A recent drinking water study detected PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or “forever chemicals” in at least 45 percent of systems across the U.S.
Seehafer News contacted Manitowoc Public Utilities to find out how safe our drinking water is.
Rob Michaelson, MPU Water Systems Manager told us they’re required to sample both Lake Michigan and our groundwater wells to see what those PFA’s levels are.
“Our groundwater wells have very, very low levels of PFAs, almost non-detectable. Lake Michigan does have PFAs in it at very low concentrations. The good news is those levels are below the EPA’s proposed limit,” he revealed. “It’s fascinating to think that these chemicals are showing up in our environment, even such a large body of water as Lake Michigan.”
Michaelson explains they use micro-filtration membranes to filter their water.
“It’s a relatively newer technology to filter water,” the Water Systems Manager explained. “Instead of using conventional sand filtration which mimics groundwater passing through the earth, we use membranes and it give us a very consistent finished product. So we meet all federal and state regulations by the EPA and Wisconsin DNR.”
MPU has the 6th largest water utility in the state and when comparing rates Manitowoc ranks as having one of the lowest water rates in Wisconsin.
Michaelson added, “We’re very proud of that and produce some of the highest quality drinking water in the nation. We manage our system in a way that we make sure to provide abundant drinking water at the best cost to the customer.”
