PFAS Contamination Leaves Private Well Owners Struggling for Answers

When Wisconsin officials offered to test private wells in Stella for PFAS, Kristen Hanneman agreed without hesitation. Months later, she was told her family’s water contained levels thousands of times above federal safety limits. Her well was not alone. Across the rural community, groundwater, lakes and wildlife showed signs of contamination linked to sludge once spread on nearby farm fields from a paper mill that produced grease-resistant packaging.

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” accumulate in the body and have been associated with cancer and other health risks. While federal rules limit PFAS in public water systems, they do not cover the 40 million Americans relying on private wells. Testing is inconsistent nationwide, and cleanup funding is limited. As lawsuits unfold and responsibility is debated, residents face costly filtration, declining property values and lingering health fears, often relying on bottled water while awaiting long-term solutions.

10-02-2026