Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human made chemicals that have been used in consumer products and industries worldwide since the 1950s.

The State of Wisconsin established a PFAS Action Council to coordinate the state's response to PFAS. This council developed an Action Plan, which includes setting standards, prevention efforts, and development of education and communication infrastructure.

In 2022, many area water utilities conducted voluntary testing of the drinking water wells. The City of Wausau, Rib Mountain Sanitary District and the Villages of Weston and Rothschild found PFAS levels below the Environmental Protection Agency's Health Advisory Level, though above the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Health Advisory Levels. In the best interest of the public, those municipalities have taken steps to reduce PFAS levels well below the DHS Health Advisory level.

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