In a significant environmental health update, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has revised its health-based guidance levels for two types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, which are notorious for their presence in drinking water supplies and their potential to harm human health. The newly established guidance levels for PFOS and PFOA have been set at 2.3 and 0.24 parts per trillion, respectively, aiming to thoroughly protect residents based on lifetime consumption rates. According to the latest report from the City of Woodbury, these levels were fine-tuned by state-level MDH scientists to align with new research.
The new guidelines are not legally binding but act as a benchmark for the city's proactive measures, including the construction of treatment facilities at three additional well sites, anticipated to start operating next month. This follows the city's effort to adapt in advance to the impending regulatory shifts, demonstrating a commitment to swiftly and responsibly protect public water systems. "We anticipated the change to the health standards and started construction of three interim treatment plants at three well sites last summer to help mitigate the impact to the water system," Assistant Public Works Director Jim Westerman told the City of Woodbury.
MDH issues health advisories when certain PFAS compound levels repeatedly surpass established thresholds, a situation likely to affect additional Woodbury municipal wells soon. Currently, of the city's 10 wells with MDH health advisories, six have been returned to action after implementing temporary treatment plants, one has been shut down permanently, while three are set to receive treatment early this year and will resume service subsequently.
In terms of water supply management, the city plans to keep additional wells under health advisories on standby for peak summer demand, using them sparingly and in a prioritized sequence. "Residents and businesses can help by using water efficiently, particularly with lawn watering, and by following the new lawn and landscape irrigation policy," Westerman emphasized, highlighting community engagement as a key to managing the demand effectively. He further noted, "This will assist in limiting the number of wells needed to meet system demand."
Woodbury residents can expect a robust, permanent solution in the form of a dedicated Water Treatment Plant, projected to begin construction in late 2024 or early 2025, and is estimated to be operational in four years. Until then, interim measures such as temporary treatments and the optimization of the water system are anticipated to bridge the gap. "We are responding quickly so that we can maintain treatment and pumping capacity and meet water demand," Westerman added, assuring the public of the city's dedication to providing top-quality water.
The issue of PFAS contamination, which spans beyond Woodbury to a larger number of communities, has its roots in industrial practices. Former disposal sites in Washington County have been identified as the source of PFAS in Woodbury groundwater. PFAS, utilized in various consumer and industrial products for their resistant properties, have sparked concerns due to their persistence in the environment and potential health effects. In response to this pressing matter, the State of Minnesota and the 3M Company reached a settlement in 2018, with 3M paying $850 million primarily for rectifying the PFAS contamination in East Metro's drinking water. The city has since been active in executing components of the State of Minnesota's long-term Water Supply Plan for the area, which was unveiled in August 2021.
For residents seeking more information or with concerns related to private water supply wells and the impact of PFAS, the MDH remains a point of contact. Furthermore, the city continues to work closely with the MDH to monitor and assess local water quality, committed to keeping the public informed on new developments.
