Washington County Residents Get Bottled Water After Well Concerns

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Dozens of homeowners in Washington County are being told not to drink their well water.

The Minnesota Department of Health says well water at about 80 homes contains concerning levels of man-made pollutants called PFCs, which are often found in firefighting foam.

Years ago, 3M used the chemicals at their Woodbury, Oakdale and Cottage Grove sites and legally disposed of them at the Lake Elmo landfill.  From there, the pollutants leaked into ground water.

"We never drink the well water," said Terry Hickey.

Hickey said there is a lot to like about his Lake Elmo neighborhood. But when it comes to his well water, he'll use it for everything but drinking.

"Ever since we found out about it, we get bottled water," said Hickey.

For nearly 15 years, health officials have known about PFC's in certain parts of Lake Elmo, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Woodbury and surrounding townships. But new concerns surfaced when the Environmental Protection Agency lowered the exposure limits for PFC's in water from 300 parts per trillion to 70.

"There are 80 homes that we have identified that are above 70 that have not gotten treatment at this time," said Ed Ehlinger.

Ehlinger is commissioner with the Minnesota Department of Health. He said over time, PFC's can cause some cancers. And they can cause developmental issues in newborns and children.

"This is something that over many years could lead to problems," said Ehlinger.

Which is why the 80 homes affected are being given options. An environmental firm will be in touch with homeowners beginning Wednesday to find out how much bottled water they need and when they need it delivered.

3M will help cover bottled water costs. Carbon filters are also recommended. And the health department said they'll continue to monitor other wells to make sure the problem doesn't spread.

"We want our water supply to be the safest in the world and we are working hard to do that," said Ehlinger.

The department of health stresses that the well water at the 80 homes affected is safe for bathing, but not for drinking.