Rhinelander gets federal assistance to protect drinking water

For the Star Journal

The city of Rhinelander will specifically benefit from the Federal Appropriations bill passed by the U.S. House and Senate last week. In the spending package, which will keep the Federal government operating, is $1.6 million for water quality infrastructure investments to protect against PFAS.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin visited Rhinelander last year to discuss local challenges, including addressing PFAS, a forever chemical known to cause health concerns, in drinking water.

"I'm excited to put these dollars to work for clean water," said Rhinelander Mayor Chris Frederickson. 'Water issues have been a top priority of my service as mayor."

Two of Rhinelander's municipal wells have been suspended since PFAS was detected through routine sampling. The city has continued to test its other wells and no PFAS has been detected.

"Rhinelander's water supply is constrained from the suspension of two wells due to PFAS contamination," said city Administrator Zach Vruwink. " We applaud Sen.. Baldwin's leadership on behalf of Rhinelander and look forward to working with federal agencies to implement solutions to safeguard our water supply from PFAS."

The appropriations bill awaits President Joe Biden's signature.