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County Partners with State to Offer Well Tests to Residents
May 15, 2007
Washington County residents concerned about possible contamination of their private wells by perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are now able to test their water, due to a partnership between Washington County and the Minnesota Department of Health.
The county has entered into a two-year contract with the state to act as a clearinghouse for well water samples. Residents who opt to have their private well water tested will be charged $382.
PFCs are chemicals manufactured by 3M from the late 1940s through 2002 to make heat and stain resistant coatings. The chemicals were found in monitoring wells at the now-closed Ramsey Washington Landfill in 2004. Subsequent tests indicate that PFCs are widespread in the southern portion of Washington County.
State health officials have indicated that finding PFCs at low levels does not pose an immediate health risk for residents, but they are being cautious about predicting long-term affects of the chemicals.
Testing is already being done on a regional basis, but many homes in south Washington County are served by private wells and residents have requested the ability to have their individual well water tested.
Those with questions related to the program may contact Washington County Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6707 or check the Washington County website at www.co.washington.mn.us.
County Board Discusses Groundwater Contamination
Feb. 13, 2007
The Washington County Board of Commissioners discussed reports of groundwater contamination in southern Washington County with state officials as they heard reports on progress and next steps.
Two weeks ago, officials from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported that low levels of the chemical, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) in wells in southern Washington County. PFBA is part of a family of chemicals which were used in products such as stain repellents, lubricants and fire retardants. It was made by the 3M Company at its Cottage Grove facility.
"Finding this chemical at low levels does not pose an immediate health risk for residents," said John Linc Stine director of MDH's Environmental Health Division. The highest level of PFBA found so far is 2.6 parts per billion. Officials added that they are being cautious.
The three questions being addressed by current work are: Is anyone being exposed above levels of concern? How high are contaminant levels? How far and deep has the PFBA moved?
MDH suggests that residents who are concerned about PFBA's in their drinking water can contact their city to determine if measures have been taken to manage the contaminant, install a granulated active carbon water filter on their home faucet or drink bottled water.
 County Groundwater Contamination Resources
Residents can also call the Washington County Public Health and Environment Dept. at 651-430-6707 for more information.
MN Dept. of Health PFC Information
Residents can also call the State Health Department at 651-201-4897.
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