Study Finds Unsafe Amounts Of Toxic Chemicals In Minn. Drinking Water

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- High levels of toxins are in 6 million Americans' drinking water, and some Minnesotans are included in that number.

CBS News -- Study: High levels of toxic chemicals in drinking water of 6 million Americans

That's according to a new study by researchers at Harvard University. This map shows the areas where toxic chemicals were detected:

One of Minnesota's most famous features is the water, but the study is giving the state's water, a bad review.

The researchers studied EPA samples. They say they found polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS's) in the drinking water of the homes of 6 million people. The chemicals have been linked to cancer.

The EPA says they can come from things like cleaners, textiles, leather, paint and fire-fighting foam.

Detectable PFAS's in Drinking Water:
1. California
2. New Jersey
3. Alabama
4. Florida
5. Pennsylvania
6. Ohio
7. New York
8. Georgia
9. Minnesota
10. Arizona

Another key finding from the study, researchers believe toxic chemicals are more prevalent when water sources are near industrial sites or wastewater treatment plants.

The Department of Health sent WCCO this statement:

"In Minnesota, we believe we have a very good handle on knowing which communities and areas of the state have the potential for having perfluorochemicals in their drinking water (PFASs are a subset of PFCs) based on the work we have done in the past and the work we will continue to do in the future. We've been aware of the potential for PFC contamination in ground water – and thus drinking water supplies – since they were first discovered in the east metro (Washington County) in 2002. Since that time, we have worked with cities such as Oakdale, Cottage Grove, portions of Woodbury and Lake Elmo to help them supply water to their residents that meets current health-based standards, either through treatment or blending or both. During the period 2013-15, every community in MN over 10,0000 was tested at least once for PFCs, primarily PFOS and PFOA as part of a federal unregulated contaminants monitoring program (this was the data used for the study you site). During this testing, levels of health concern were found in the Bemidji system (we were aware of issues in the Bemidji area from previous monitoring we did on areas with known fire-fighting training sites but levels were very low at that time). We have subsequently worked with the Bemidji system to get levels down below 70 parts per trillion through a combination of blending and targeted pumping of certain wells.

The bottom line is, we will continue to look for PFCs in drinking water supplies because of the potential for health effects in people and where we find it, we will work with water supply operators or well owners to advise them of their options for reducing the contamination and reducing the health risks."

MDH officials also emphasized that water from a public water supply undergoes more testing, and is more highly regulated