PFAS Contamination in and around the Town of Stella:

HEALTH INFORMATIONThe Department of Natural Resources (DNR) first discovered contamination of per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during their statewide groundwater investigation in late 2022.
Additional surface water and groundwater testing has shown high levels of PFAS throughout theregion. High levels of PFAS may pose a health risk to people who become exposed to them. This
document from the Department of Health Services (DHS) provides guidance, tips, and resources
for area residents and visitors for safely participating in activities that may expose them to PFAS.

DRINKING WATER
Drinking water that has PFAS in it is the primary way that people can be exposed to the largest
amounts of PFAS.
DO respond to the DNR to have your private well water tested for PFAS if you are within
the eligible radius for DNR-led private well water testing.
DO contact the DNR if you have PFAS levels above DHS’s health advisory levels in yourprivate well water. You may be eligible for short-term emergency bottled water and awell replacement.
DON’T consume water from wells with PFAS levels above DHS’s health advisory levels.

FISH CONSUMPTION
Eating fish that contain PFAS can expose you to high levels of PFAS and other contaminantsbecause these contaminants can bioaccumulate, or build up, in fish over time.
DON’T eat more than one fish meal per month of ANY fish caught from the Moen Lake
chain. This is because PFAS levels in these fish are too high.
DON’T eat walleye longer than 19 inches from the Moen Lake chain if you are a childunder 15 or someone who is or may become pregnant. This is because mercury levelsin these fish are too high.

GARDENING
Scientists are still learning how PFAS move through soil and into plants, fruits, and vegetables.
The PFAS of highest concern tend to stay in the roots of plants, rather than in the plant’s fruits
and vegetables. However, when PFAS levels are high in water, plants may still take up that PFAS
into fruits and leaves.
DO use water with PFAS levels below DHS’s health advisory levels when
VIEW REVERSE
watering fruit and vegetable gardens.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Bureau of Environmental and Occupational HealthP-03610(04/2024)

SURFACE WATER RECREATION
Surface water testing shows that some lakes and rivers are impacted by high levels of PFAS
while others are not:• PFAS levels are above health-based standards in Snowden Lake, Starks Creek, Second Lake
through Fifth Lake, and the north branch of the Pelican River. The highest levels of PFAS arein Snowden Lake.
• PFAS levels are below health-based standards in Moen Lake, George Lake, Lake Thompson,
Stella Lake, Spur Lake, and Ginty Lake.
There are many health benefits to swimming and other water recreation, and there are safeways to recreate while limiting your exposure to PFAS. The following recommendations will not
only protect you against exposure to PFAS in affected lakes, but will also protect you from otherhazards commonly found in surface water.

For Snowden Lake, Starks Creek, Second Lake through Fifth Lake, and the north branch of thePelican River:DO participate in boating, canoeing, wading, paddleboarding, or other activities thathave a lower chance of swallowing water. Limit your time swimming, waterskiing,tubing, or doing other activities that have a higher chance of swallowing water.
For all lakes and rivers:
DO look for clear water when choosing a spot to swim or wade. Steer clear of waterwith noticeable discolor, odor, and any surface scum or foam.
DON’T swallow lake or river water. Besides PFAS, lake and river water can also containbacteria and parasites that can make you sick if you swallow it.
DO keep an eye on children and encourage them not to swallow surface water.
Children tend to swallow twice as much water as adults do while swimming andplaying in water.
DO wash your hands with clean water and soap before eating food after you’ve beenin the water or touching sand or soil.

CONTACTS
Department of Natural
Resources (DNR):
DNRStellaPFAS@wi.gov
888-626-0605

Department of Health Services(DHS):
DHSEnvHealth@dhs.wi.gov
608-266-1120

Oneida County Health
Department:
eh@oneidacountywi.gov
715-369-6111

DHS PFAS website

Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) PFAS website

RESOURCESDNR Town of Stella website