New Tool Shows PFAS Levels In Oakdale Drinking Water

OAKDALE, MN — Oakdale residents can now check on the levels of "forever chemicals" in their drinking water, thanks to a new online data dashboard launched this week by state officials.

The Minnesota Department of Health's new dashboard displays the results of tests for PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — in public water systems across the state.

PFAS, also known as perfluorochemicals, are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. Prolonged exposure to PFAS can lead to negative health effects, including higher cholesterol, thyroid disease, reduced immune response, changes to liver function and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, according to the Department of Health.

Oakdale

• PFAS range: 0.0 - 0.4586
• Is Oakdale above the safety threshold for PFAS? No, per MDH.

Tests have been conducted at more than 400 community water systems, which serve about 75 percent of all Minnesotans who use those systems, officials said.

Those tests revealed PFAS in about two-thirds of Minnesota's community water systems, though the "vast majority" had PFAS levels below current guidelines, according to the Department of Health.

"Some PFAS are commonly found at low levels in drinking water, but it's rare to find elevated PFAS in drinking water outside of communities with known contamination sites," MDH environmental research scientist Jane de Lambert said in a news release.

A community water system in St. Paul Park was the only system to have PFAS levels over the guidelines, but officials said the city does "not typically" use the well that exceeded the limits.

More than 560 other community water systems in Minnesota have not been tested, as of Thursday, according to the dashboard. Officials said they expect 1 percent of those wells — about five — to have PFAS levels above the current guidelines.

Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said the state's testing program and new dashboard are "just two examples of how Minnesota continues to be a national leader in providing safe drinking water."

"With this new tool, Minnesotans will be able to see for themselves whether PFAS is a concern for the health of their communities and their families," Malcolm added.