State Works To Get Ahead Of PFAS Problem In Michigan
The MDEQ is conducting a year-long survey of PFAS levels for most of Michigan’s drinking water.
State officials say Michigan is leading the nation in research of the pervasiveness of PFAS contaminants in drinking water.
Water advocates, however, say the state and federal government need to be more aggressive with the toxins.
The harmful chemicals are found in fire retardants and water repellents, which have leached into groundwater from manufacturing plants and military bases.
Michigan has adopted a groundwater maximum contamination level of 70 ppt for PFAS, which is in line with the EPA recommendation.
New Jersey adopted a drinking water contamination level of 14 ppt, and Vermont adopted a level of 20 ppt. Some experts say PFAS contamination levels shouldn’t rise above 1 ppt.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is conducting a statewide survey of PFAS in water, and expects to complete the work by the end of the year.
WDET’s Laura Weber-Davis spoke with DEQ spokesperson Scott Dean about the state’s research.
He says about 75 percent of Michigan’s drinking water will be tested for PFAS by the end of the survey.
To hear the interview, click on the audio player above.
