Minnesota's East Metro Cities Seek Funding to Combat 'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water
The Minnesota Legislature is being asked to provide $40 million for a water treatment plant that would ensure the safety of drinking water for future generations in Apple Valley. The project, which costs an estimated $106 million, aims to remove "forever chemicals" – a family of nearly 5,000 man-made compounds linked to increased cancer risk and reproductive issues.
The presence of forever chemicals in groundwater has become a growing concern for cities across the state, with Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, and Hastings also making requests related to PFAS-related water treatment. The city of Hastings is seeking $39 million to remove PFAS and nitrates from its drinking water, while Burnsville's request includes only partial funding for treatment, pending further upgrades.
The issue came to a head in April 2024 when the EPA lowered the maximum contamination levels for PFOS and PFOA from 70 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion. Seven of Apple Valley's 16 wells exceeded this threshold, with two shut down due to high contamination levels. The city is currently relying on a blending treatment process that lowers the concentration before it flows out to homes.
While some progress has been made, including $15 million in funding from the state's East Metro 3M settlement fund for Hastings, residents have had to resort to buying bottled water or installing costly filtration systems due to increased rates. Without additional funding, rates are set to skyrocket by over 150 percent by 2028.
Hastings City Administrator Dan Wietecha emphasized the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination: "We're drinking contaminated water until we get these plants built... We can't wait on grant applications or bonding decisions." Apple Valley Public Works Director Matt Saam noted that temporary fixes won't solve the long-term issue, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive solution.
The source of Apple Valley's contamination remains unidentified, and officials are exploring all possible funding sources, including federal grants. As one official pointed out, this was not an environmental disaster caused by natural factors but rather by human activity, highlighting the need for collective action to address these contaminants.
The Minnesota Legislature is being asked to provide $40 million for a water treatment plant that would ensure the safety of drinking water for future generations in Apple Valley. The project, which costs an estimated $106 million, aims to remove "forever chemicals" – a family of nearly 5,000 man-made compounds linked to increased cancer risk and reproductive issues.
The presence of forever chemicals in groundwater has become a growing concern for cities across the state, with Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, and Hastings also making requests related to PFAS-related water treatment. The city of Hastings is seeking $39 million to remove PFAS and nitrates from its drinking water, while Burnsville's request includes only partial funding for treatment, pending further upgrades.
The issue came to a head in April 2024 when the EPA lowered the maximum contamination levels for PFOS and PFOA from 70 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion. Seven of Apple Valley's 16 wells exceeded this threshold, with two shut down due to high contamination levels. The city is currently relying on a blending treatment process that lowers the concentration before it flows out to homes.
While some progress has been made, including $15 million in funding from the state's East Metro 3M settlement fund for Hastings, residents have had to resort to buying bottled water or installing costly filtration systems due to increased rates. Without additional funding, rates are set to skyrocket by over 150 percent by 2028.
Hastings City Administrator Dan Wietecha emphasized the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination: "We're drinking contaminated water until we get these plants built... We can't wait on grant applications or bonding decisions." Apple Valley Public Works Director Matt Saam noted that temporary fixes won't solve the long-term issue, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive solution.
The source of Apple Valley's contamination remains unidentified, and officials are exploring all possible funding sources, including federal grants. As one official pointed out, this was not an environmental disaster caused by natural factors but rather by human activity, highlighting the need for collective action to address these contaminants.
. I mean, 5,000 man-made compounds linked to cancer and reproductive issues? That's not something to take lightly. And now they're asking for $40 million just to remove them from one city's water supply? It's like they're expecting the state to foot the bill or something 
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. And what about the funding source? Is it just going to come from taxes or something? I don't think so.
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. The presence of 'forever chemicals' in drinking water is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. While I appreciate the efforts of Apple Valley and other East Metro cities to advocate for funding, I think it's essential to acknowledge the complexities involved in addressing PFAS contamination.
. The fact that residents are already resorting to buying bottled water or installing costly filtration systems highlights the need for long-term solutions 
. By working together and seeking funding from multiple sources, I'm optimistic that we can find a comprehensive solution to ensure safe drinking water for future generations 
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. Can we make this happen, guys?
That's just not fair to residents who can barely afford their taxes as it is.
And what about the cost of the water treatment plant? That $106 million estimate doesn't even account for long-term maintenance and upgrades, right?
And it's not just a small problem, it's like, a huge issue that affects thousands of people 
It's crazy that they're having to buy bottled water or install costly filters because the government can't prioritize their health 
And what's with all these different amounts of funding? Like, Hastings is getting $15 million from a settlement fund, but Burnsville is only getting partial funding 
. Anyway, let's hope those $40 million and $106 million funds come together soon to make our water safe for future generations! 
. $40 million for a treatment plant might not sound like a lot, but considering how bad this is, I think we need to step up and fund some of these projects ASAP 
. We gotta do better than waiting on grant applications or bonding decisions. It's time to take action and protect our water supply 
r like literally killing ppl 
in MN!!! I mean I know its super unfair that we gotta deal w/ this & ppl are already paying thru the nose 2 get clean water 
. We need 2 act NOW w/ these East Metro cities or else it's gonna be a catastrophe 
. I'm low-key freaking out just thinking bout it 