•  For most adults, the health risks from drinking water with PFAS concentrations near the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are expected to be low. The Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH) Health-Based Values were set to protect the most vulnerable population - such as pregnant mother/fetus, children (still developing), and those with compromised health. Those concerned with their health can take steps towards reducing their overall PFAS exposure.
• For those with specific questions about their personal or family's medical situations, we recommended you consult your medical provider to determine if your exposure requires home filtration or an alternate source of water (bottled water).

Below are references that address skin exposure:

EPA steps to take to reduce risk to PFAS

• “Studies have shown that only a small amount of PFAS can get into your body through your skin. Therefore, showering, bathing, and washing dishes in water containing PFAS are unlikely to significantly increase your risk.”

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry PFAS FAQ

• Research has suggested that exposure to PFOA and PFOS from today’s consumer products is usually low, and, for most PFAS, showering, bathing, or washing dishes in water containing PFAS would also be low, especially when compared to exposures to contaminated drinking water.”

• “If your drinking water contains PFAS above your state or federal standards, regulations, or health advisories, consider using an alternative or treated water source for any activity in which you might swallow water: 

• drinking 
• food preparation 
• cooking
• brushing teeth, and 
• preparing infant formula”

Beginning in 2025, Amara’s Law includes PFAS use prohibitions and reporting requirements. See more information on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s webpage on PFAS use prohibitions.

View the Minnesota Department of Health reference sheet on PFAS and homegrown garden produce. 

The Minnesota Department of Health has issued updated fish consumption guidance that includes the Mississippi River and Lake Rebecca.

• There are point-of-use (water treated at one faucet or location) and point-of-entry (all the water in your home is treated) systems to reduce PFAS in drinking water.
• For carbon filters, it is important to check for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (or 58 for Reverse Osmosis) and that the product is certified to treat PFOA and PFOS.
• Maintenance is critical to the success of ongoing removal of these contaminants and if not properly maintained, harmful bacteria can build up on these treatment options.

Deciding on purchasing and drinking bottled water is a personal choice. Please reference the EPA’s FAQ sheet.

Bottled water and beverages are regulated by the FDA. Currently, the FDA does not require PFAS testing in bottled water. There is an International Bottled Water Association that requires members to test for PFAS and has established Standards of Quality (SOQs). However, membership is voluntary, and the SOQs are higher than the EPA MCLs for PFOA and PFOS (5 ppt vs 4 ppt). See International Bottled Water Association Fact Sheet.

Visit Minnesota Department of Health PFAS and Health web page.

View a videotaped presentation by Kris Klos and presentation slides by the Minnesota Department of Health to identify additional exposures.

Visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ATSDR web page about exposure.

“Some products that might contain PFAS include:

• stain resistant carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics,
• water resistant clothing,
• cleaning products,
• personal care products and cosmetics (e.g., shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup), and
• paints, varnishes, and sealants.”

Unfortunately, this is not a viable solution. We have a blended water supply system, which means that our wells combine in the tanks and towers to deliver water at consistent pressure. We have PFAS in all 6 wells and those wells are necessary to deliver the water demand across the city.

Unknown. 3M has made PFAS chemicals since the 1940s, but testing did not occur until much later in time.

MDH started sampling for PFAS in Hastings in 2007, but the first consistent detections of PFOA started in 2011. (Hastings met MDH guidance at this time and continued to do so until 2024).

On June 15, 2022, the EPA issued Interim Health Advisories, and the City began looking into the impact of PFAS on Hastings at that time. This resulted in many City Council Meeting and Workshop updates, creation of a dedicated PFAS section on the city website, news releases, newsletter content, and inclusion of PFAS as an emerging contaminant in the Consumer Confidence Report (city’s annual Drinking Water Report).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) on April 10, 2024, that put 5 of 6 wells out of compliance. EPA is giving municipal water systems 5 years to remove certain PFAS from the drinking water supply to below the levels that were set (4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS).

Install 3 Decentralized Water Treatment Plants (WTPs). See Proposed PFAS Treatment Plants Map.

• Built to fit the existing water system to minimize disruption.
• Plants located on City Property in the Industrial Park, Lions Park, and Wallin Park.
• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) for PFAS removal with lead and lag vessels for backup to eliminate breakthrough.
• Adding in Ion Exchange (IX) for Nitrate removal.

• The Co-Trustees of the settlement funds (MPCA and DNR) have required a direct connection to a 3M disposal site (there are four disposal sites in Washington County).
• The Co-Trustees have stated that they need more data regarding the relationship between 3M Cottage Grove Facility and Hastings. See MPCA presentation for details. 
• Underground features (faults and fractures) may provide pathways from the north side of the Mississippi River into Hastings groundwater.
• One city well found a specific PFAS compound in it that was unique to the 3M Cottage Grove Facility.

• State Bonding Bill requested for Phase 1 of the project in the amount of $20.6M, which includes Water Treatment Plant No. 1 and Water Lines Extended to connect the MN Veterans Home.
• Hired a Lobbyist to advocate for our project and identify opportunities at the Capitol.
• Working with the Governor’s Office for potential special appropriations.
• Placed the project on the State’s Project Priority List (PPL) to qualify for emerging contaminant grant opportunities out of the Drinking Water Revolving Fund.
• Applied for Federal Community Project Funding (Congressionally Directed Spending).
• Continuing to work with the Co-Trustees to bring us into the East Metro 3M Settlement.
• Received $3.2M PFAS Planning and Design Grant through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).