New PFAs Grant Program for Small Public Water Systems Opens in 2024
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/86001
The WDNR has announced the opening of a new grant program in 2024 that will help Other-Than-Municipal Community and nonprofit, Non-Transient Non-Community public water systems address PFAS and manganese contamination. The Emerging Contaminants for Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program for these public water systems will begin accepting applications on Jan. 16, 2024.
PFAS are known to bioaccumulate in fish and wildlife tissues and accumulate in the human body, posing several risks to human health. Manganese is a naturally occurring metal that can cause significant health impacts if consumed in high concentrations.
Other-Than-Municipal Community public water systems are not owned by a government or municipality and serve groups of 25 or more year-round residents. Common examples include mobile home parks, apartment buildings and condominium associations. Non-Transient Non-Community public water systems are non-residential and regularly serve groups of at least 25 of the same people over six months of the year. Common examples include schools and daycare centers.
This grant funding comes at an opportune time, as Other-Than-Municipal Community and nonprofit, Non-Transient Non-Community public water systems around Wisconsin are actively finishing initial PFAS testing required under Wis. Admin. Code § NR 809. “This new grant program offers a unique opportunity for the DNR to fund small or disadvantaged public water systems to reduce emerging contaminants in drinking water,” said Adam DeWeese, DNR Public Water Supply Section Manager.
Wisconsin is one of few states regulating two PFAS chemicals in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, which, when finalized, would regulate six PFAS chemicals and include lower maximum contaminant levels than Wisconsin currently enforces.
The new grant program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow Other-Than-Municipal Community and nonprofit, Non-Transient Non-Community public water systems to address and decrease their PFAS levels to meet the proposed EPA levels. The DNR recommends that interested applicants review the Emerging Contaminants for Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant announcement for detailed information on eligibility and how to prepare an application.
Questions may be emailed to v, and for more information visit the grant website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/EC-SDC.html.
For more information contact Steve Kircher, County Conservationist-Land Information/GIS Director at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at .