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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“WDNR”) states it has directed Johnson Controls, Inc. and its subsidiary Tyco Fire Products, LP (collectively “JCI”) to provide bottled drinking water for three homeowners (“Homeowners”).
WDNR states that the companies are being directed to do so after sampling results showed elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in the Homeowners’ drinking water wells.
PFAS consist of a group of man-made chemicals. Their properties include resistance to heat, water, and oil.
The compounds have been used in various industrial applications of consumer products such as:
- Fabrics for furniture
- Paper packaging for food and other materials resistant to water, grease or stains
- Firefighting airfields
- Utilization in several industrial processes
Potential human exposure to PFAS has been stated to include pathways through drinking water, air or food.
WDNR states that JCI completed sampling of 98 of 1974 private wells determined to be located near fields where biosolids had been spread in certain areas. It further states that preliminary sampling results indicated to date that PFAS levels in excess of Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommended cumulative groundwater enforcement standard was exceeded in three wells. The referenced standard is 20 parts per trillion (ppt).
A WDNR news release notes combined preliminary results for PFOA and PFOS as follows:
- 48 wells are No Detect (ND)
- 6 wells are below the reporting limit (aka "J" flagged)
- 4 wells are between the reporting limit between and 20 ppt
- 2 wells are between 20 ppt and 70 ppt
- 1 well was at 1,157 ppt
A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.
