The Minnesota Department of Health today issued updated health-based advisory values for two industrial chemicals present in groundwater in the East Metro area and in Bemidji. The updated values incorporate the latest scientific knowledge on exposure and health effects of the two chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS. State of Minnesota health officials have identified about 120 private wells in the East Metro area, mainly parts of Lake Elmo and Cottage Grove not served by city water, with water that exceeds updated values for the contaminants. In addition, Cottage Grove, Oakdale, Woodbury, and St. Paul Park have a number of supply wells for their public drinking water systems affected by the updated values. All affected community public drinking water systems will be able to put in place interim measures that will provide drinking water at or below the new MDH health-based guidance. Drinking water with PFOA or PFOS, even at levels above the updated values, does not represent an immediate health risk. MDH scientists have updated the values to better protect developing infants and very young children. The values are designed to reduce long-term health risks across the population and are based on multiple safety factors to protect the most vulnerable citizens, which make them over-protective for most residents. State Representative Tony Jurgens assured constituents his office is available.
According to the MDH press release Cottage Grove may issue an administrative State of Emergency in order to manage interim measures, such as watering bans. The MDH states this is not a health emergency and the drinking water system will be able to meet the updated guidance.
