk and developmental delays. In Stella, the source was traced to a paper mill's waste sludge, permitted for use as fertilizer until the dangers of PFAS were widely understood.

Many communities nationwide face similar threats near industrial sites and military bases. In North Carolina, a Chemours plant led to widespread contamination along the Cape Fear River, affecting nearly 100 miles. In Georgia, carpet manufacturers' use of PFAS for stain resistance has impacted waterways. These situations highlight the challenges well owners face in securing clean water, often with limited state resources and at significant personal expense.