Click here (pdf document) to view the 2023 Annual Consumer Confidence Report concerning the City of Sauk Rapids' drinking water. Please Note: Adobe Reader may be required to view PDF documents.  Any questions or concerns may be directed to Craig Nelson, Utilities Director, at (320) 258-5318.

 

City of Sauk Rapids PFAS Questions & Answers

What are PFAS and where can they be found?

·         Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of manmade chemicals.

• Are used widely in many consumer products.
• Are in firefighting foams.
• PFAS can make its way into water and soil from past industrial disposal or spills.
• You cannot see, taste, or smell PFAS in drinking water.
• Minnesota Department of Health is testing community water systems for PFAS.

 

See the MDH PFAS Dashboard for details on the Sauk Rapids water sampling results (when available)

Interactive Dashboard for PFAS Testing in Drinking Water - EH: Minnesota Department of Health (state.mn.us)

 

How can I remove PFAS from my water? What should I buy or what is recommended?

• Filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes have been shown to be effective at removing PFAS from water supplies.

o   Point-of-use (POU) systems come in a range of sizes and some require a licensed plumber or water treatment specialist to install properly.

o   You should contact a water treatment specialist to make sure the filter model you choose meets your needs.

o   There are also small POU systems that homeowners can install themselves on the sink faucet for drinking and cooking water.

• All water treatment units require regular maintenance to work properly.
• Water treatment units that are not properly maintained will lose their effectiveness over time. 
• Other types of common water treatment systems, such as water softeners, are not likely to remove PFAS.
• Boiling water will not remove PFAS.

 

Evaluation of point of use filters for PFAS:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/docs/pfas/poueval.pdf

 

Are there any health issues that I, or my family, need to worry about?

• Consult the MDH web pages find information about health risks related to PFAS.
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - EH: Minnesota Department of Health (state.mn.us) Drinking water at or below a Health Risk Index (HRI) = 1 presents little or no risk of health effects. Currently, the HRI for Sauk Rapids Well No. 2 is slightly above 1. The City’s other four (4) wells are below the HRI of 1.

 

Is my residence in the affected area? Click here to view Sauk Rapids Water System Map.

• PFAS above the HRI was not identified in the wells suppling the High-Pressure Zone.
• PFAS above the HRI was identified in one of the wells that supply the Low-Pressure Zone. The Low-Pressure Zone is shaded in Blue.

 

How is the City of Sauk Rapids going to deal with PFAS?

• Sharing all information on the level of PFAS found when sampling the drinking water with consumers.
• Using source water with the lowest levels of PFAS. To the extent possible, the City is minimizing the use of Well No. 2.
• Investigating adding additional treatment to the current treatment plant to remove PFAS. This will take a year or more to assess and complete.

 

Are the restaurants in the area aware of the PFAS issue and are they filtering their water?

• The area businesses have been provided information on the water quality.
• If you want information about filtration at specific business, it is best to inquire with them directly. 
• Businesses are not required to filter water.

 

Is it safe to drink the city water if I do not get a filter system of my own?

• MDH has developed health-based guidance values to represent levels for several PFAS in drinking water. The guidance values are levels that MDH considers safe for all people to consume, including sensitive populations. The guidance values apply to short time periods as well as a lifetime of exposure.
• The water supplied from Well No. 2 is slightly above the MDH health risk index (HRI). The City is limiting use of Well No. 2 as much as possible.
• Consult the MDH web pages find information about health risks related to PFAS.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - EH: Minnesota Department of Health (state.mn.us)

 

How did PFAS get in the water?

The City of Sauk Rapids and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) are investigating how PFAS may have gotten into the source of water.

 

Do PFAS present any health risk to my pets?

The present levels of PFAS in Sauk Rapids’ water should not pose a health risk to pets.

 

Would PFAS affect my plumbing?

• It is unlikely that PFAS will penetrate plastic pipes.
• It will not cause physical damage to plumbing.
• PFAS is used in the manufacture of some plumbing materials (Teflon Tape, Plumber’s Dope, etc.).

 

Would PFAS affect my clothing?

• Washing clothes should not affect clothing.
• PFAS are used in manufacturing to treat clothing that is marketed as water- and stain-resistant.

 

Can PFAS be absorbed through my skin?

Based on the limited information we have it appears that absorption through skin is not a significant exposure route.

 

Will my houseplants or vegetable gardens be affected by PFAS?

• The present levels of PFAS in Sauk Rapids’ water should not affect houseplants or vegetables.
• MDH does have a factsheet on PFAS and homegrown garden produce, which can be found at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/docs/pfas/pfasgardproduce.pdf

 

MDH has a factsheet on reducing exposures to PFAS located at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/docs/pfas/pfasreducingexp.pdf .

Another source that may also be helpful is: https://pfas-exchange.org/wp-content/uploads/PFAS-Tip-Sheet_Reduce-exposure-web.pdf