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The Minnesota Health Department has been overseeing testing for PFAS chemicals in community water systems for years, and Center City was recently reminded that its system is one of a few that haven’t been sampled for these “forever chemicals.”  The city council had the testing issue on the agenda last week and opted to table it for more information. (Council member Ryan Pease absent.)

Chisago County in general is not exactly a hotbed for PFAS presence.  MDH states about 80 percent of community water systems have been tested and high levels of the contaminants are pretty much found in locations next to airports, manufacturing facilities and other sites where this family of chemicals were used heavily or part of operations.

According to the 2022 Minnesota Dept of Health testing map and related reports multiple Chisago County locations have been sampled and no PFAS elevations found.  The sampling is done at the main source of water, which in  nearly all the sites listed is groundwater being pumped.

Community water systems in Harris, Chisago City, Taylors Falls, Stacy, Shafer and Rush City have been analyzed and nothing of concern was found. The systems serving Peaceful Valley Mobile Home Park and Shorewood Park outside of Rush City were negative for PFAS concentrations.  The reports said Wyoming City was “in progress” but the Liberty Ponds development just off Hwy 8 in Wyoming,  was analyzed and no red flags were raised.

Hazelden and Center City appear to be the final systems eligible to be tested locally, along with the City of Lindstrom.  

The Press is trying to verify the status of these.

People who live outside of a community water system and rely on private water wells are encouraged to test individually.  See the MDH website for PFAS testing advice.

Council members were told that at this point PFAS tests are optional, but there could come a time when it is made part of the regular drinking water report.

Mayor Jill Behnke commented that she needs more details on costs and asked staff to “get a better handle” on the program’s regulatory reach and city’s responsibility. 

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